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Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children: ... and keep them awake all night long
These are bedtime stories for adults who still remember the shadows.
Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify …And Keep Them Awake All Night Long may sound like a provocation—but it isn’t, not really. These stories aren’t about horror for horror’s sake. They’re about the way children actually see the world—alive with mystery, shadow, and the possibility that magic and menace coexist just beyond the edges of the nightlight.
Children already sense that darkness holds both danger and wonder. What they want from stories isn’t protection from fear, but fairness in it—a sense that even in the strangest tale, things make sense somehow. That’s what these stories not terror, but truth told through the eyes of imagination unafraid to look into the dark.
“I wrote this book for my children. Not because I had the answers—but because the stories might ask the right questions.”~Randolph B. Schiffer
Dr. Randolph B. Schiffer
Author Neurologist Psychiatrist Marine Corps Veteran
Dr. Randolph B. Schiffer is a Yale graduate, Marine Corps veteran, and retired physician who made his mark as the only U.S. doctor listed in Best Doctors in America for both neurology and psychiatry. Over his 35-year medical career, he held senior academic roles and co-founded the American Neuropsychiatric Association. He is also a widely published medical researcher.
Since retiring in 2010, Dr. Schiffer has turned to writing, blending medicine, memory, and myth. His literary works include David and Lee A Viet Nam Story, Goodbye Stories from University Hospital, and the forthcoming Bedtime Stories to Terrify Children (Omera Press)—a poignant and eerie collection drawn from stories he once told his children.
He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and writes from his cabin on Bois Blanc Island, Lake Huron.
________________________________
Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children... And Keep Them Awake All Night Long
Omera Press Ltd
Randolph B. Schiffer
Andrew Murphy
16+
Adult Literary Fiction
Key bedtime stories for adults, dark psychological fiction, literary short stories, unsettling bedtime tales, stories about childhood fear and imagination, modern gothic fiction, thought-provoking short stories, darkly poetic fiction, psychological storytelling, surreal and haunting fiction
ISBN
978-1-7383394-5-7
978-1-7383394-3-3
978-1-7383394-4-0
Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify …And Keep Them Awake All Night Long may sound like a provocation—but it isn’t, not really. These stories aren’t about horror for horror’s sake. They’re about the way children actually see the world—alive with mystery, shadow, and the possibility that magic and menace coexist just beyond the edges of the nightlight.
Children already sense that darkness holds both danger and wonder. What they want from stories isn’t protection from fear, but fairness in it—a sense that even in the strangest tale, things make sense somehow. That’s what these stories not terror, but truth told through the eyes of imagination unafraid to look into the dark.
“I wrote this book for my children. Not because I had the answers—but because the stories might ask the right questions.”~Randolph B. Schiffer
Dr. Randolph B. Schiffer
Author Neurologist Psychiatrist Marine Corps Veteran
Dr. Randolph B. Schiffer is a Yale graduate, Marine Corps veteran, and retired physician who made his mark as the only U.S. doctor listed in Best Doctors in America for both neurology and psychiatry. Over his 35-year medical career, he held senior academic roles and co-founded the American Neuropsychiatric Association. He is also a widely published medical researcher.
Since retiring in 2010, Dr. Schiffer has turned to writing, blending medicine, memory, and myth. His literary works include David and Lee A Viet Nam Story, Goodbye Stories from University Hospital, and the forthcoming Bedtime Stories to Terrify Children (Omera Press)—a poignant and eerie collection drawn from stories he once told his children.
He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and writes from his cabin on Bois Blanc Island, Lake Huron.
________________________________
Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children... And Keep Them Awake All Night Long
Omera Press Ltd
Randolph B. Schiffer
Andrew Murphy
16+
Adult Literary Fiction
Key bedtime stories for adults, dark psychological fiction, literary short stories, unsettling bedtime tales, stories about childhood fear and imagination, modern gothic fiction, thought-provoking short stories, darkly poetic fiction, psychological storytelling, surreal and haunting fiction
ISBN
978-1-7383394-5-7
978-1-7383394-3-3
978-1-7383394-4-0
169 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 11, 2025
Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children: ... and keep them awake all night long by Randolph Schiffer is a surprising and meaningful read. Despite its spooky title, the book goes deeper than just trying to frighten the reader. It captures the way children often see the world — curious, mysterious, and full of imagination. Each story touches on the beauty and fear that exist side by side, making it a thoughtful experience rather than a scary one.
The stories feel raw and honest, showing that darkness isn’t just about fear but also about discovery. They remind readers that emotions like curiosity, confusion, and courage can all come from the same place. The writing is simple yet powerful, and every story leaves a small trace of wonder behind.
Randolph Schiffer brings a very human touch to his storytelling. His words feel sincere, almost like they come from a place of love and reflection. This book is a great choice for readers who enjoy stories that feel emotional, imaginative, and a little eerie — the kind that stay with you long after the last page.
The stories feel raw and honest, showing that darkness isn’t just about fear but also about discovery. They remind readers that emotions like curiosity, confusion, and courage can all come from the same place. The writing is simple yet powerful, and every story leaves a small trace of wonder behind.
Randolph Schiffer brings a very human touch to his storytelling. His words feel sincere, almost like they come from a place of love and reflection. This book is a great choice for readers who enjoy stories that feel emotional, imaginative, and a little eerie — the kind that stay with you long after the last page.
November 16, 2025
When I started this book, I didn’t expect the stories to feel so real and imaginative. As I turned the pages, I felt like I was stepping into small, eerie worlds that reminded me of the strange thoughts we all had as kids. The book immediately caught my attention with its quiet, unsettling tone.
Each story had its own personality—some were creepy, some emotional, and some just unexpectedly clever. I liked how the author used simple scenes to create tension without forcing it. The stories made me pause and think, and a few even left me with that soft shiver that makes reading horror fun .
I found myself enjoying how natural the storytelling felt. Nothing was too dramatic, but every scene had a purpose. A few moments reminded me of bedtime fears we all tried to ignore as children. The writing made those feelings come back in a thoughtful, not overwhelming way .
Randolph Schiifer’s writing style stood out to me because of how calm and controlled it is, even when the story gets eerie. I could sense that he pays attention to small emotions and details. His storytelling felt personal, like he was sharing something he genuinely cares about .
By the end of the book, I felt like I had taken a quiet but chilling trip through different shades of fear and imagination. Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children is perfect for readers who enjoy short, atmospheric stories that stay in the mind long after reading. It’s spooky, thoughtful, and very satisfying .
Each story had its own personality—some were creepy, some emotional, and some just unexpectedly clever. I liked how the author used simple scenes to create tension without forcing it. The stories made me pause and think, and a few even left me with that soft shiver that makes reading horror fun .
I found myself enjoying how natural the storytelling felt. Nothing was too dramatic, but every scene had a purpose. A few moments reminded me of bedtime fears we all tried to ignore as children. The writing made those feelings come back in a thoughtful, not overwhelming way .
Randolph Schiifer’s writing style stood out to me because of how calm and controlled it is, even when the story gets eerie. I could sense that he pays attention to small emotions and details. His storytelling felt personal, like he was sharing something he genuinely cares about .
By the end of the book, I felt like I had taken a quiet but chilling trip through different shades of fear and imagination. Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children is perfect for readers who enjoy short, atmospheric stories that stay in the mind long after reading. It’s spooky, thoughtful, and very satisfying .
November 9, 2025
Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify ..." serves as a testament to the power of storytelling, reminding us that even in the darkest of tales, there can be beauty and meaning. Schiffer's collection invites us to reconnect with our inner child and rediscover the transformative potential of embracing our fears and embracing the magic that awaits us in the twilight hours.
November 13, 2025
Book Review: Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children: ...and Keep Them Awake All Night Long by Dr. Randolph B. Schiffer
When I started reading this book, I thought it would be full of scary stories just to frighten kids. But after a few pages, I realized it is much more than that. The stories are about how children see the world with both fear and wonder. The author writes in a way that makes you remember your own childhood nights when the dark felt alive but not always dangerous. Each story has meaning behind it, showing that fear can also teach us something.
My favorite part was the story “Dog.” It made me feel like I was sitting there with the two boys, Randy and Brenton, listening to the noises in the dark. I could imagine the cold wind, the shaking door, and their small steps of courage. It reminded me of my own childhood moments when even a small sound at night would make my heart race. But just like in the story, those moments often turned out to be nothing more than imagination and love in disguise.
What I liked most about Dr. Schiffer’s writing is how real it feels. He writes like a father talking to his children—not to scare them, but to help them understand life. The stories feel honest and warm, even when something strange happens. It shows that the dark is not only about fear; it’s also about learning to be brave and curious.
I would recommend this book to both parents and readers who enjoy meaningful short stories. It’s not just a scary book it’s an emotional and thoughtful one. It reminds us that even the darkest nights can have lessons hidden in them. This is a book that makes you think, feel, and remember the stories that once kept you awake but also made you stronger.
When I started reading this book, I thought it would be full of scary stories just to frighten kids. But after a few pages, I realized it is much more than that. The stories are about how children see the world with both fear and wonder. The author writes in a way that makes you remember your own childhood nights when the dark felt alive but not always dangerous. Each story has meaning behind it, showing that fear can also teach us something.
