Cubby

by Jyl Glenn

When Emma and Caleb move into an old farmhouse, it feels like the perfect home for their growing family.
Then they find something unexpected in the attic.
It’s soft, adorable, and stitched together with something that calls itself love.

As the days grow shorter and Emma’s due date draws near, strange things begin to stir in the shadows. The dog growls at empty corners. The baby’s room never feels quite right.
And the thing they found in the attic? Some things get left behind for a reason.

Tense, layered, and quietly horrifying, Cubby weaves past and present into a dark tale of family, fear, and the things we carry—whether we mean to or not.

Genres: Horror

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2025

About the author

Jyl Glenn is a horror writer, editor, formatter, narrator, and mentor. She collects creepy art, writes really depressing poetry, loves dogs, and has an affinity for pink dinosaurs. She is forever a New Yorker who happens to live in Tulsa now.

To connect with Jyl on social media, you can find her on Facebook or on Instagram as @_delightfully_unhinged_ or sign up for her newsletter at www.jylglennwrites.com

Reviews

[Haly Hoards Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆
Available 22 September 25

Cubby is easily read in one sitting. I finally found a book that gave me the creepy factor that I was looking for. After reading Cubby you will never look at a Teddy Bear in the same way.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my opinions of this novel. Thank you to the author, publisher and Booksirens for this opportunity.

The best way to describe Cubby is as a slow simmering creep that builds to a crescendo and then starts all over again. Glenn does a good job with the dual storylines, making them blend easily.

In the end I was left with three questions that I wished had been answered in the book.
•What is Cubby's origin? How did he become an evil Teddy?
•What became of all the Polaroid photos that Richard took?
•If Margaret lived a few houses away her whole life then why did she never mention the barn fire, which supposedly took the life of Richard and a teenaged boy?

Overall, Cubby was just the right level of creepy. I hope Glenn will write another book about Cubby and answer the questions I have.

[Irene Well Worth A Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told on two timelines, Cubby is the story of an evil toy and its demand for human sacrifice. In the present day, happy couple, Emma and Caleb, are moving into their new home and preparing for the birth of their first child. When Emma finds a soft, cuddly teddy bear hidden away in the house, she thinks it would be a perfect addition to the nursery. She was wrong.

In the not too distant past we have the former occupants of the house, a neglected, bullied child named Richard and his abusive, alcoholic mother. On one particular birthday, Richard's mother storms into his dilapidated room and throws down a gift of a soft cuddly teddy bear. It looks clean and brand new. He has never been given anything that didn't look used before. He names it Cubby, and it becomes the only companion he has ever had, but there is a steep price for this friendship.

Spooky occurrences and a weird neighbor tie the present day to the past.

This was a quick but chilling read that left me wanting more. I hope there will someday be a Cubby origin story because I have lots of questions. Did Richard's mother give him this bear because she knew it was evil? Or did the bear become evil because the mother was. Did something dark get called to prey upon Richard's trauma and possess the bear? Was it Richard himself who wanted to hurt people, and his using the bear as justification for so long gave it life?

If you like creepy toys with fiendish intent, this is for you. In the back of my mind, I can hear Chucky's voice coming from Cubby's plush, furry body, threatening to be my friend til the end.

4 out of 5 stars.

My thanks to Jyl Glenn for the e-ARC

[Natasha Da Fonseca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the most perfect read for spooky season. Not gonna lie as a teddy bear lover I am definitely less now. This was creey in the most finest way. Absolutely loved this story and im really hoping there's more to Cubby and his secret ways.

[Catriona Mowat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of horror in my time, in every sub-genre out there. And as far as I am concerned, nothing is more chilling than children and their toys.

Enter Cubby: a novella absolutely packed with sinister music, empty rocking chairs, and Cubby - a teddy bear who is watching, and waiting.
As Emma and Caleb battle against their own house (and their sanity), you are completely drawn in to their desperate attempt to save their family from the evil clutches of a childhood friend with sinister intentions.
The way that characters are introduced, and developed is astounding. Richard in particular had me conflicted, and needing to read more. Emma and Caleb are great MCs and I love that they don’t follow the cookie cutter tropes of a couple in a haunted house. They actually felt real.
And Cubby…that creepy, creepy, bear. Everything about Cubby was so heartwarming and I was genuinely unnerved the entire time.

