This documentary on everyone’s favorite children’s books illuminates the history of the anthologies. We are let into the life of the author, Alvin Schwartz, by his son; his non-horror background and love of folk tales is intriguing and paints the Scary Stories books in a more academic light. A portion of the doc is spent exploring the illusive illustrator Stephen Gammell, and rightfully so–his art has left just as much of an impression. The largest arc of the doc, however, looks at the history of attempts at banning these books. While the transitions between all of these pieces are well done (including the visual representation of the librarian talking with the superintendent), it includes unnecessary (and awkwardly staged) interviews. More focus & depth would do this doc some good.
