Celebrate Halloween
Reviews
The Banshee
Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
One night Terry, our young narrator, hears what he believes to be the wailing of a banshee, a ghost who wails outside a house where according to Irish superstition there may be a death. His mother discounts his fears. But Terry remembers the stories and is particularly worried about his sickly brother Liam. Hearing the "SCREE" again, Terry bravely decides to go out into the cold dark night to offer his prized peacock feather to the banshee in exchange for leaving. Finally confronting his fears, Terry discovers that the sound is only the wind. Just to be sure, however, he leaves the feather as an offering before running home to his safe bed. McCully illustrates the text in small watercolor scenes. But she fills a few double pages with dark, melodramatic images, perceptions of reality as Terry talks to shadows and the flapping laundry. Transparent deep blues and blacks with skeleton-like black tree branches create the scene with purple hints of a moonlit sky. Perhaps the banshee was there to accept the feather? 2009, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-618-82162-4
Boo, Bunny!
Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by Jeff Mack
Is there comfort in pairs? You bet! With just the right amount of tension and suspense built in for a preschooler, this short, rhyming, onomatopoetic tale tells of the trepidation one shy bunny feels when it ventures out alone for a Halloween experience. Very soon though a second bunny accompanies the first through the dark and scary night. Mack's captivating illustrations include an abundant use of deep black spaces, colorful animals in various costumes, and a menagerie of night creatures, all of which give the reader much to view and comment upon. Teachers of young children will be able to use this book as an example of onomatopoeia and to talk about how different and ominous familiar objects can look in the dark, as demonstrated at the beginning and ending of the book. It is also a good book for inviting children to make up their own stories to go with the illustrations. 2008, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 3 to 6, $16.00. Reviewer: Maggie Chase (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-15-216246-7
Boo to You!
Lois Ehlert
A strikingly jagged black cat with pumpkin seed teeth dominates the Halloween-orange cover of this sensational new harvest-themed work by Caldecott Honor-winning author and illustrator Lois Ehlert. The "scary cat" is back, and the garden mice are nervous about what that means for their harvest party. They do not mind sharing their bounty with raccoons and squirrels, but meat-eating cats make them nervous. So, they develop a plan. They will scare the cat with creatures they concoct from their garden delights and chase her away from their annual feast. Parents, teachers, and librarians, should be warned: Young readers will be itching to create their own mixed-media images before you get very far into this book. Thankfully, the text is remarkably succinct, so they will not have to wait very long! Make sure you have a wide variety of materials on hand as Ehlert uses a wide variety of objects, from gourds to twine and textured paper to flower blossoms. This book is best used as the inspiration piece for students' own harvest-themed artwork and will be a favorite with the preschool and elementary sets. The finals pages are a double-page spread of "Pumpkin Talk," with full-color pictures of children and jack o' lanterns, a brief paragraph about carving pumpkins, and a recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds. 2009, Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, Ages 2 to 8, $17.99. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-8625-6
Boo Who? A Foldout Halloween Adventure
Lola Schaefer
Photos by Michael Frost
Halloween offers kids a chance to have fun. This book is a foldout Halloween adventure. Each of the spreads opens up into a four age square. The first one offers a textual clue as to what the creatures might be and put out the costume picked out on the left-hand side of the page. The third panel says "Boo! I'm a..." and now kids are supposed to guess what lifting the final flap will reveal. The monsters are barrel smiling kids dressed in costumes. They are all attractive and represent a number of ethnic groups as well as boys and girls. The book that might be a big help notice about answering that doorbell on Halloween night. 2009, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 5, $7.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-591-3
The Book of Ghosts
Selected by Michael Hague and Devon Hague
Illustrated by Michael Hague and Devon Hague
Nine ghostly tales await the reader. These legends are classic ghost stories that are adapted. The color illustrations seem to indicate how scary or dark the stories may be. The fright scale varies along with the gruesome qualities of each ghost story. Some of the stories are probably best if read aloud. Among the classics are Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with Ichabod Crane and Poe's suspenseful murder story, The Tell-tale Heart. Wilde's The Canterville Ghost subtly retains a haunting quality along with lighthearted, humorous twists weaving through the plot with an ending that reminds the reader that it is a ghost story. In Bierce's A Diagnosis of Death, find out how far reaching Dr. Mannering's prognosis is in foretelling or perhaps forewarning of life's ending. The afterlife is the topic of Laura, a haunting tale by Munro; the ghoulish illustrations add to the plot, is it coincidence or reincarnation? This collection is for those brave readers who enjoy haunting tales about ghosts. 2009, HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 8 to 12, $19.99. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-688-14008-3
Can You Make a Scary Face?