I wish it had been longer so I could stretch out the experience, and I wanted more of an ending: I need to know things!! But this is a brilliant novella, and I am so glad that Jyl has stepped out from the shadows of editing, and started writing longer pieces, her style is brilliant. I can’t wait to read more

[Steph's_Creepy _Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave me the creeps!
A chilling tale of a peculiar boy and his only friend, an oddly pristine bear called Cubby that never blemishes despite surviving through years of time, rough and tumble.
Cubby is no ordinary bear. He's always watching.

[paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cubby by Jyl Glenn had no business making a teddy bear THIS terrifying. Every October disappearance? Unnerving. Cubby showing back up like “miss me?” Downright rude. This story is sooo eerie and delightfully messed up. 10/10 would not trust a stuffed animal again.

[David Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cubby by Jyl Glenn

5/5

Move over Chuckie, Annabelle-Shmanabelle...

There's a new demonic toy here to keep us awake at night. He's furry, but is he friendly?

Let's get right into the meat of this one. Cubby is a excellent premise. It's simple and well executed, but the best thing about it is it feels like it could really happen.

You move into a new house and discover some creepy ass cursed object. The cuter it is, the more unsettling.

As always, I hate spoilers so I won't give any, but the scares are great, the body count is high and Jyl's prose is a joy to read.

It's a fun novella to blow through on an autumnal evening that will leave you wanting more. Jyl is about to be on everyone's TBRs so get acquainted with her work now.

[Leigh Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it's not the house that's haunted.

Jyl Glenn breathes new life into the haunted house trope. Cubby was a fast, fun read with crisp prose and enough foreboding to keep me on edge until the very end. If haunted/cursed objects are your thing, grab this one. If you're comforted by teddy bears, maybe give it a miss. Highly recommend.

[DA · Rating 4 out of 5]

If ever a book could give you the heebie jeebies without any actual horrific imagery it's this book. I loved the slow burn of the book, the way the author slowly built up the tension and eerieness.
This isn't an action filled book. There's no blood and guts, but that doesn't take away from the creep factor of the story.
The only thing negative I have to say is I wish there was some background on how Cubby came to be what he is. But maybe that would make it less scary if you really knew Cubby's origin story.
I feel this is a good book for teens who are into horror, maybe 14 and up since there's no sex, swearing or gore.
One thing I'm thankful for after reading this book is the my kiddo was never into teddy bears, otherwise I'd be throwing them all in the trash!

[Shannon Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book you won’t look at sweet innocent teddy bears the same! This book was amazing and I couldn’t put it down. I normally don’t read this type of horror but I’m a fan of Jyl’s books and the summary of the story intrigued me. So fair to say that this book is definitely worth reading.

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs a friend. Cubby is a very special one. He always listens never fusses or anything. Cubby wants certain things from his friends. Now he needs a new friend. Can Cubby find a new friend ? Not your ordinary teddy bear. Creeptastc spine chiller.

[Cristy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off......I am now tossing any teddy bear I have!!
Second....I am so glad I don't have an attic. Ha ha!
This book is a quick read with the creep factor turned WAY up! I am a big fan of Chucky, but there is something extra creepy about a possessed teddy bear.
It takes place between two timelines, Cubby's first owner and the present owners of the house where Cubby was found.
I don't want to say too much as it is short and I don't want to add any spoilers.
With that being said, this is a fabulously eerie book with murder, polaroids, birthdays and suspense that keeps you turning the pages until the very end. This comes out September 22nd!

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a teddy bear isn't always so cuddly. Cubby is a story about a teddy bear who claims to always be a good friend, but it truly has dark desires. I enjoyed the coming of age element where the origin story of Cubby is mentioned. It's a story where it's not always the house that's haunted, it's what is inside.

All I can say is I won't see a lonely teddy bear in a new house the same again, thanks Jyl. Damn you!

If you enjoy haunted house tropes with a twist, you need to get this one. Do it or Cubby will get you!

