The Flat Man

Creepies

by Rose Impey, Moira Kemp (Illustrator)

A boy lying in bed at night has fun scaring himself by imagining the noises he hears are coming from the Flat Man, who is creeping up to get into bed with him.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Horror

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

ROSE IMPEY was born, and grew up, in Northwich, Cheshire. When she first left school she worked in a bank, but soon realised that this was not for her; so she decided to go back to school and then went on to college, where she trained to be a teacher. She later taught in a Junior school in Leicester.

Rose has two grown-up daughters. While her children were small, Rose developed her interest in children's books through reviewing, bookselling, storytelling and giving talks to parents and teachers.

The Impey family have a dog called Holly, which has also become a star. In 1988 Rose was short-listed for the Smarties Children's Book Prize for 'Desperate for a Dog'. Most of her stories are based on her own experiences either as a teacher or a parent. As a family they like jokes, and this often provides Rose with the ideas for her books.

She spends a lot of time visiting schools to read her work. Her books are widely published worldwide, including the United States, Australia, France, Denmark, Germany and Spain. Rose enjoys eating, talking, swimming and reading, although not necessarily in that order!

Reviews

[Cashie]

What…the frick…did I just listen to…

[Mel · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book gave me nightmares as a child!
how is this a kids book!?!?!

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably one of the creepiest books of children’s literature I think I’ve ever read. While the message is clear, the protagonist understands that he’s only scaring himself, the effect the story could have on the reader is remarkably different. The perfect book to read to little kids right before bedtime as Halloween approaches. Just be prepared to have them come running to your room when the wind blows or the train rattles the windows.

[Barbara Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what I think of this. For me, personally, I could never imagine reading a child a scary book on purpose. But, then again, there are those who like being scared, watching scary movies, etc. It also showed what was really making the noises, so it helps kids know it's just their imagination.

[Irene Lasàgna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This horrible thing tormented me for the duration of my whole childhood. I finally hid it and, although I'd like to read it again, I find that some things are better left in the dark. It will terrify your children. 5/5

[Siskiyou-Suzy]

I got three of these spooky little books at Goodwill the other day. I love scary children's books that walk that careful line, and these do a nice job. Probably too scary for many preschoolers but some of 'em (especially children like the boy in this book) love being spooked.

Fun book.

[Unnur Lárusdóttir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Einn þriggja ára varð heillaður af þessari og krafðist þess að fá að taka hana með sér heim. Spenna og dálítill óhugnaður sem situr í manni og sá stutti þarf eflaust að hafa kveikt á leslampanum sínum næstu nætur. Einföld klassík.

[Margot Lindgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an old book but it is perfect for the young child who asks for a scary book. Read it aloud with your creepiest voice.

[Rouxmia Roest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the only children's book I remember - and it scared me shitless lol.

[Bliss Allen]

Summary:
This is a fun book intended for children to really think. The child is in bed but is imagining all of these different things and pretending that they are something it is not, even though the child knows what is making the sounds.

Evaluation:
I like this book because it is a way to get children to use their imagination. it also shows an example of different types of imagining things by experiencing the book through the child's perspective.

Teaching Idea:
I would use this book to introduce a writing sample. This could help them with details to add in their paper or a way to write a story altogether.
This could also help children who might be scared at night and it can bring a calming to their body by remembering all the different things the child was able to imagine - but noticing what it really was.

[Roos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baca pertama saat IRF 2015 - mengisi waktu saat istirahat dari mondar-mandir di IRF 2015. Baca siang hari. Buku hasil menodong Mas Ijul.

Baca kedua saat jalan ke Pahawang - lupa kalau sudah baca, jadi diambil tanpa sadar buat teman jalan. Ternyata baru terasa asyiknya saat bacanya malam-malam. Sensasi seram atau 'spookie' dan 'creepie'nya lebih terasa. Bercerita mengenai seorang anak yang berimaginasi mengenai hantu-hantu yang akan memasuki alam mimpinya. Jadi sebelum para hantu masuk ke mimpinya, dia berusaha untuk mengalahkan hantu-hantu tersebut sebelum tertidur. Salah satunya adalah si Flat Man ini. Suka buku ini karena ilustrasinya yang seram tapi lucu dan ceritanya yang sederhana tapi membuat anak-anak yang membacanya tidak merasa takut.

Bintang 3 dari saya.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pictures are creepier than the text -- so adventurous children can enjoy a thrill without any scarier piece than the "jump" ending (you know, the ending that makes you jump!). Reads very well aloud. Good October fare for storytimes.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the scariest kids' books I've ever encountered. Which means I loved it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super creepy. I love that the main character is a child that tries to freak himself out.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for children. My four year old son insists I read it to him every night before bed. He knows all the words and loves the illustrations.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scared the absolute crap out of me as a kid.

[Annie H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best children's book ever. Still my #1 favorite!

[e.c.h.a · Rating 4 out of 5]

ceritanya lucu. tokoh utamanya sangat-sangat imajinatif. ilustrasinya juga kece. paket komplit buku anak.

[miaaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tap tap tap
It's the Flat Man

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was one of my favorites as a kid. I forgot all about it!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book used to scare me as a child.

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent scary book for kids that don't have nightmares

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have children who are scared of the dark...