‘The Willies’ A Good Book For All Ages

“The Willies” by Ethan Crownberry, 2007, Lulu.com, softbound, 66 pages: The concept for “The Willies” arose when the author was walking home one night and got the irrational feeling he was being watched. He had admittedly experienced “the willies” before, but this time he imagined them as actual creatures trying to scare him. The book is a lengthened version of that story. Told in poetic rhythm, the tale has a smooth, swift style and makes the reader feel as if the author is right next to him or her, telling the story.
Crownberry, also the artist, magnifies the tone of the story by playing with light and shadow and through a creative use of silhouettes. The resulting look is an eerie one, an ideal match for the writing style. The illustrations are black and white, but the feeling they lend is vivid. Read aloud, this book would likely send welcome shivers down the spines of its listeners. Read alone, the images will just as likely pleasurably haunt the reader.
Although a scary story, “The Willies” is presented in such a light-hearted manner that it isn’t apt to cause nightmares, even for younger readers or listeners. The protagonist is a 12-year-old boy who has just heard a frightening tale on Halloween night and, in walking home alone, becomes lost – with only the “Willies” for company.
He meets with these creatures a number of times on his way home, and each time he stands up to them, refusing to give in to their attempts to scare him. Creepy images follow him, shadowy figures hiding behind trees and in a corn field. Once home, his mother explains away all the “Willies” the boy thought he saw – flipping back through the pages, the reader will see the shadowy figures in a new way once they have been explained.
The boy then goes to bed. One more scare awaits him, and then he falls asleep, free at last of the Willies ... or so he thinks.
There are a few spelling errors, but these won’t detract from the enjoyment of this book. Written for adults as well as children, any age will surely delight in this story, to which readers will relate. 
Lee’s take: An entertaining read.
J.J.’s take: Good for Halloween or anytime. 

LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN are twins and voracious readers living in Bristol Tennessee. E-mail them at .