[Risshan Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

haunted teddy

This is a well laid out, slower moving soft horror/quiet horror. That dreaded creepy toy in the attic. The author did a great job at presenting the story and giving little peaks into the deeper horrors within. I would have loved more insight into Cubby itself though and a little more scare.

[Milt Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

How creepy can a horror book get? Well, THIS creepy! "Cubby" thrives on the spooky and the eerie: it's brimming with that kind of uneasiness horror fans crave for, those moments of wrongness, when one needs to rationalize away the strange and the weird, to no avail though, as the supernatural keeps coming back (literally) precisely when one's back is turned.

In this case, the story's supernatural element lies in a sinister, haunted toy: a cute teddy bear, always immaculately clean and proper, with a striking blue bow. So sweet! This teddy bear, however, has needs which extend beyond a simple caress and a cuddle: the cursed thing asks for blood, and it won't stop pestering the poor couple in the book until they comply. And the wife is pregnant. Do you see where this is going? You do? You'd be wrong.

Thankfully, Jyl Glenn is too good a writer to simply help herself to the obvious, and goes for the most realistic development possible. The result is every new parent's nightmare (I mean this in the best way lol), a bad penny you can't get rid of, unless... But that would be telling.

So if you've ever wondered what might happen if Chucky and Annabelle had a baby, and that baby had a weak spot for birthday gifts (don't ask), then "Cubby" is the book for you! Highly recommend!

[Jason M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going to have to starting tossing out every single stuffed Teddy Bear sitting on my Daughters bed.

Cubby is quick, fun, unsettling read perfect for the Halloween season.

[PageWhisper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cubby, a spine-chilling psychological horror novel delves into the hazy boundaries between trauma, memory, and the otherworldly. The tale revolves around Eden, a young girl grappling with loss and emotional neglect. Her fragile world starts to crumble after she gets a strange teddy bear named Cubby. What starts as an innocent gift turns into a terrifying downward spiral where reality warps and fear takes over.

Jyl Glenn creates a spooky engrossing atmosphere full of quiet dread—lights that flicker whispers, and growing unease. The horror doesn't rely on cheap scares but on emotional depth and mind-bending suspense making the story hit home on a deeper level. Eden's fractured view of the world and the unsettling presence of the bear serve to explore ideas of grief, identity, and vulnerability.
Some transitions seem to confuse on purpose reflecting Eden's own bewilderment and boosting the spooky mood. The story keeps you guessing about what's real and what's not—until the troubling truth comes to light.

Cubby packs an emotional punch and gives you the creeps perfect for those who like mind-bending scares that focus on building dread rather than splashing blood. It leaves you feeling uneasy, makes you think, and reminds you how childhood fears can stick around for a long time.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cubby takes a beloved childhood toy and gives it an evil makeover. When Caleb and his pregnant wife, Emma, move into their new house, they’re excited at the prospect of fixing it up and making it theirs, just in time for the arrival of their baby. During Emma’s explorations, she finds a stuffed teddy bear, remarkably pristine, in the attic and decides its perfect welcoming present for their little one. But soon, the couple starts noticing odd occurrences and hearing strange noises. The dog isn’t her usually happy self, and the entire house feels…off. Maybe this is one stuffie better left where it was found.

What I enjoyed most about this story was the way it was told between the present and the past. The reader is filled in over each chapter with prior events that weave a chilling history of Cubby. Jyl’s prose is crisp and clean, painting vivid descriptions of the terror endured by Caleb and Emma as they fight to save everything they love. This furry menace will be unleashed on September 22nd, so be ready!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cubby has such a great setup: a couple moves into their new home, preparing for the arrival of their baby, and discovers a stuffed teddy bear mysteriously left behind by the previous owners. At first it seems harmless… until the strange and creepy things begin.

The atmosphere is unsettling in all the right ways, and I especially appreciated the mix of past and present woven into the narrative. The writing is very accessible, with short chapters that kept me turning pages (a big plus for me as a busy mom!). The creepy factor was definitely there, and I loved how quickly the tension built.

