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The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything Book and: A Great Fall and Halloween Read for Kids
In this book and CD edition of the perennial favorite The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, children can read along with this fall favorite or simply sit back and enjoy listening.
Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard...clomp, clomp, shake, shake, clap, clap.
And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life! With bouncy refrains and classic art, this is a fun and timeless Halloween story.
“A splendiferous Halloween story.” —The Horn Book
“A great purchase for Halloween or any time of year.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard...clomp, clomp, shake, shake, clap, clap.
And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life! With bouncy refrains and classic art, this is a fun and timeless Halloween story.
“A splendiferous Halloween story.” —The Horn Book
“A great purchase for Halloween or any time of year.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
Audio CD
First published January 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 822 reviews
October 7, 2019
This is a great scary story for young kids. It’s about facing your fears and realizing it’s not as scary as you thought it was. The little old lady keeps running into items of clothing. Some gent is missing a lot of garments out there. Shoes, pants, shirt, and gloves, all moving on their own. A pumpkin head tries to scare her, but she figures out what to do with them.
It’s a simple story that builds suspense for the younger ones. I like how the little old lady says ‘I’m not afraid of you, get out of my way’ to each thing that happens to her. We know she is a little scared as she is walking faster, but she keeps going.
The nephew said that he wasn’t scared at all. It’s interesting how these simple suspenses work on the mind. The nephew thought it was a fun story overall and he gave this 3 stars.
It’s a simple story that builds suspense for the younger ones. I like how the little old lady says ‘I’m not afraid of you, get out of my way’ to each thing that happens to her. We know she is a little scared as she is walking faster, but she keeps going.
The nephew said that he wasn’t scared at all. It’s interesting how these simple suspenses work on the mind. The nephew thought it was a fun story overall and he gave this 3 stars.
October 20, 2025
A grotesque little tale of a witch who is stalked home by the garments of her latest victim and a jack-o’-lantern containing his anguished soul as she returns from gathering the herbs for her potions. Once arrived, the dispersed articles come knocking to enact revenge, but unfortunately for him, the crone has completed her concoction and mutters a spell, assembling and immobilizing the amassed pile of laundry. The next morning, she greets her new scarecrow, eternally condemned to stationary consciousness, a jagged grin belying his torment.
I may have interpolated some details to make my reading experience a little more interesting.
I may have interpolated some details to make my reading experience a little more interesting.
September 28, 2020
A not too scary Halloween tale! A little old lady goes for a walk and meets several pieces of clothing floating along. When the clothing joins forces with a carved pumpkin head she finds a novel use for them.
Although the illustrations aren't in a style I particularly love I can see this would be a very nice book to read with children. I have a vague memory of a Halloween story with some clothes floating along so I think I might have read this as a child. An enjoyable read for this time of year.
Read on open library.
Although the illustrations aren't in a style I particularly love I can see this would be a very nice book to read with children. I have a vague memory of a Halloween story with some clothes floating along so I think I might have read this as a child. An enjoyable read for this time of year.
Read on open library.
October 22, 2017
My two daughters LOVE this book! There were plenty of places for me to make noises and voices which engage them and help them to interact with the story which is ideal for a 2.5 and 4 year old who is just starting to read herself. We have read it several times each day and I am sure will continue through the fall. My daughters will be anticipating taking it out again next year.
December 16, 2015
Impressive and enthralling at numerous levels, Linda Williams & Megan Lloyd created “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything” in 1986. I am elated to have discovered it! It’s brevity does not diminish one iota of its layered, tickling impact. At first, one is tempted to attest Megan’s tremendously attractive illustrations to this book’s spark but Linda’s storytelling thrills me just as much.
A nature woman like me, gathers herbs on foot at a distance from home. She has a contented life but knows her woods can be spooky, so she hastens to avoid traversing them by night. This story is about a walk extending to nightfall. It is inanimate characters, as frightening in their aliveness as they are goofy in of themselves, that pop out to scare her. Boots, a shirt, pants, and even a jack-o-lantern should not be floating after her. The impossibility of these items giving chase to the woman has a built-in terror but of course, readers know their worst won’t become too scary. These goofy items manage to be one-hundred percent startling, on a night walk that she has to finish but she is bravely determined to shoo them away.
I cannot adequately express how hilariously her utterances struck me! Likely, Linda’s easy words are built to teach vocabulary simultaneously. For adults, their effect is the funniest, most zany dialogue we have ever heard. I laughed joyfully upon every page! If there appeared two shoes, she specified verbatim: “Get out of my way, you two shoes”! Megan’s art is a marvel: exquisitely detailed with hearthrugs, clothes flapping on a line, face expressions, and vibrantly bright environs. She also succeeds superbly and emotively at exuding soft, rich, spooky darkness in fulfillment of a majestic, atmospheric ambiance. I love and savour each lush page!
A nature woman like me, gathers herbs on foot at a distance from home. She has a contented life but knows her woods can be spooky, so she hastens to avoid traversing them by night. This story is about a walk extending to nightfall. It is inanimate characters, as frightening in their aliveness as they are goofy in of themselves, that pop out to scare her. Boots, a shirt, pants, and even a jack-o-lantern should not be floating after her. The impossibility of these items giving chase to the woman has a built-in terror but of course, readers know their worst won’t become too scary. These goofy items manage to be one-hundred percent startling, on a night walk that she has to finish but she is bravely determined to shoo them away.
I cannot adequately express how hilariously her utterances struck me! Likely, Linda’s easy words are built to teach vocabulary simultaneously. For adults, their effect is the funniest, most zany dialogue we have ever heard. I laughed joyfully upon every page! If there appeared two shoes, she specified verbatim: “Get out of my way, you two shoes”! Megan’s art is a marvel: exquisitely detailed with hearthrugs, clothes flapping on a line, face expressions, and vibrantly bright environs. She also succeeds superbly and emotively at exuding soft, rich, spooky darkness in fulfillment of a majestic, atmospheric ambiance. I love and savour each lush page!
September 17, 2014
This is a slightly watered down version of a story which I've heard or read before -- an old woman is followed home by one animated garment after another. In the tale I'm familiar with they gradually assemble into a full, presumably ghostly, figure; here they just sort of hang out together and wiggle. In the illustrations they are clearly disparate. Maybe this was intended to make the story less scary. If so it was successful. Possibly a nice Halloween read for less bold children who need a not-too-tense tale with an unfazed protagonist.
The illustrations are pleasant and colorful, although not particularly memorable.
The illustrations are pleasant and colorful, although not particularly memorable.
October 5, 2010
I reread this because I’d never written a review for it, even though I used to read it frequently with and to kids, because it’s one of 6 books for the October (theme: Autumn/Halloween) Picture Books Club at the Children's Books group.
I was expecting that this would be a book I’d downgrade when reading it on my own, without enthusiastic kids hanging on every word and/or participating.
But, it’s a delightful story. I love its cumulative nature, the sound effects, and the clever conclusion. It’s a perfect read aloud book, but independent readers will enjoy it too.
The illustrations are terrific also. There’s so much to look at, and they reflect both the humorous and frightening aspects of the story.
I was expecting that this would be a book I’d downgrade when reading it on my own, without enthusiastic kids hanging on every word and/or participating.
But, it’s a delightful story. I love its cumulative nature, the sound effects, and the clever conclusion. It’s a perfect read aloud book, but independent readers will enjoy it too.
The illustrations are terrific also. There’s so much to look at, and they reflect both the humorous and frightening aspects of the story.
October 7, 2009
I would have LOVED this story when I was little!!! All the sounds and the cumulative nature of the tale... it'd make a great read-aloud. (Plus, my favorite story when I was little was Dr. Seuss' tale of "The Pale Green Pants With Nobody Inside Them" and this features a pair of pants with nobody inside them!!!) I also like how the Little Old Lady solves her "problem" of the frightening things following her in a thoughtful, kindhearted and proactive way. A great Halloween read!
September 27, 2024
I remember that this was a favorite with us when my sons were young. The ending is so satisfying, and it's interesting to see if anybody predicts it.
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Found a copy in a Little Free Library. I love it even more now, because of the rhythm, the details, the subtlety/nuance (she is "startled" at one point, do note), and the re-readability. And I very highly recommend it as a family Halloween read. Or early summer read, because of a reason you'll figure out when you read the ending/resolution.
I will put it back in a LFL and cross my fingers it finds a new fan.
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Found a copy in a Little Free Library. I love it even more now, because of the rhythm, the details, the subtlety/nuance (she is "startled" at one point, do note), and the re-readability. And I very highly recommend it as a family Halloween read. Or early summer read, because of a reason you'll figure out when you read the ending/resolution.
I will put it back in a LFL and cross my fingers it finds a new fan.
August 28, 2021
Read for my daughter’s nap time. A lady not afraid of anything on her way out to the woods to collect nuts and herbs. On her way back home she was followed by shoes, pants, shirts etc. The last one said boo and she was scared and rushed home.
Read from kindle unlimited.
Read from kindle unlimited.
