Alvin Schwartz (children's author)

Alvin Schwartz (April 25, 1927 – March 14, 1992) was an American author best known for his collections of folklore and horror stories for children.

Schwartz was born in Brooklyn, New York, and educated at Brooklyn College and Columbia University. He worked as a freelance writer and teacher.

His most famous books include the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark trilogy, which feature retellings of urban legends, folktales, and ghost stories. These books, illustrated by Stephen Gammell, became highly popular despite facing frequent controversies and challenges from parents and educators concerned about their graphic content and potentially frightening nature for young readers. Gammell's distinctive illustrations, in particular, were often cited as being disturbing.

Beyond the Scary Stories series, Schwartz authored numerous other books for children, often focusing on folklore, wordplay, and humor. His works explored a wide range of topics, including superstitions, riddles, and tall tales. His approach to storytelling often involved meticulous research and the incorporation of authentic source material.

Schwartz's books have remained popular and influential in children's literature, although the Scary Stories series continues to be a frequent target of censorship efforts. A film adaptation of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, produced by Guillermo del Toro, was released in 2019.