The Skeleton in the Closet

by Alice Schertle, Curtis Jobling (Illustrator)

Bam! Bam! Bam!
A skeleton's knocking
at the door.
Creak . . . creak . . . creak . . . Now he's going up the steps -- but this skeleton isn't looking for what you'd expect. There are both snickers and shivers awaiting readers in this wickedly funny rhyming story that is sure to tickle funny bones.

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Alice Schertle has written more than 40 books, mostly for children. A mother and former elementary school teacher, Ms. Schertle is a graduate of the University of Southern California. Many of her most famous works are poetic in nature, though she writes about a wide variety of topics.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bam, Bam, Bam!”

What would you do if a skeleton came a’knocking one dark night?

Alice Schertle’s Skeleton in the Closet tells the story of one boy’s adventure when a rattling, cold to the bone skeleton arrives on his doorstep in search of….well it may just surprise you what Mr. Bones is on the hunt for. Haha…I’m not telling. :D

”White bones,
bright bones,
night bones glowing,
bare bones, scare bones, teeth all showing
in a big, wide, petrified, skeleton grin.”

The skeleton’s slow, creaky, step-by-step, suspense filled count up the stairs to reach and scare our young narrator will have readers clutching their blankets with chills and giggles. Holding their breaths waiting for him to get to the top of the stairs. Turn the door knob and….I was holding my breath!

Bright, solid colors bring these pages and illustrations to life with a soft, fun, lightness that offsets the dark and spookies perfectly. The big, open faces and spaces filled with smiles and color will inspire more smiles than scares for young readers.

A gem of a tale that brings the perfect Halloween blend of joy and jumps to readers of all ages!

Highly recommended for any time of year, but perfect for Halloween time.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute thrilling and slightly scary in a fun way!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for younger grades and it is a blast to reads out loud.

This is the funnest boo to read to kindergarten, a bit scary but totally cute and fun.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "bare bones" story sure to delight adults and kids.

[Jenna Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever and humorous. Unexpected twist!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone gave this book to our family as a secret halloween gift. It is one of the most read books in our house. Even during the summer months my little ones want it read (again). It's a great way to bring halloween into your house without being too scary. The story and pictures are both very cute.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

37 months - O decided that June was a great month for reading Halloween books so this is one of 24 we borrowed from the library. This is a fabulous book. It's not really scary it's in fact quite funny with a great fun rhyme to it. I'd love to own this one for our collection... we'll see.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Sanjay favorite. He can't get enough of this book. The ending takes you by surprise.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids love this book!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sons' favorite book. You can't find this for sale for a normal price anywhere! I don't know why! We just check it out of the library over and over and over . . . :)

[Miekka · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this silly spooky book. It will be one of the books we read every Halloween from now on.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clever rhyming story of a young boy who is visited by a skeleton on the lookout for clothes to cover his bare bones.

A great read-aloud story.

[Kimberly Krey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as kids books go, this one became an instant favorite! It's written in fun rhyme (we like to rap it), and the kids are engaged from beginning to end.

[L. Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kids love this book. A good bedtime book.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story for the kids.

[Second Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

The class really enjoyed the book. Some parts scary some parts are cute.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

PICTURE BOOK 5
This book would be a fun one to use around Halloween with its sense of suspense for young students. Humor and poetry are weaved throughout which add to the book and its quality.

[Darci · Rating 5 out of 5]

kaden and ky love this book!