My favorite part was the story “Dog.” It made me feel like I was sitting there with the two boys, Randy and Brenton, listening to the noises in the dark. I could imagine the cold wind, the shaking door, and their small steps of courage. It reminded me of my own childhood moments when even a small sound at night would make my heart race. But just like in the story, those moments often turned out to be nothing more than imagination and love in disguise.
What I liked most about Dr. Schiffer’s writing is how real it feels. He writes like a father talking to his children—not to scare them, but to help them understand life. The stories feel honest and warm, even when something strange happens. It shows that the dark is not only about fear; it’s also about learning to be brave and curious.
I would recommend this book to both parents and readers who enjoy meaningful short stories. It’s not just a scary book it’s an emotional and thoughtful one. It reminds us that even the darkest nights can have lessons hidden in them. This is a book that makes you think, feel, and remember the stories that once kept you awake but also made you stronger.
November 17, 2025
Book Review: Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children by Randolph Schiffer
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Randolph Schiffer’s Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children is a striking and reflective collection that goes far beyond its dramatic title. Instead of delivering simple scares, the book explores the rich and often complicated emotions that shape a child’s view of the world. Schiffer taps into the quiet moments of childhood—the nights when shadows look like stories, silence feels meaningful, and imagination becomes its own language.
👉Each story in this collection reflects a deep understanding of how children interpret fear. Rather than treating fear as something to avoid, Schiffer shows it as a natural part of discovering who we are. His writing captures the tension between uncertainty and curiosity, offering stories that feel both intimate and universal. Readers are reminded of those early experiences when the dark was full of possibilities, not just threats.
👉One of the most compelling elements of the book is Schiffer’s ability to blend tenderness with eeriness. His stories carry a steady emotional weight, revealing that the things that once scared us often shaped our strength, resilience, and sense of wonder. The tone remains thoughtful throughout, turning even the darkest moments into opportunities for understanding.
👉This is a book for readers who enjoy short stories with heart and insight. It offers atmosphere without relying on shock, and meaning without losing its sense of mystery. Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children is a collection that encourages reflection, invites emotion, and reminds us how powerfully childhood nights can stay with us long after we grow up.
Happy reading 😁 😁
#bookreview
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Randolph Schiffer’s Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children is a striking and reflective collection that goes far beyond its dramatic title. Instead of delivering simple scares, the book explores the rich and often complicated emotions that shape a child’s view of the world. Schiffer taps into the quiet moments of childhood—the nights when shadows look like stories, silence feels meaningful, and imagination becomes its own language.
👉Each story in this collection reflects a deep understanding of how children interpret fear. Rather than treating fear as something to avoid, Schiffer shows it as a natural part of discovering who we are. His writing captures the tension between uncertainty and curiosity, offering stories that feel both intimate and universal. Readers are reminded of those early experiences when the dark was full of possibilities, not just threats.
👉One of the most compelling elements of the book is Schiffer’s ability to blend tenderness with eeriness. His stories carry a steady emotional weight, revealing that the things that once scared us often shaped our strength, resilience, and sense of wonder. The tone remains thoughtful throughout, turning even the darkest moments into opportunities for understanding.
👉This is a book for readers who enjoy short stories with heart and insight. It offers atmosphere without relying on shock, and meaning without losing its sense of mystery. Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children is a collection that encourages reflection, invites emotion, and reminds us how powerfully childhood nights can stay with us long after we grow up.
Happy reading 😁 😁
#bookreview
December 2, 2025
Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children is nothing short of brilliant. The name hooks you instantly, and the eight stories inside deliver on that promise in the best way. Think a modern blend of Grimm’s dark charm and the sly, unsettling magic of Coraline. Each tale walks that perfect line between eerie and wise—classic, yet totally fresh.
What really stands out is Schiffer’s writing style. There’s a beautiful, almost musical cadence to the way he tells a story—like the words were meant to be spoken aloud. And the layered narration? Genius. A grown man remembering the stories his father once told him—family, memory, shadows, all wrapped into one—it hits right in that place where nostalgia and goosebumps meet.
These aren’t tales about kids being frozen by fear. They face it. They question it. They grow from it. As adults, we sometimes forget that courage often starts from curiosity.
Schiffer has crafted something truly special here. Heart, skill, and just the right touch of darkness. A huge congratulations on a book readers won’t soon forget.
What really stands out is Schiffer’s writing style. There’s a beautiful, almost musical cadence to the way he tells a story—like the words were meant to be spoken aloud. And the layered narration? Genius. A grown man remembering the stories his father once told him—family, memory, shadows, all wrapped into one—it hits right in that place where nostalgia and goosebumps meet.
These aren’t tales about kids being frozen by fear. They face it. They question it. They grow from it. As adults, we sometimes forget that courage often starts from curiosity.
Schiffer has crafted something truly special here. Heart, skill, and just the right touch of darkness. A huge congratulations on a book readers won’t soon forget.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews