The Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark book series stands as the most challenged children’s book of the last 30 years and a testament to the power of something that is often taken for granted: a good scary story. Right now there is a documentary in the works that will explore the history and background of the books. This announcement arrives just weeks after news that CBS Films has hired Guillermo Del Toro to develop a feature film based on them. The filmmakers feel that a documentary is what is needed to shine a light on this unique story.

The detailed appendices and source materials listed in the books invite the creators of this documentary into a fascinating exploration involving some of the foundations of cultural storytelling. Fear, death, the unknown. This documentary, which will include interviews with the author’s family members, renowned children’s book author R.L. Stine, and prominent folklorists and children’s book scholars, will argue that the books are an important cultural touchstone, providing far more than pure scares for children. Using the most prominent example of censorship amongst children’s literature, this documentary also intends to shine a light on the practice and explore the many facets and opinions involved with challenging children’s books in America.

Jessica Lee

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/scary-stories