October 28, 2010
I have read this book for theChildren's Book Club and it was alright. “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” is a Halloween children’s book by Linda Williams along with illustrations by Megan Lloyd and it is about how a brave old lady goes out of her cottage to get some herbs, spices, nuts and seeds when she started to walk home, she meets a spooky set of clothes that follow her along the way! “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” may have a brave protagonist and cute illustrations, but the story might not be creative enough for some children.
Even though I gave this book a rating of three stars, there were some elements that I liked about the book. Linda Williams has done a great job at providing us a protagonist (an old lady) that does not fear anything no matter how scary the situation is and that was a trait that I really liked about the character since most children might actually learn how to be brave in scary situations from the old lady. Another aspect that I loved about this book was Megan Lloyd’s cute illustrations, especially of the image of the old lady herself. I loved the way that Megan Lloyd illustrated the old lady wearing a red dress with a white apron and a straw hat and black stockings with black shoes. I also loved the images of the clothes which include two brown shoes, one pair of green pants, one white shirt, two white gloves, one black hat and an orange pumpkin, chasing the old lady through the spooky forest. Another image that I really enjoyed was the way that the forest looked as it truly looks extremely spooky and the tree branches look like they are twisting themselves to grab the old lady.
Now here is the reason why I gave this book a rating of three stars. I thought that the concept of a pack of magical clothes following an old lady was cute and not too scary for smaller children, however, the idea of just ordinary magical clothes following a little old lady seems to be lacking creativity and not creepy enough, but that’s just me.
All in all, “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” does have cute illustrations and a brave protagonist that everyone will adore a lot, however they bland storyline might not be every child’s cup of tea to read.
Even though I gave this book a rating of three stars, there were some elements that I liked about the book. Linda Williams has done a great job at providing us a protagonist (an old lady) that does not fear anything no matter how scary the situation is and that was a trait that I really liked about the character since most children might actually learn how to be brave in scary situations from the old lady. Another aspect that I loved about this book was Megan Lloyd’s cute illustrations, especially of the image of the old lady herself. I loved the way that Megan Lloyd illustrated the old lady wearing a red dress with a white apron and a straw hat and black stockings with black shoes. I also loved the images of the clothes which include two brown shoes, one pair of green pants, one white shirt, two white gloves, one black hat and an orange pumpkin, chasing the old lady through the spooky forest. Another image that I really enjoyed was the way that the forest looked as it truly looks extremely spooky and the tree branches look like they are twisting themselves to grab the old lady.
Now here is the reason why I gave this book a rating of three stars. I thought that the concept of a pack of magical clothes following an old lady was cute and not too scary for smaller children, however, the idea of just ordinary magical clothes following a little old lady seems to be lacking creativity and not creepy enough, but that’s just me.
All in all, “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” does have cute illustrations and a brave protagonist that everyone will adore a lot, however they bland storyline might not be every child’s cup of tea to read.
March 15, 2021
Being in touch with our inner child. We grow up, we experience the world, we toughen up, we become adults. Along the way, we outgrow our fears or we suppress them, but once in awhile, that fear we think is gone rears it ugly head and manifests in ways that scare us still. On those days, wouldn’t it be fun if we dig out our copy of The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, and be reminded that
BOO!
Goes both ways.
In this classic tale, a little old lady resolved not to be afraid of anything. As she walked deeper into the woods to collect herbs and whatnot that little old ladies collect while alone in a spooky forest full of shadowy apparitions that lurk at night, of course she met with stranger things. I shan’t tell you what they were except to whisper that they were discombobulating, spectral and you would most certainly quake in your boots. At once brave and terror-strickened, but never afraid, the little old lady confronted the moon lit visage and tell it to “F___ off” in more polite form. She faced her fear straight-on and put it in its place, quite literally in the backyard, where it was always within sight but never within reach.
For some of us, that’s how it’ll always be. Call this fear anything - insecurity, anxiety, depression, despondence, anger, inertia or debilitation by any name. A fear we cannot vanquish entirely, but with resolution, can be kept at bay if we find within ourselves our own Little-Old-Lady-Who-Is-Not-Afraid-Of-Anything.
Ah, yes, and also very suitable for children 1 year old and up. Life’s lessons must be instilled from young! Alesson story presented in decent illustrations with cutesy graphics and catchy words that one can sing and boogie to (or less embarrassingly, played with a YouTube video as accompaniment). A sure-fire hit for the uncle or aunt relegated to entertaining young relatives during the family Halloween (oh, let’s call it Harvest festival, for you non-pagans!) shindig.
