In this Halloween special of Tales of Bedlam, we dive into the disturbingly delightful world of Struwwelpeter (Shockheaded Peter)—the infamous 1845 German children’s book written and illustrated by Heinrich Hoffmann. Host Knob Twister (Micah) and Sofa Sitter (Dustin) bring their signature blend of humor, commentary, and horror as they read and riff through several cautionary tales from the book.
From thumb-sucking boys who get visited by a scissor-wielding madman, to soup-refusing children who waste away in days, each story is as bizarre as it is hilariously inappropriate for kids. It’s folklore, it’s comedy, and it’s completely horrifying—making it a perfect addition to your spooky season playlist.
Whether you’re a folklore aficionado or just here for the laughs, you’ll never look at children’s books the same again. And yes, there’s a rabbit with a gun.
What’s the most shocking story from Struwwelpeter in your opinion? Could you imagine reading this to a kid today?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below—if you dare!