Jan Thomas
We all know that young children can favor interactive media. They like televisions shows that ask them to participate physically and verbally. They like songs that they encourage them to sing along. They also like books that are read-and-response, especially those that address them directly. Here is one such book. Jan Thomas' boldly-colored ladybug narrator is in charge and interactive from the start (the very title is a question s/he asks). Page one gets readers moving. After a few pages of stand up/sit down activity that makes everyone feel pretty silly, the ladybug invites the reader to participate in a game of "Let's Pretend." It is all fun and games until the pretend "giant hungry frog" becomes a "real" (to the ladybug) "giant hungry frog." It looks like the narrator we have had such fun with has met his/her end! Of course, all turns out well when the readers participate in one last, saving activity (with the title hinting at what that is). If you have enjoyed Don't Make Me Laugh or The Monster at the End of This Book, you will love this, too. It is sure to be a hit with the preschool and kindergarten crowd along with teachers and parents, as well! 2009, Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, Ages 2 to 6, $12.99. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-8581-5
Druscilla's Halloween
Sally M. Walker
Illustrated by Lee White
In ancient times, before witches had the convenience of modern broom flight, they had to tiptoe around scaring children on Halloween. Poor Druscilla has knees that creak so loudly that she cannot sneak up on anyone or anything, but she does not want to miss her favorite Halloween activity. In desperation she tries to cast a spell on her donkey to make him carry her and her cat to town to scare children. The donkey refuses to be enchanted by the spell she casts, and she has to think up another strategy. Her attempts include riding in her wheelbarrow (it crashes), gluing feathers to her arms to make herself fly (they fall off when they get wet in the rain) and as she is sweeping them up, she has an idea. This time her magic spell works, and Druscilla has just invented modern witch transportation. This funny and entertaining tale of the invention of the flying broom will delight younger readers. The illustrations add to the humor and the charm of the story. 2009, Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group, Ages 7 to 9, $16.99. Reviewer: Ellen Welty (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8225-8941-9
ISBN: 978-0-8225-8941-9
Ghosts: A Nonfiction Companion to A Good Night for Ghosts
Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
What are ghosts? Do they exist or are most of the sightings and strange occurrences the result of active imaginations? While this book does not pretend to give a definitive answer, it does offer ghost stories which are based upon reported instances as well as possible explanations for many of the ghostly manifestations folks claim to have experienced. It is a "Magic Tree House Research Guide" book and is complete with illustrations, photographs, suggestions for further research and a listing of museums and landmarks which might be visited. New Orleans has been called the most haunted city in America and there have been many sightings in that area. The White House is also considered to be haunted and kids will enjoy reading of the trick President Carter's daughter played when her father was president. Windsor castle in Great Britain is the locale of many ghostly experiences and the Tower of London is said to be chock full of apparitions. Quick to read, and spooky without being scary, this book will be of interest to youngsters. 2009, A Stepping Stone Book/Random House, Ages 8 to 12, $4.99. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-84666-3
ISBN: 978-0-375-94666-0
A Good Night for Ghosts
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
The wind picks up, and with a whirl and twirl the magic tree house settles in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jack and Annie's adventure takes them back to the year 1915 on All Saints' Day. They need to locate young Louis Armstrong or Dipper as he is known to his friends. Jack and Annie's mission is to help Dipper "bring his gifts to the world." Dipper's gift is music. For those who are not familiar with Louis Armstrong, he is known as the "King of Jazz." When Jack and Annie find Dipper, he is working from one job to the next to help his family. He is so busy that his friends, Little Mack, Happy, and Big Nose Sidney, have a difficult time convincing him to perform in the All Saints' Day parade, at Jackson Square, or on the riverboats. Jack and Annie take some drastic measures to guide Armstrong onto his musical path, perhaps even with a little help with some ghosts. Fans of Jack and Annie will probably enjoy this adventure from the "Magic Tree House: A Merlin Mission" series. There is a research guide on ghosts that is a companion to this story. 2009, Random House Children's Books, Ages 8 to 11, $11.99. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-85648-8
ISBN: 978-0-375-95648-5
Halloween
Molly Aloian
October 31st brings to mind the Halloween holiday and its customs. Read to learn about some of the ancient traditions and current celebrations of this holiday that honors the dead. Find out why long ago the Celtic people had bonfires or how the holiday received its name. The table of contents provides a general idea of the topics covered in the book. The chapter headings stand out on the left side of the layout; each chapter is two pages long. There are color photographs with captions through out the book. Insets that are titled "Did You Know" provide additional pieces of information. Boldface print words in the main body of the text are defined in the glossary. Some children may need guidance with the different informational text features in order to navigate their reading of the main text. The body of the text contains wide and general information. Those readers interested in understanding more about the Halloween traditions will need to use other resources. For those children not familiar with Halloween, this book provides an introduction to the history and customs of the holiday. This book is part of the "Celebrations in My World" series which covers different holidays and celebrations. 2009, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 6 to 9, $8.95. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4292-0
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4310-1
Happy Halloween, Curious George
N. T. Raymond and Kelly Loughman
Illustrated by Mary O'Keefe Young
Seven double-page spreads, with a tab for each one introduces young children to various aspects of Halloween. First there is the pumpkin picking, then decorating followed by costume selection, a game of "boo," trick or treating, a party, and finally, bedtime where the events of the day are recounted. Curious George is central to each of these events, whether he is climbing a spider web or hanging from a chandelier and his personality remains true to character. Each "story" is actually a rhyming verse. The rhythm and sound are appropriate for a preschool audience. There is no real storyline here, but this serves as an ordinary introduction to Halloween traditions. The illustrations are in the style of H. A. Rey. Strong character identification will make this book popular. 2008, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 3 to 5, $7.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-618-91952-9
ISBN: 061891952X
Haunted Party
Iza Trapani
Illustrated by Iza Trapani
This clever counting book in rhyme coaxes the reader to be perceptive by adding and subtracting the party guests coming and going from the ghost's house. More and more guests arrive for the party until the pages are filled with their antics, including carving pumpkins, dancing, and generally making a mess of things. The reader is easily caught up in the illustrations to find and count the many different characters portrayed--from skeletons to werewolves to witches and mummies--all of which are wonderfully drawn by the author. The poetry works well, especially when read aloud, and is delightful. The double page spread with all the children trick or treating is a good visual break in the illustrations and pulls the reader more into the story. As the party guests rush to leave in fear of the children partygoers, the reader counts backwards until there is only the ghost left. But is he frightened? Unusual counting concepts, humorous illustrations, all nicely put together with a surprise twist to the ending. 2009, Charlesbridge, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Joan Elste (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-58089-246-9
Here Comes Halloween!
