Sounds in the House: A Mystery

Mini-Mysteries for Minors #1

by Karl Beckstrand

Ever been scared by strange noises--sounds that seem to happen all by themselves? What could be causing those squeaks and bumps? Nothing to fear; there's only fun here! Finally, a book that shows what causes those strange creaks and thuds that scare young and old on dark nights. Sounds in the House is a funny bedtime story on fear, courage and friendship (ages 2 - 8). Get this book in Spanish or Spanish & English (with pronunciation guide. SEE INSIDE): Premiobooks. Incluye una guia de pronunciacion en espanol. 22-page picture book, 150 words, Premio Publshing & Gozo Books, LLC (worldwide rights 2004, 2011), available via Premiobooks, Baker & Taylor (Spanish only), Follett Library Resources/BWI Title Wave, Bn.com/NOOK, Brodart, Kindle/Amazon, and select retailers. Physical book ISBN: 978-0967201252, JUV019000

24 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Karl Beckstrand is the bestselling author-illustrator of 50+ cross-cultural children's and young adult books published through Premio Publishing and its KidsWorldBooks imprint (est. 2004, St. George, Utah). His titles have been reviewed by Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, The Horn Book, and School Library Journal, and adopted by the Library of Congress, the USDA (via Virginia Tech), and the State of Vermont for primary school curriculum. He has won the 2025 Global Book Award for Nonfiction (Abundant Paths), the 2016 International Book Award for Fiction (To Swallow the Earth: A Western Thriller), and the 2014 UP Author's Design Award (Bright Star, Night Star: An Astronomy Story). His biography Agnes's Rescue: The True Story of an Immigrant Girl is tied to the 2011 film 17 Miracles.
Raised in San Jose, California, Beckstrand earned a B.A. in Journalism from Brigham Young University, an M.A. in International Relations and Conflict Resolution from American Public University, and a film and broadcast certificate from the Film A Academy. He taught college media for eleven years and English to immigrants in North and South America. Before founding Premio, he was a technical recruiter in Silicon Valley, a Stanford Hospital chaplain, a Spanish interpreter for Angel Flight (aviator nonprofit), and a rock band front man. He consults in English and Spanish on publishing and cross-cultural education.

Reviews

[Anna del C. Dye]

Though at first look I find this book a bit on the dark side, it contains beautifully colored pages that are attractive to the kids. The illustrations have lots of expressions and are easy to understand. The writing should be easy to follow for pre-schoolers. It provides a great conversation piece for parents, teachers, and guardians. It will help to ensure the children of their safety and sort out the different things that can scare us at night or when we are alone. The theme has been covered before, yet our kids are so different from each other that I am sure this book will touch many kids suffering from anxiety in all its forms.
The main character in this book is a dog that is alone and exploring all the different noises usually associated with a house. The furnace, creaks, refrigerator, steps, squeaks, and many others noises can turn the child’s imagination into a field full of fun or a field full of fear. It is important for all parents to have an opportunity to re-assure their child that all is well and that normal noises are a reality they will have to live with for the rest of their lives. Once they are shown, or the noises explained, children will react more appropriately to them. This will surely make the difference between scared children that will burden their parents with their fears or those that will grow up ready to take on the world.
The story is well done. The drawings are age appropriate and colorful, yet easy on the eyes.

[Karl]

Again, more bias toward my own stuff!