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The Scare: A Halloween Story
Simon loves everything about Halloween: the candy, the costumes... but what he loves most is scaring others. Last year, he invited Jim to his house for a Halloween party, but before Jim even arrived, Simon had scared him away. This year, Jim has invited Simon to his house for a party. Everything appears very un-scary, but he has some tricks up his sleeve. "The Scare" is a delightfully chilling tale about two best friends who, despite their differences, learn to enjoy the holiday together. Don't be scared!
40 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2014
13 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Kirstin Lenane
4 books25 followerswww.kirstinlenane.com
Blog: www.frogndau.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frogndau/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirstinLenane
Although I began as a short-story writer, my work has evolved into what I now call my "illustrated stories." These stories contain a revolving cast of existential, furry creatures, struggling with the timeless topics of what it means to be a good friend, how to cope with one's imperfections, and how to lead a life well-lived.
After completing my MFA in Creative Writing and struggling for several years to eek out worthy sentences, I began drawing pictures again. Somehow, adding this visual component rekindled my creative spirit and returned me to a more natural place as a writer.
I am excited to be a part of Goodreads and to connect with other authors. It has always been so important for my writing and inspiration to be part of a community. I hope you will be in touch!
Blog: www.frogndau.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frogndau/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirstinLenane
Although I began as a short-story writer, my work has evolved into what I now call my "illustrated stories." These stories contain a revolving cast of existential, furry creatures, struggling with the timeless topics of what it means to be a good friend, how to cope with one's imperfections, and how to lead a life well-lived.
After completing my MFA in Creative Writing and struggling for several years to eek out worthy sentences, I began drawing pictures again. Somehow, adding this visual component rekindled my creative spirit and returned me to a more natural place as a writer.
I am excited to be a part of Goodreads and to connect with other authors. It has always been so important for my writing and inspiration to be part of a community. I hope you will be in touch!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 10, 2014
Simon is very into scary stuff, Jim is not, but they're best friends despite their differences. This year, Jim has told Simon that he can't do anything scary and it is killing Simon. He decides to not listen to what Jim has told him, though, and definitely learns his lesson.
I thought this story was really cute. Simon didn't make me very happy because he didn't seem to care how his friends felt at all, but I like the way he learned his lesson and the way it ended.
I shared this with the kids and they loved it - and have asked me to read it to them over and over again the last couple of days. When we discussed it, they were very unhappy with Simon as well and said they felt sorry for Jim because he was friends with a guy that acted yucky scaring him when he didn't like it. But at the end, they liked how things changed. It also helped the two kids who don't like Halloween because it's scary to see that it doesn't have to be that way.
I thought this story was really cute. Simon didn't make me very happy because he didn't seem to care how his friends felt at all, but I like the way he learned his lesson and the way it ended.
I shared this with the kids and they loved it - and have asked me to read it to them over and over again the last couple of days. When we discussed it, they were very unhappy with Simon as well and said they felt sorry for Jim because he was friends with a guy that acted yucky scaring him when he didn't like it. But at the end, they liked how things changed. It also helped the two kids who don't like Halloween because it's scary to see that it doesn't have to be that way.
August 11, 2019
It's a perfect time to buy this Halloween story for your children. What I really like about this book, is that the creative illustrations will really help your children follow, and find themselves engaged with the clever story-line. Children will love the personalities of the animal characters. All children love to have or read about a Halloween party. Halloween-loving Simon, (Pig) and Jim, (Mouse) are great friends; but they are very different in their personalities. This story enhances how these two friends can still be great friends despite their obvious differences. Simon and Jim's party antics are a winner; hence; “The Scare”- Watch out for the flying cupcakes! This story has been written for an age range of: three to ten years. It will make great bedtime reading. Ideal for parents to share and read along with their children, as well. Lots to enjoy for kids. Expect plenty of re-reads! I recommend this book.
July 27, 2014
Simon the Pig is Halloween's biggest fan, and he's really into dishing out the scares, so much so that last year he scared poor Jim the Rat away from his house. This year they've swapped, and Jim is hosting a nice party, which to Simon is the same thing as a boring party. He might, however, be in for a bit of a shock.