Where the book fell a little short for me was in the origin story of Cubby itself. We get hints of history, but I found myself wishing for more depth, more clarity, and maybe even a prequel dedicated to Cubby’s backstory. I wanted to know exactly what kind of evil we’re dealing with: ghost, demon, cursed object, something like Chucky? Without that grounding, I was left with some lingering questions that dulled the final impact.

Overall, a chilling, fast-paced read with plenty of potential. If you like horror that makes you second-guess that “harmless” stuffed toy in the corner, this one might be worth checking out!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book of horror really gave me the creps. Right from the prologue I felt like I was being watched, and stupidly enough I continued reading in bed at night. And yes, I had my own teddy bears watching me from the dark corners of the bedroom. Not that I’ll ever trust them again…

Now this is a story that really makes you feel like you’re IN it. When the characters start feeling like they’re going mad you’re turning coocoo with them, and when they start feeling watched you look around your own room to see if anyone’s there. And even when you can’t see anyone, you’re still questioning the shadows playing on the walls.

Cubby is somewhat of a shorter read, around 170 pages long, but it keeps the reader on its toes throughout the whole story. There are a few graphic scenes on top of the general horror feel and the story is also built using multiple timelines, which I personally think really adds another dimension to the story.

So, if you’re looking for an eerie horror book to read this autumn then this is the one! Fair warning though, you’ll never look at a stuffed toy the same way again.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[David Washburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cubby is a short and sweet lead-packed punch that is as short and sweet as the teddy bear it’s about.

Jyl Glenn tells a story expertly while playing in the worn creepy doll/children’s toy sandbox but there are some key elements that separate Cubby from the Annabelles and Chuckies and other takes on imaginary friends. That is that she can WRITE! The story opens with an ominous narration from the bear that sets the tone and then holds your hand comfortably through a young couple who are pregnant with their first child as they purchade their first home. The creepy moments don’t take long to happen and the intrigue lingers the entire time!

The descriptive writing is very strong and the pacing is surgical as it weaves dread through the events after the baby is born, all while formatting a meticulous flashback at the end of each chapter. Cubby essentially tells two stories parallel to one another and by the end I wanted more from this clean, lovable, and unsettling little bear.

Despite the impossibly clean tan fur and the perfect blue velvet bowtie that Cubby adorns, this book is as frightening as it is cuddly.

[Charlotte Monroe Peel · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Creepy, gripping, & unforgettable — I’ll never look at a teddy bear the same way again!

From the very first page, Cubby pulls you into a world that’s both eerie & deeply unsettling. There’s something about the quiet dread that builds with every chapter that makes it almost impossible to put down. Just when you think you’ve figured things out… nope. Cubby has other plans.

The writing is sharp & atmospheric — Jyl Glenn nails that creeping tension that crawls under your skin & stays there. It’s horror that doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares, but instead leaves you with that uncomfortable feeling that something isn’t quite right. & Cubby? Less cuddly companion, more nightmare fuel in plush form.

I loved the ending, but I’m seriously hoping this isn’t the last we see of Cubby. A sequel would be amazing, but what I’m really dying for is a full-on Cubby origin story. How did he become this sinister little presence? I need answers — & probably a nightlight.

Highly recommended for horror fans who like their chills slow, smart, & quietly unhinged.

[Anita Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book was creepy! Emma and Caleb, who are expecting their first child, buy an old farmhouse. From the beginning this just feel-off. Then Emma finds a teddy bear, with Cubby written on his bow, in the attic in an old dusty trunk. He looks perfect, but after she takes him down to the nursery things start happening- doors opened that were closed, the bear appearing in places other than where he was left. Is Emma's brain playing tricks or is something scary going on? After the baby is born things escalate even more. Is their baby in danger?

The story is told in two time lines- one in the present and the other in the 60s with Richard, Cubby's original owner. That story is just as creepy as the other, when Cubby "possesses" Richard and gets him to do terrible things.

This is the kind of book that is scary enough that you hesitate to read it before bedtime! If you like horror, you will enjoy this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you say holy incongruity? Glenn takes a beloved symbol of innocence, the teddy bear, and subverts it in to a grisly bear. Emma and Caleb are expectant parents who move into a new home. Little did they know something was already living there. They found an abandoned teddy bear in the attic and taking it a sign of good fortune move it into the nursery. Then strange things begin occurring. At the same time we learn of the grim story of the previous owners experiences with Cubby. Both timelines grow progressively darker until the explosive finale.

This is Jyl Glenn's debut novella and it delivers the goods. The creep factor is off the charts and her style defies you to set the book down. The only reason I didn't finish it in a single bite as my eyes lost their fight with gravity at 2 am. I was back up and reading first thing next morning. I can only hope that this is the start of long career as an author.

[Mark Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Cubby by Jyl Glenn, and I’ll admit—I may have gotten a little overenthusiastic requesting books! I almost didn’t finish this one in time, but I’m so glad I did because it really stood out. Despite my crowded reading schedule, this story managed to pull me in and keep me hooked.

What I loved about Cubby is that it gave me a similar unsettling vibe to How to Sell a Haunted House—a mix of family, memory, and the creeping sense that something just isn’t right. It balances horror with emotion, which makes the story feel layered rather than just a straightforward scare. That blend is what made the book stick with me after I closed it.

This is definitely one of those stories you want to go into blind. The less you know ahead of time, the more the tension and reveals land exactly as intended. If you enjoy eerie, emotionally charged horror with a strong sense of atmosphere, Cubby is well worth your time.

[Vix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It had me gripped from the very first chapter. Its a chilling story all about a bear named cubby! So the story flits between the present day while Emma and Caleb who have just moved in to their home getting it ready for the birth of their son . But they discover Cubby and strange things start happening. We are then transported into the past were it all began with little Richard and his escapeds with Cubby the bear . I love how this story unravels and we learn of Richards and Cubbys past and how it affects the young couple and their baby . This book really got under my skin and really freaked me out as I was reading this in the witching hrs with just my wee reading light . Proper creepy and chilling vibes. A fantastic horror story . 5 star read for me !!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Bernice · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I say this book was creepy, that's probably not even the word for it. It doesn't just slap you in the face, it starts small and builds.

This book is told in dual POV and two separate timelines, all connected by Cubby. Cubby's story gives Annabelle and Brahms vibes. I don't get a lot of children's toys/gifts second-hand but it makes you think even more about why you shouldn't.

I don't scare easily but I definitely feel like I shouldn't have read this at night in the dark. Good thing the acknowledgments come at the end of the book, if I had read the author politely asking Cubby not to haunt her before I read the book, I wouldn't have read it.

The only thing I wish for this book is that it had been longer and even more haunting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Justin Boote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seen this one around a lot, great reviews on it, and knowing Jyl Glenn, it was going to be super creepy, which it certainly was! Perfect for a creepy Halloween read.
Caleb and Emma, pregnant, move into a farmhouse to raise their child. Excited for their future together as a family, Emma investigates the attic and finds a certain stuffed toy. At first delighted, that soon changes when things start happening in the house. Strange sounds, shadows, the dog apparently scared to go into the new baby's room. And when the baby is born, it only gets worse...
As I said a super creepy read, made all the more so by her writing style and definitely something you need to grab immediately! Highly recommended.

[SpookyKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's take a moment to reflect on our childhood... remember that stuffed animal you were so fond of? All I can say is thank goodness mine was a bunny.
Emma and Caleb move into their perfect home with a baby on the way! Despite a weird neighbor, things are seemingly wonderful.
Enter Cubby. A stuffed bear found in the attic in perfect condition.
Of course, things get weird.
We are taken on a ride with flashbacks to the awful life of Richard, Cubby's previous owner.
Can a sweet stuffed bear really be that bad?!
This was such an awesome story. I loved it from start to finish! I love when something that should be comforting ends up making you uncomfortable. 🖤

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your average bedtime story. I warned you don't read before bed...unless you want nightmares like Emma. Cubby is absolutely terrifying and creepy as hell. My heart was racing while reading certain parts... stay out of the damn attic.
Every child needs a friend.
Someone who never leaves.
Someone who listens.
Every time you hear a noise in your house you will now be looking over your shoulder and staring at shadows. I absolutely loved this little horrifying story.
Slow... deliberate.. Cubby blinked once.😱