<p>While babysitting a seven-year old with a love for scary stories, <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-publishing.html">MS in Publishing</a> candidate Giorgia Rifaldi noticed that most horror books were geared toward teens, leaving younger readers with few age-appropriate options. This inspired the recent NYU SPS grad’s capstone project: a children’s horror imprint called Books Under the Stairs that focuses on picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade titles that deliver thrills without trauma.</p> <p>“I realized there was a real need for spooky stories that didn’t cross the line into being too intense,” Rifaldi explains. “The challenge was finding something scary that’s still okay for a seven-year-old. Kids like being scared because it makes them feel more grownup,” she says. “Scary things are usually what adults deal with, so reading about them helps kids feel braver and more capable.”</p>

<p>These insights informed her mission with Books Under the Stairs—using horror fiction as a tool for growth. Rifaldi believes that encountering fear in a safe, controlled way helps children learn to face challenges and build resilience. But she also knew that for a book to succeed, it must earn parental trust. That’s why Books Under the Stairs is committed to publishing titles that are not only age-appropriate but also educational and emotionally safe. “We want parents to feel confident that these books won’t expose their kids to anything too scary or sensitive,” says Rifaldi.</p>

<p>“With picture books,” she adds, “it’s all about something scary turning out to be okay,” as evidenced in one of her imprint’s proposed titles. <i>The Hollow House</i> tells the story of a child who discovers a haunted house in his hometown. Instead of terror, he finds friendly ghosts and learns that things aren’t always as frightening as they seem.</p> <p>Each of her Books Under the Stairs meet a key criteria. They must contain a meaningful lesson, feature engaging illustrations, and offer a sense of adventure that empowers young readers. “Fear doesn’t have to be a bad thing,” she says. “If we can teach kids that they’re capable of facing what scares them, we’re helping them grow into confident, curious adults.”</p>