In this classic tale, a little old lady resolved not to be afraid of anything. As she walked deeper into the woods to collect herbs and whatnot that little old ladies collect while alone in a spooky forest full of shadowy apparitions that lurk at night, of course she met with stranger things. I shan’t tell you what they were except to whisper that they were discombobulating, spectral and you would most certainly quake in your boots. At once brave and terror-strickened, but never afraid, the little old lady confronted the moon lit visage and tell it to “F___ off” in more polite form. She faced her fear straight-on and put it in its place, quite literally in the backyard, where it was always within sight but never within reach.
For some of us, that’s how it’ll always be. Call this fear anything - insecurity, anxiety, depression, despondence, anger, inertia or debilitation by any name. A fear we cannot vanquish entirely, but with resolution, can be kept at bay if we find within ourselves our own Little-Old-Lady-Who-Is-Not-Afraid-Of-Anything.
Ah, yes, and also very suitable for children 1 year old and up. Life’s lessons must be instilled from young! A
July 13, 2025
Halloween's in the air!!!
Perfect for Halloween Read!!!
Perfect for Halloween Read!!!
October 24, 2019
A little old lady leaves her cottage for an afternoon's walk in the forest, in this appealing folktale-style story, finding herself far from home as darkness begins to fall. Encountering a series of ghostly articles of clothing, as she makes her way home - two empty shoes, clomp-clomping, a pair of pants with nobody in them - she resolutely refuses to become frightened, although the appearance of a glowing Jack-O-Lantern does have her running from her pursuers. Finally, when confronted with the entire "ensemble," the little old lady has a bright idea...
I enjoyed The Little Old Lady Who Not Afraid of Anything, and think it would make an excellent Halloween read-aloud. The ever-expanding refrain, with its sound-words and repetition,will allow young listeners and readers to participate in the story, clomp-clomping and wiggle-wiggling along. The illustrations by Megan Lloyd - whose artwork can also be seen in a more recent autumn offering, Too Many Pumpkins - are appealing, capturing the humor and well as the spookiness of the story. All in all, a solid Halloween tale!
I enjoyed The Little Old Lady Who Not Afraid of Anything, and think it would make an excellent Halloween read-aloud. The ever-expanding refrain, with its sound-words and repetition,will allow young listeners and readers to participate in the story, clomp-clomping and wiggle-wiggling along. The illustrations by Megan Lloyd - whose artwork can also be seen in a more recent autumn offering, Too Many Pumpkins - are appealing, capturing the humor and well as the spookiness of the story. All in all, a solid Halloween tale!
November 2, 2009
My favorite Halloween book (not that it's about Halloween per se). Genuinely creepy, but won't freak out 3-year-olds, and a perfect ending. Sadly, this year T didn't want me to read it to him "because I can read it to myself". Still, it will be a good place holder while we head to RI for the weekend for some suburban trick-or-treating!
October 31, 2008
My all-time favorite Halloween picture book! I read it every year for my Halloween storytime. Even older kids will participate with the CLOMP, CLOMP, CLAP, CLAP, etc. After reading the story, I like to go back to the beginning and show the picture of the old lady's yard. The kids love seeing what is in her neighbor's yard and hanging on the clothes line.
August 26, 2020
This is a really fun book! It was made especially fun for my g'little because it also had a CD reading the story - with sound effects! The building up of the action is fun to read out loud & makes the book especially fun for children!
Read
February 1, 2017There once was a little old lady who wasn’t afraid of anything…but one evening, she hears a clomp, clomp behind her as she travels home, and finds a whole assortment of random bewitched items following her, from shoes to a pumpkin! Each item makes its own unique sound which is fun for readers/listeners to imitate, and makes for a great story time book. Does the little old lady remain brave in the face of these spooky happenings, or will she flee in terror? Read the story to find out! –Hannah V.
October 6, 2014
This book is a great Halloween read for younger listeners because it is cumulative, super-involved (you get a whole body workout when you read this to your kids- you have to shake, shimmy and clap on every page!) and it sends a message that "scary" things aren't scary when you face them bravely. A must-read for ages 3-8.
October 17, 2019
Not bad , not bad . I’m reading as many short classics as I can find at the thrift stores for my kids, I’m trying to squeeze in as many goodies as I can find. This one is solid and I recommend finding it. Who doesn’t love a tale about a spooky scare crow ?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2016
Very silly book excellent for a Halloween themed story time. Much giggling (and wiggling, clomping, shaking, clapping, etc) will ensue.
July 12, 2018
This book has a classic, timeless feel. It's "just the right amount" of scary for a primary grade audience, and will make a perfect Halloween read-aloud.
October 28, 2014
One dark and windy autumn night a brave little old lady was walking back to her house when she heard a clomping noise behind her. What could possibly be making that sound? She discovers an old pair of shoes has been following her, "Clomp, clomp." She turns to them and says, "I'm not afraid of you, " but she walks a little faster. As her journey continues she is confronted by other spooky things: a pair of pants, (wiggle, wiggle), a floating shirt (shake, shake), a top hat (nod, nod), a pair of white gloves (clap, clap), and finally a pumpkin head (boo, boo). She turns to each one and loudly declares she is not afraid but each time she steps up her pace to get back to her home little faster. Once inside she closes the door and collapses in her rocking chair and rocks and rocks so thankful to have made it home and to safety. The next morning she wakes up to a great surprise outside her window.
I loved this book. This little old woman inspires you to face your fears, to keep on trucking and never, ever give up. I love how the suspense builds up on each page and invites the reader to accompany her on her frightening walk home. The illustrations are colourful, expressive and detailed, which I liked a lot. I highly recommend this book to be added to your Hallowe'en collection.
I loved this book. This little old woman inspires you to face your fears, to keep on trucking and never, ever give up. I love how the suspense builds up on each page and invites the reader to accompany her on her frightening walk home. The illustrations are colourful, expressive and detailed, which I liked a lot. I highly recommend this book to be added to your Hallowe'en collection.
October 5, 2010
A little old lady is walking in the woods and suddenly followed by shoes, shirts, pants and a pumpkin. This is story that would work well for a younger child who likes to act out the parts of a story. There is plenty of clomping, wiggling, shaking, clapping and nodding with one BOO at the end. Nice rhymes for early readers who can easily pick up the repetitive pieces and join in.
November 14, 2020
I've read this one like 572824728 times in the last week, but the kiddos love it and so do I.
September 16, 2023
I read this out loud in target
September 22, 2014
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything
Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard . . . clomp, clomp, shake, shake, clap, clap. And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life!
I gave this story 5 stars!
This is a must read every year around Halloween time for me and my family. As a child I loved the vivid illustrations, and I've continued to find more reasons to adore the book each time I pick it up. It's a great example that no matter how brave you are, there will be times you're not the bravest, and that's okay! Definitely a fun read for kiddos and adults alike.
Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard . . . clomp, clomp, shake, shake, clap, clap. And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life!
I gave this story 5 stars!
This is a must read every year around Halloween time for me and my family. As a child I loved the vivid illustrations, and I've continued to find more reasons to adore the book each time I pick it up. It's a great example that no matter how brave you are, there will be times you're not the bravest, and that's okay! Definitely a fun read for kiddos and adults alike.
October 20, 2010
This was another Children's Picture Book Club read http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
I liked The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. My daughter just found out what pumpkins are last week so she noticed the giant pumpkin on the cover. I had fun reading it aloud to her. It had simple illustrations and was an easy read so she could relate to the book well. It was fun going through the motions with her as I read CLOMP, CLOMP, WIGGLE, WIGGLE, SHAKE, SHAKE, ETC. She thought that was funny. This book is aimed at 3-7 year olds. My daughter enjoyed it at 16 months.
I liked The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. My daughter just found out what pumpkins are last week so she noticed the giant pumpkin on the cover. I had fun reading it aloud to her. It had simple illustrations and was an easy read so she could relate to the book well. It was fun going through the motions with her as I read CLOMP, CLOMP, WIGGLE, WIGGLE, SHAKE, SHAKE, ETC. She thought that was funny. This book is aimed at 3-7 year olds. My daughter enjoyed it at 16 months.
January 12, 2012
This is a cute book to read in the fall around Halloween. It is easy to get children interacting because their are multiple characters in the book. Children can practice manipulating words orally while the book is read. I can create a lesson where children count the objects in the picture and label each one. This will help the children with writing out numbers and recognizing pictures from the book. Children could also practice sequencing the order of the objects to make up the scarecrow. Many great lessons can be implemented from this book!
July 21, 2021
Now this is a seasonal hit. My kids loved it, I loved it, and I'll be buying a copy for my classroom. It wasn't scary - only slightly creepy. It had repeating lines, which kids love no matter their age. It has a strong rhythm, which almost always pushes a book into the Can't Miss category.
Classroom Connections
- fun read aloud for Halloween time
- great intro for discussions about fear and courage
- surprise ending lesson for writer's workshop
- onomatopoeia
- perfect for creating rhythm and movements to go along with a class performance; either dance or reader's theater
Classroom Connections
- fun read aloud for Halloween time
- great intro for discussions about fear and courage
- surprise ending lesson for writer's workshop
- onomatopoeia
- perfect for creating rhythm and movements to go along with a class performance; either dance or reader's theater
Displaying 1 - 30 of 822 reviews