They're considered creepy? I devoured those books as a kid, and I don't think I've ever come across that sentiment (I live in the American South, which I would think would be the first place to call out kids' books on creepy factors?). They were always just considered really good kids' books as far as I know, and were always on my summer reading lists for school.

Edit: for one misplaced letter that made me sound waaaay too Southern XD.