A

Alvin Schwartz

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 28 Books

6
Series
28
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark Books
Start with: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (1981)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of And Other Noodle Tales Books
Start with: There Is a Carrot in My Ear and Other Noodle Tales (1982)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Alvin Schwartz Picture Book Books
Start with: Kickle Snifters and Other Fearsome Critters (1911)

About Alvin Schwartz

Schwartz was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 25, 1927, and was the son of Harry (a taxi driver) and Gussie Schwartz. Alvin first became interested in folklore during his childhood, but didn’t think of it as something he could study. It was just something that was part of his childhood: the rhymes and riddles, games, scary stories, and superstitions. After spending time in the navy, he became interested in writing. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Colby College and his master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. From 1951 until 1955, Alvin reported for The Binghamton Press. During his professional writing career his work was published by various firms, including Bantam Books, HarperCollins, Lippincott, and Farrar Strauss. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark Books series, Alvin Schwartz has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Alvin Schwartz

Publication Order of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark Books
4 books 1981–1991
1

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark Books with Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, another outstanding contribution from Alvin Schwartz.

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1981
2

In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories

In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories continues the Publication Order of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark Books story arc with Alvin Schwartz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
3

More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Alvin Schwartz have come to expect.

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1984
4

More Tales to Chill Your Bones

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark Books with More Tales to Chill Your Bones, another outstanding contribution from Alvin Schwartz.

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1991
Publication Order of And Other Noodle Tales Books
2 books 1982–1985
1

There Is a Carrot in My Ear and Other Noodle Tales

There Is a Carrot in My Ear and Other Noodle Tales is an essential installment in the Publication Order of And Other Noodle Tales Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Alvin Schwartz have come to expect.

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1982
2

All of Our Noses Are Here And Other Noodle Tales

All of Our Noses Are Here And Other Noodle Tales continues the Publication Order of And Other Noodle Tales Books story arc with Alvin Schwartz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
Publication Order of Alvin Schwartz Picture Book Books
1 books 1911–1911
1

Kickle Snifters and Other Fearsome Critters

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Alvin Schwartz Picture Book Books with Kickle Snifters and Other Fearsome Critters, another outstanding contribution from Alvin Schwartz.

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1911
Publication Order of Collections
13 books 1972–1992
1

A Twister of Twists, A Tangler of Tongues Tongue Twisters

A Twister of Twists, A Tangler of Tongues Tongue Twisters continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Alvin Schwartz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1972
2

Whoppers: Tall Tales and Other Lies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Whoppers: Tall Tales and Other Lies, another outstanding contribution from Alvin Schwartz.

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1975
3

Tomfoolery: Trickery and Foolery with Words

Tomfoolery: Trickery and Foolery with Words continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Alvin Schwartz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1975
4

Ten Copycats in a Boat, and Other Riddles

Ten Copycats in a Boat, and Other Riddles is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Alvin Schwartz have come to expect.

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1980
5

Busy Buzzing Bumblebees and Other Tongue Twisters

Busy Buzzing Bumblebees and Other Tongue Twisters continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Alvin Schwartz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982
6

Fat Man in a Fur Coat and Other Bear Stories

Fat Man in a Fur Coat and Other Bear Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Alvin Schwartz have come to expect.

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1984
7

The Cat's Elbow and Other Secret Languages

The Cat's Elbow and Other Secret Languages is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Alvin Schwartz have come to expect.

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1985
8

Tales of Trickery from the Land of Spoof

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Tales of Trickery from the Land of Spoof, another outstanding contribution from Alvin Schwartz.

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1985
9

Gold and Silver, Silver and Gold: Tales of Hidden Treasure

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Gold and Silver, Silver and Gold: Tales of Hidden Treasure, another outstanding contribution from Alvin Schwartz.

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1988
10

I Saw You in the Bathtub and Other Folk Rhymes

I Saw You in the Bathtub and Other Folk Rhymes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Alvin Schwartz have come to expect.

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1989
11

Ghosts! Ghostly Tales from Folklore

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Ghosts! Ghostly Tales from Folklore, another outstanding contribution from Alvin Schwartz.

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1991
12

And the Green Grass Grew All Around: Folk Poetry from Everyone

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with And the Green Grass Grew All Around: Folk Poetry from Everyone, another outstanding contribution from Alvin Schwartz.

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1992
13

Stories to Tell a Cat

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Stories to Tell a Cat, another outstanding contribution from Alvin Schwartz.

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1992
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
7 books 1972–1987
1

Hobbies: An Introduction to Crafts, Collections, Nature Study, and Other Life-Long Pursuits

Hobbies: An Introduction to Crafts, Collections, Nature Study, and Other Life-Long Pursuits continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Alvin Schwartz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1972
2

Going Camping: A Complete Guide for the Family Camper

Going Camping: A Complete Guide for the Family Camper is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Alvin Schwartz have come to expect.

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1972
3

Witcracks: Jokes and Jests from American Folklore

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Witcracks: Jokes and Jests from American Folklore, another outstanding contribution from Alvin Schwartz.

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1973
4

Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat

Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Alvin Schwartz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1974
5

When I Grew Up Long Ago: Family Living, Going to School, Games and Parties, Cures and Deaths, a Comet, a War, Falling in Love, and Other Things I Remember

A gripping mystery unfolds in When I Grew Up Long Ago: Family Living, Going to School, Games and Parties, Cures and Deaths, a Comet, a War, Falling in Love, and Other Things I Remember as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Alvin Schwartz's mastery of suspense.

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1978
6

Unriddling: All Sorts of Riddles to Puzzle Your Guessery

Unriddling: All Sorts of Riddles to Puzzle Your Guessery is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Alvin Schwartz have come to expect.

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1983
7

Telling Fortunes: Love Magic, Dream Signs, and Other Ways to Learn the Future

Telling Fortunes: Love Magic, Dream Signs, and Other Ways to Learn the Future explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Alvin Schwartz.

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1987
Publication Order of Golden Age Batman Books
1 books 2020–2020
1

Batman: The Golden Age  Vol. 6

Batman: The Golden Age  Vol. 6 continues the Publication Order of Golden Age Batman Books story arc with Alvin Schwartz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Alvin Schwartz?

Alvin Schwartz is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 28 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark Books, Publication Order of And Other Noodle Tales Books, Publication Order of Alvin Schwartz Picture Book Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Alvin Schwartz series to start with?

For readers new to Alvin Schwartz's work, the Publication Order of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 4 books. Begin with Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Alvin Schwartz written?

Alvin Schwartz has written over 28 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Alvin Schwartz books in order?

Yes, reading Alvin Schwartz's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Alvin Schwartz write in?

Alvin Schwartz writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 28 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Alvin Schwartz's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Alvin Schwartz's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Alvin Schwartz's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Alvin Schwartz's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark Books series. The first book, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.