A Halloween tale that's great for any day of the year, The Scare is all about friendship and how very different we all are, yet we can still get along. Here, we've got Simon who loves scary stuff and can't understand why anyone else wouldn't. Then there's Jim, who doesn't like to be frightened and can't understand... you get the idea. They are both quite different, and yet they are friends who want to spend time together. Young readers will find this idea quite interesting, and it's a good chance to talk about how we can all be interested in different things, and how this can actually make friendships stronger.
I had loads of fun with this book, and spent pretty much the whole book laughing out loud (along with a 12 year old who was reading over my shoulder). The illustrations and the lead characters are so charming that you can't help but get caught up in the fun. Standouts include Simon inspecting his treak or treat haul, and Jim taking a huff at Simon's party. The pictures aren't just a representation of the story, they are part of the telling, such as the page where we look at the Halloween party invite and we see the contents of the 'Hell in a Hand Basket Package Deal' (and yes, you will have to read the book to find out what that's about).
The story is told well enough for the final sequence to actually have some genuine spooky tension - there's a dark, quiet house and something spooky going on... The author/illustrator handles the pace of the story perfectly, and the best thing of all? This is available on Goodreads free to read. That's right, free. It's a steal at this price, and I should hope that after this, the author can start releasing books she can make a few pennies off.
A Halloween tale that's great for any day of the year, The Scare is all about friendship and how very different we all are, yet we can still get along. Here, we've got Simon who loves scary stuff and can't understand why anyone else wouldn't. Then there's Jim, who doesn't like to be frightened and can't understand... you get the idea. They are both quite different, and yet they are friends who want to spend time together. Young readers will find this idea quite interesting, and it's a good chance to talk about how we can all be interested in different things, and how this can actually make friendships stronger.
I had loads of fun with this book, and spent pretty much the whole book laughing out loud (along with a 12 year old who was reading over my shoulder). The illustrations and the lead characters are so charming that you can't help but get caught up in the fun. Standouts include Simon inspecting his treak or treat haul, and Jim taking a huff at Simon's party. The pictures aren't just a representation of the story, they are part of the telling, such as the page where we look at the Halloween party invite and we see the contents of the 'Hell in a Hand Basket Package Deal' (and yes, you will have to read the book to find out what that's about).
The story is told well enough for the final sequence to actually have some genuine spooky tension - there's a dark, quiet house and something spooky going on... The author/illustrator handles the pace of the story perfectly, and the best thing of all? This is available on Goodreads free to read. That's right, free. It's a steal at this price, and I should hope that after this, the author can start releasing books she can make a few pennies off.
January 14, 2016
A while ago, I won in a Goodreads Giveaway (yeah! I actually won!) the little book The Scare (A Halloween Story) by Kirstin Lenane, a beauty only 40 pages long, for kids with ages between… I don’t know, you decide, and… again, I have no idea, take your pick. I was so, so glad to have won something on Goodreads, even if it was just a children’s book, but when I got it and read it, I was pretty impressed, and I hadn’t expected that. The book is illustrated by the author herself and the storyline is quite beautiful.
Briefly, Simon Pig (the little pig on the cover, if that wasn’t obvious enough) and Jim Mouse (I think his name is Mouse, I don’t know… he’s a mouse, isn’t he?) are the bestest (this one goes out to Thumper) of friends. Simon is crazy about Halloween, he likes the scares, the costumes, but also the sweets. Kind of like a piggy, right? Jim, however, is more temperate, calmer and more… fearful. Kind of like a mousy. Well, last year, Simon invited Jim to his house to celebrate Halloween together. But since he’s such a big fan of horror decorations and grand scare gestures, Simon managed to scare Jim away even before he reached the door. So Jim went home and the party was over before it had even begun. This year, however, it’s Jim’s turn to invite Simon to his house for Halloween. What happens next is a mystery because I’m not going to spoil you, since it’s a pretty cute and lovable story!
READ MORE HERE ==>> http://literaryjungle.wordpress.com/2...
