Yes, there are spooky houses in “Haunted U.S.A.” but the book is much more interested in demonic otters and godforsaken playgrounds.
Written by Heather Alexander and stunningly illustrated by St. Paul artist Sam Kalda, “Haunted U.S.A.” features 51 one-page essays and illustrations about the most haunted places in each state, plus Washington, D.C.
Even scaredy-cats should be able to appreciate the Halloween-themed book, which is less about trying to horrify us than a reminder that we are surrounded by inexplicable things. Alexander’s prose strikes a lighthearted tone, as in this entry for Nevada: “Do you like stories about playful mermaids who sing happy songs while swimming with cute fish? Oh, well. This mermaid tale is quite the opposite. The mermaid who haunts Pyramid Lake is very angry and out for revenge.”
There are lots of cemeteries in “Haunted,” including a zoo built on top of one. (Who thought that was a good idea? Illinois.) Minnesota’s entry is another graveyard, the Ferguson Cemetery in Norwood Young America, which reportedly is home to a ghostly child and his dog. But there are also less likely cursed places, including a spook-filled amusement park (Ohio), playground (Alabama), cave (Kentucky), hotel (Wisconsin) and mansion (California’s popular tourist destination, the Winchester Mystery House).
If you’re a hunter of ghosts, “Haunted U.S.A.” has 51 new destinations for you but, even if you just want to stay home, every single page is a feast for the eyes.
Haunted U.S.A.
By: Heather Alexander, illustrated by Sam Kalda.
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions, 111 pages.
