2018
WISE Score
Amazon
A tactile, 80s-drenched masterclass in how to build a monster and a hit TV show.
4.8
4.8View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This isn't your typical low-effort TV tie-in. It’s a legitimate piece of production history that treats its audience like smart, curious creators.
It’s tactile, beautifully printed, and actually teaches you something about the labor of filmmaking. If your kid is obsessed with Hawkins, this is a way better use of their time than scrolling through fan theories on TikTok.
Best for ages 10 and up. If they are old enough to handle the jump scares in the show, they'll appreciate the nerdy details in the book. Adults who grew up in the 80s will probably try to steal it.
It highlights the collaborative spirit of the cast and crew. While the show is dark, the book focuses on the passion and hard work of the creators, modeling a healthy creative environment.
This is a goldmine for world-building. It shows the evolution of the Upside Down from sketches to screen, encouraging kids to think about how to build their own fictional universes.
It's a physical book, so no digital safety risks. It contains images of monsters and SFX makeup from a TV-14 show, which might be a bit much for very young kids, but it's presented in a 'how-it's-made' context.
An excellent tool for media literacy. It explains production design, cinematography, and acting, teaching kids that their favorite shows are the result of thousands of deliberate choices.
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