Briefly, Simon Pig (the little pig on the cover, if that wasn’t obvious enough) and Jim Mouse (I think his name is Mouse, I don’t know… he’s a mouse, isn’t he?) are the bestest (this one goes out to Thumper) of friends. Simon is crazy about Halloween, he likes the scares, the costumes, but also the sweets. Kind of like a piggy, right? Jim, however, is more temperate, calmer and more… fearful. Kind of like a mousy. Well, last year, Simon invited Jim to his house to celebrate Halloween together. But since he’s such a big fan of horror decorations and grand scare gestures, Simon managed to scare Jim away even before he reached the door. So Jim went home and the party was over before it had even begun. This year, however, it’s Jim’s turn to invite Simon to his house for Halloween. What happens next is a mystery because I’m not going to spoil you, since it’s a pretty cute and lovable story!
READ MORE HERE ==>> http://literaryjungle.wordpress.com/2...
September 29, 2014
Simon loves scaring others so much that he doesn't realize he may be ruining their fun. Sometimes it takes a best friend to reveal our faults to us. This is where Jim comes in and "The Scare" takes a surprising twist. I won't ruin the ending, but simply say: expect the unexpected. Oh, and don't read this story in dark (unless you dare!).
July 22, 2014
Adorable illustrations accompany this tale of friendship between Simon, who adores halloween, and his best friend, Jim who resents it. The story provides plenty of descriptive and funny anecdotes and ultimately presents moral lessons relating to understanding and compromise. The author has done a good job narrating a story that is both heartfelt and funny.
July 9, 2014
What a charming story. I love Lenane's sense of humor. The story moves quickly and will entertain children as well as adults. Great details. Fun illustrations. She nails the tone! Can't believe my good fortune of getting to read it online for free!
July 22, 2014
The Scare: A Halloween Story is very cute. This is the second book by Kirstin Lenane that I have read and I just love her illustrations. They capture the story in such a childlike way.
A book small children can page through and enjoy even if they can't read the words.
A book small children can page through and enjoy even if they can't read the words.
October 28, 2018
A very simple story about two friends and their love of Halloween. Simon loves scaring and usually gets to be the one doing the scaring. This year his friend Jim has planned a party, but doesn't want to have anything scary. It's all in preparation to pull off a scare of his own...
I'm not sure if the lesson is for simon to learn that not everyone likes to be scared on Halloween, or that friends are important, but those are the two lessons I gathered from it.
I'm not sure if the lesson is for simon to learn that not everyone likes to be scared on Halloween, or that friends are important, but those are the two lessons I gathered from it.
November 2, 2014
Simon the pig received an invitation to attend a Halloween party and Jim Mouse’s house. Jim wants no scary costumes or mean tricks. Simon does this to him every year because he loves all things scary. Simon decides to get a scary vampire costume anyway. Then he makes some scary cupcakes and heads off to Jim’s house. He scares little children along the way and thinks it is funny. When he arrives he goes into Jim’s house and can’t find him. This year Jim has a surprise for Simon. Can you guess what it is?
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
November 5, 2014
This is the perfect Halloween story for kids. It explores the notions of what a perfect Halloween should be like, traditions and the value of friendship. Jim and Simon are best of friends, who unfortunately do not share the same sentiments of Halloween. One loves to scare whilst the other is completely the opposite. However, despite their differences, they enjoy each other’s company and have a great party. The book is very easy to read and the illustrations are cute. For all Halloween lovers, this is a must for all kids!
October 1, 2014
What does a Halloween-loving Pig called Simon love most? To scare everyone. That is except his best friend, Jim who is a scaredy-cat. Simon thinks that's Jim's party will be a failure. But will it?
This is a really adorable book with cute pictures and the story is easy to read by young people and for parents to read to their youngsters. Halloween can be scary but also fun as this book says. I recommend it to all that love Halloween.
This is a really adorable book with cute pictures and the story is easy to read by young people and for parents to read to their youngsters. Halloween can be scary but also fun as this book says. I recommend it to all that love Halloween.
September 30, 2014
This is a cute story about Simon who adores all things Halloween. When his friend Jim is to host this years party he feels like it won't be very fun because Jim doesn't want anything scary. Simon decides to spice up the party by dressing up scary. Little does he know there's a chance the tables will be turned on him.
I really enjoyed this and I think it will be a hit for bedtime.
I really enjoyed this and I think it will be a hit for bedtime.
October 27, 2014
A delightful childrens book won in a Goodreads giveaway. This is a fun packed spooky tale ideal for reading aloud to build up just enough tension to excite your little ones. The illustrations are simple and funny and this is definitely a book to go in the "Favourites Pile" to be read at any time of year. A well deserved five stars!
October 5, 2014
Pig and friend
Cute, but abrupt ending. I had fun reading this to my kids building up the story, but then it just ends. The kids thought it was funny; it's probably appropriate for third grade except that it has the word "hell" in it. I would not let my readers see that; I'd get complaints from parents.
Cute, but abrupt ending. I had fun reading this to my kids building up the story, but then it just ends. The kids thought it was funny; it's probably appropriate for third grade except that it has the word "hell" in it. I would not let my readers see that; I'd get complaints from parents.
December 11, 2015
I enjoyed this little book more than I expected to.
My seven year old read it to me, and we enjoyed it so much that we shared it with my 10 and 13 year olds, who also enjoyed it. my seven year old reads books to me every day that I don't take the time to review. But I felt this deserved a review.
The drawings are whimsical and the story has subtle, understated humor. Cute.
My seven year old read it to me, and we enjoyed it so much that we shared it with my 10 and 13 year olds, who also enjoyed it. my seven year old reads books to me every day that I don't take the time to review. But I felt this deserved a review.
The drawings are whimsical and the story has subtle, understated humor. Cute.
October 21, 2015
A few typos
This book was okay, but not a fabulous read. I felt the building up was quite good between friends, by then it abruptly just ended. The illustrations are attractive and I think the characters have potential for a series. I will add this one to my girls' FreeTime. The double click to enlarge feature worked well.
This book was okay, but not a fabulous read. I felt the building up was quite good between friends, by then it abruptly just ended. The illustrations are attractive and I think the characters have potential for a series. I will add this one to my girls' FreeTime. The double click to enlarge feature worked well.
October 2, 2014
Cute book, enjoy the illustrations. This is the second story I've read by Ms. Lenane and have enjoyed them both as has my 4-year old grandson. My 7-year grandson likes this one more because he gets why someone likes "scary" stuff, it's cool.
October 5, 2014
Awesome!
(This review is being "written" by my 5-year-old grandson)
This book is a Halloween story and it is awesome! My favorite part was the rat and the pig fainting. it was funny!
(This review is being "written" by my 5-year-old grandson)
This book is a Halloween story and it is awesome! My favorite part was the rat and the pig fainting. it was funny!
July 5, 2024
*Updated to 4 stars in 2024* Maybe I was in a bad mood when I read it the first time, but I thought this was funny and charming reading it today. Maybe I changed my mind because I now have someone in my life just like Simon...
October 1, 2014
CUTE BOOK - SPOILER ALERT
From my 8 year old son: It was great. I loved it. I liked best about it that the pig got scared in the end.
From my 8 year old son: It was great. I loved it. I liked best about it that the pig got scared in the end.
October 21, 2015
The scare: a Halloween story
This is a cute story about Halloween. more about how we need to be considerate of our friends needs, like not wanting to be scared at Halloween.
This is a cute story about Halloween. more about how we need to be considerate of our friends needs, like not wanting to be scared at Halloween.
October 1, 2014
Lol
I read this to my three year old daughter tonight and she loved it and laughed the entire time. Will read more from this author!
I read this to my three year old daughter tonight and she loved it and laughed the entire time. Will read more from this author!
January 19, 2016
This was cute, nothing spectacular.
October 1, 2014
What a delightful Kids Book. It is a bit Devilishly scary but not too, just for the little Critters. Enjoy this with your Kids by Halloween or any time of year.
October 3, 2014
Good grandad material
can share this with my grandson
we will enjoy making fun of jim and will tell each other how we are more like martin
can share this with my grandson
we will enjoy making fun of jim and will tell each other how we are more like martin
October 4, 2014
This is a cute little Halloween read for younger children. It has great pictures to go along with the pages. I recommend this book for early elementary students.
October 21, 2014
Great story for kids. Loved reading this to my nephew, who also loved the colourful pictures. Nice theme of friendship. Perfect for a halloween night!
October 21, 2014
A funny story that shows what friends do for each other. No rivalry but reconciliation after the evil done. As with Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers in the Bible.
October 27, 2014
Wonderful children's Halloween story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews