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Strange Happenings: Spine-Tingling Tales
The perfect cozy-spooky middle-grade read, these eerie, spine-shivering tales from Newbery Medalist and bestselling author Avi are illustrated for the first time and include a never-before-published story and author’s note.
In this uncanny collection, children change into cats, a girl discovers she is invisible, a man makes a deal with the Devil himself, and multiple transformations, strange and chilling, explore what it might be like to exchange places with someone—or something—else. Young readers will be spellbound by Avi’s masterful storytelling, as the celebrated writer combines his unique creativity and startling originality with the intimacy of goosebump-inducing campfire tales. Devin Forst’s haunting—and perfectly calibrated—black-and-white illustrations help turn these engrossing stories into an irresistible package!
In this uncanny collection, children change into cats, a girl discovers she is invisible, a man makes a deal with the Devil himself, and multiple transformations, strange and chilling, explore what it might be like to exchange places with someone—or something—else. Young readers will be spellbound by Avi’s masterful storytelling, as the celebrated writer combines his unique creativity and startling originality with the intimacy of goosebump-inducing campfire tales. Devin Forst’s haunting—and perfectly calibrated—black-and-white illustrations help turn these engrossing stories into an irresistible package!
192 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
Avi
366 books1,747 followersAvi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle,
Nothing but the Truth,
and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to HarperAudio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review
★ 2.75 stars ★
As I read this, I kept thinking to myself "Huh, I usually like middle grade but this is just... eh." And then I realized the issue... this book is not middle grade. Honestly, even calling it a chapter book would be giving it more credit than it's due. I'd say it just toes the line between picture book (I understand there will be illustrations in the finished copy? I listened to the audio) and chapter book.
That is perfectly fine. I just think it does this book a disservice to market it as middle grade. Readers going into this will likely be disappointed by the very simplistic, lay-it-on-thick writing that is better suited for a new reader between 5 and 7.
On the topic of writing style, even though this book is likely best fit in the hands of younger readers, I still kept coming back to the sense that it did not to be as simplistic and tell-don't-show as it was. I think readers—even young ones—are capable of handling more complex language that they have to parse through. Providing them with simplistic, almost hand-holding diction and syntax, in my opinion, does them a disservice... especially in a time where our literacy crisis is only growing.
That being said, despite these issues, this was a good anthology. Not what I expected but certainly worth picking up for a young child in your life as a quick read or their introduction into spooky stories. (Get your kids started on horror young, folks!!)
Mini Reviews for each story:
Bored Tom - 4 Stars - The grass is always greener on the other side. Don't trust cats. They are of the devil.
Babette the Beautiful - 3.5 stars - We really are reheating Emperor's New Clothes's nachos. Still very sweet ending.
Curious - 3.5 stars - I'm still convinced this is a government psyop meant to prevent citizens from asking questions. Ignore the ending kids. Be curious. Ask questions. Your parents are lying to you.
The Shoemaker and Ol' Scratch - 3 stars - Literally confirms my belief that cats are of the devil.
Eels - 1 star - Oh my god. How was this the same length as the other stories? It somehow dragged on forever while also having nothing happen.
Simon - 3 stars - Kind of reheating Babette's nachos tbh.
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I generally don't read middle grade but this cover is lowkey horrifying so... yes, please!
★ 2.75 stars ★
As I read this, I kept thinking to myself "Huh, I usually like middle grade but this is just... eh." And then I realized the issue... this book is not middle grade. Honestly, even calling it a chapter book would be giving it more credit than it's due. I'd say it just toes the line between picture book (I understand there will be illustrations in the finished copy? I listened to the audio) and chapter book.
That is perfectly fine. I just think it does this book a disservice to market it as middle grade. Readers going into this will likely be disappointed by the very simplistic, lay-it-on-thick writing that is better suited for a new reader between 5 and 7.
On the topic of writing style, even though this book is likely best fit in the hands of younger readers, I still kept coming back to the sense that it did not to be as simplistic and tell-don't-show as it was. I think readers—even young ones—are capable of handling more complex language that they have to parse through. Providing them with simplistic, almost hand-holding diction and syntax, in my opinion, does them a disservice... especially in a time where our literacy crisis is only growing.
That being said, despite these issues, this was a good anthology. Not what I expected but certainly worth picking up for a young child in your life as a quick read or their introduction into spooky stories. (Get your kids started on horror young, folks!!)
Mini Reviews for each story:
Bored Tom - 4 Stars - The grass is always greener on the other side. Don't trust cats. They are of the devil.
Babette the Beautiful - 3.5 stars - We really are reheating Emperor's New Clothes's nachos. Still very sweet ending.
Curious - 3.5 stars - I'm still convinced this is a government psyop meant to prevent citizens from asking questions. Ignore the ending kids. Be curious. Ask questions. Your parents are lying to you.
The Shoemaker and Ol' Scratch - 3 stars - Literally confirms my belief that cats are of the devil.
Eels - 1 star - Oh my god. How was this the same length as the other stories? It somehow dragged on forever while also having nothing happen.
Simon - 3 stars - Kind of reheating Babette's nachos tbh.
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I generally don't read middle grade but this cover is lowkey horrifying so... yes, please!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fun, creepy, and oh-so-very strange! I had a great time listening to Strange Happenings. These short stories were thought provoking, well written, and I can see how they can be memorable for younger audiences. I really like that the central theme to each story isn’t very obvious and multiple conclusions can be drawn from them. I know little me would have really enjoyed how creepy these stories were. The audiobook narrator was excellent and really gave the book and it’s characters just the perfect amount of creepy. The cover is also gorgeous, which is what immediately drew me into the book. Thank you to NetGalley for this advance readers copy.
Fun, creepy, and oh-so-very strange! I had a great time listening to Strange Happenings. These short stories were thought provoking, well written, and I can see how they can be memorable for younger audiences. I really like that the central theme to each story isn’t very obvious and multiple conclusions can be drawn from them. I know little me would have really enjoyed how creepy these stories were. The audiobook narrator was excellent and really gave the book and it’s characters just the perfect amount of creepy. The cover is also gorgeous, which is what immediately drew me into the book. Thank you to NetGalley for this advance readers copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
These short stories are so much fun and just the right amount of spooky... I'd generally describe them as "unsettling" and they might stick with you for a day or two, but won't haunt you for months. There are 5 stories about 1/2 hour each (audiobook), and interesting enough for the whole family to listen to on a drive.
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NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review expressing my personal opinions.
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NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review expressing my personal opinions.
September 14, 2026
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
This was a great collection of stories. I really enjoyed listening to it. This is a great collection for younger readers. I enjoyed the tales and felt they were great for Halloween. They're a bit creepy, but not too creepy. I alos enjoyed the narration for this one.
This was a great collection of stories. I really enjoyed listening to it. This is a great collection for younger readers. I enjoyed the tales and felt they were great for Halloween. They're a bit creepy, but not too creepy. I alos enjoyed the narration for this one.
September 9, 2026
Thoughtful collection of shorts from the brilliant Avi. Reminded me of the "Amazing Stories" TV series from my childhood.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews