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Ever heard of
Struwwelpeter? This book is an amazing 19th century exercise in corrective scare tactics for children. "Shock-headed Peter" and company learn all kinds of tough lessons in the consequences of misbehavior. Author Heinrich Hoffman conceived and wrote it as a holiday gift for his 3 year old son. The lessons herein are totally insane. I love it, but I absolutely can't imagine putting my own son to sleep at night with this stuff. My vote for most terrifying kids' book ever.
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Hoffman's 1848 English Edition.
Bob Staake's 21st Century Struwwelpeter.