Caroline Jayne Church
When you were a kid did you know exactly what costume you wanted to wear for Halloween or where you like many of us undecided and played out the possibilities. Sometimes if you are a younger child in a family you had a hand-me-down costume, but as the oldest, I always had something new. The boy in this board book mulls over the choices. Should he be a rough and ready pirate, a fearsome dinosaur, a bat that zips though the night sky, or a robot who does not seem to be able to do more than say "beeb." There is a clue in every scene, but parents may overlook the toy that the boy seems to always have with him. Finally he asks it what he should be and the decision on the boys part will be no surprise to those who have been observant. It is amusing and the finally flap may surprise some young readers. 2009, Cartwheel/Scholastic, Ages 1 to 3, $7.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-545-11815-6
ISBN: 0-545-11815-8
Minerva Louise on Halloween
Janet Morgan Stoeke
Illustrated by Janet Morgan Stoeke
It is Halloween and the people are getting ready for this fun fall festivity at the farmhouse. Enter Minerva Louise, a chicken who lives on the farm. She has her own innocent perspective of what is going on around the yard. She sees the farmers busy at work planting a rock garden when the children are actually placing decorative headstones in the lawn for the Halloween party. Minerva Louise thinks that the farmers are bringing feed buckets to the door and actually they are children out for trick-or-treats. The text itself only reveals Minerva's thoughts and the simple, color illustrations provide a view of what is going on in the plot. It is the combination of text and illustration that blend to bring out the humor and laughter. This Halloween story is one that is hilarious rather than scary. Those children who previously have enjoyed other Minerva Louise stories will probably enjoy this one as well. 2009, Dutton Children's Books/Penguin, Ages 3 to 6, $16.99. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-525-42149-8
Monster Parade
Shana Corey
Illustrated by Will Terry
A Halloween story in rhyme, this book is on Step Two in the "Step-into-Reading" series. This level in reading is for children "who recognize familiar words and sound out new words with help." It is Halloween and the children all dress up as monsters to go out to collect their treats. An array of illustrations in rich fall colors shows the various monsters as they go door to door. A series of adjectives such as "furry and fluffy" describe the monsters, and then their actions are described as "munching and crunching." The words are fun, and the sentences are short. After they fill their bags, one of the monsters falls asleep. They all try to stay awake, but "Now the moon is high and bright. Monsters start to say good night." They wave goodbye to their friends, and are tucked into bed. Children will enjoy reading the bouncy rhymes and will like the illustrations of the cute monsters. Two sticker sheets with Halloween pictures are included. 2009, Random House Children's Books, Ages 4 to 7, $3.99. Reviewer: Vicki Foote (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-85638-9
Never Say Boo
Robin Pulver
Illustrated by Deb Lucke
Gordon does not like to be the new kid at school. But who does? In his old school, he fit in perfectly because everyone was a ghost. But in his new school, he is the only one. Whenever he said words with "boo" in them, it scared the other students, and Gordon just wanted to fit in and make new friends. So, he refused to say it. But, when there was a fire in the building and the fire alarms were not working, Gordon knew that the time for making friends was over. He used his best talent (he could say, "Boo" better than any other ghost at his old school) and quickly got everyone out of the building. The simple illustrations show the normalcy of a classroom mixed with the uniqueness of a ghost attending school with mortals. This not so spooky Halloween tale will teach children the importance of tolerance and friendliness despite obvious differences. 2009, Holiday House, Ages 3 to 6, $16.95. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson Davis (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8234-2110-7
The Reformed Vampire Support Group
Catherine Jinks
The life of a vampire is anything but easy or glamorous. Just ask Nina, who was "infected" years ago at age fifteen. It means living with your mother, reluctantly attending a weekly vampire support group and draining guinea pigs for dinner (messy and better left behind the bathroom door). All in all, it's a tedious and wearisome existence. Then, one of their own is discovered...dead...destroyed ...his coffin filled with ashes, a wooden stake and a silver bullet. The silver bullet is their only clue, but it leads them not only to the nerdy vampire slayer responsible for Casimir's death but to a bloody and lucrative father- and-son enterprise. This is a thoroughly entertaining read filled with eccentric characters who navigate the twists and turns of a clever plot to discover that their lives may have more meaning than they ever thought possible. And despite all the "blooding, and vomiting, and dead guinea pigs, and bad breath, and hemorrhages, and dizzy spells," the characters here are doing their best. What more can be expected from any normal human beings? Recommended. 2009, Harcourt/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 13 up, $17.00. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-15-206609-3
The Runaway Mummy: A Petrifying Parody
Michael Rex
Illustrated by Michael Rex
A parody of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd's The Runaway Bunny is the base of this amusing and funny story of Mother Mummy and her "rotten" little mummy. The illustrations on the title and catalog-in-publication pages foreshadow the story. Little mummy considers running away and proceeds to describe his escape. After he tells what he will transform into, Mother Mummy responds with some loving transformations that only a little mummy would love. If little mummy is a serpent at the bottom of the sea, then Mother Mummy is the sea monster with arms to wrap around her little mummy. The illustrations are bold and colorful with a variety of different, comical monsters like a gargoyle, a dragon, and a bat. The story has an ironic climax that twists the idea of what is scary and frightful for the mother and son mummies. There is a happy monster ending that a little mummy would love with a giggle or two. 2009, G. P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-399-25203-7
Skelly and Femur
Jimmy Pickering
Illustrated by Jimmy Pickering
Here is another new offering for the Halloween season. Skelly is a redheaded little girl with a bat for a hair bow. Her dog's name is Femur. They live in a very spooky looking house with several scary creatures and Skelly's mother. Many objects have disappeared, including the buttons from Skelly's dress, her mother's umbrella, Femur's bone, and their dishes. Hearing an odd noise in the attic all gingerly climb the stairs to investigate. A remarkable machine put together by a mouse contains all the missing articles. It is producing lovely golden cheese that the mouse invites everyone to share. On the last page, Femur, Skelly and the mouse are gleefully enjoying the cheese. Adding to the book's fun are the quirky, almost primitive illustrations. All the characters have exaggerated eyes, mouths, hands, and feet. Skelly has no neck and extremely long eyelashes. Her mother has spiked hair and huge glasses perched on a tiny nose. Femur's tail and neck are made of bones. All the pictures are done in brilliant, glowing colors that include tan, purple, orange, and red, as well as various shades of blue and green. Black is used predominantly for background, clothing, and accents. Buy this book and thoroughly entertain young children this fall. 2009, Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 8, $12.99. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-7143-6
The Spooky Tire
Jon Scieszka
Illustrated by David Shannon, Loren Long, and David Gordon
Wooooooooo! Halloween approaches. Storytellers, it's time to prepare your best scary voices. Even the toddler and preschool set can enjoy the spooky season with this latest addition to the "Jon Scieszka's Trucktown" series. It is a dark and scary night when cement mixer Melvin gets a flat tire. He rolls into a dark junkyard, looking for a replacement. What does he find but a golden tire. He puts it in place and rolls out of the junkyard, heading for home. Apparently, he is not alone. "Who took my golden tire?" a spooky voice calls. Readers ultimately will discover that the source of the voice is well-intentioned Jack. Funnily enough, super-scared Melvin will not know; he is speeding away on the last page. Adult readers are likely to find themselves thinking of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow or any of a dozen chilling ghost stories often recounted around campfires. Young readers (for whom such older tales likely would be inappropriate) will enjoy participating in the season's shivers with this story. It is just the right amount of scary. 2009, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 6, $3.99. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-4142-2
And Then Comes Halloween
Tom Brenner
Illustrated by Holly Meade
An autumn chill hangs in the air as children prepare for Halloween. The adept depictions of paper witches, jack-o-lanterns and costumes create a vivid narrative of fall. Author Tom Brenner uses the words "when" and "then" throughout the story, allowing the reader to learn time sequence in a bewitching manner. He leaves out no detail and includes everything from decorating to trick-or-treating to (most importantly) eating candy! The illustrations, created with watercolors and collages, seem to pop off of the pages. They produce an exemplary likeness of autumn. Readers will enjoy this story at any time of the year, but it is sure to become a favorite each October. This will make an excellent addition to the elementary classroom either as a read-aloud for grades K-2 or as an introduction to sensory and detailed writing for grade 3. Students will find extensive examples of descriptive language as well as imagery. 2009, Candlewick, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewer: Summer Whiting (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3659-3
There Was An Old Monster!
Rebecca Emberley; Adrian Emberley and Ed Emberley
Illustrated by Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley
Author/illustrator Ed Emberley is well known to all who are familiar with books for children. In this new approach to the old tale, I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, daughter Rebecca has written a new set of lyrics. Rebecca and Adrian composed the music. The website for downloading a free copy of the song is listed at the beginning of the book. On black and purple pages that use red and yellow type, the tale of a monster that swallowed a tick that makes him sick unfolds. Trying to feel better, he swallows a variety of creatures, including ants, a lizard, a bat, a jackal, a bear, and a lion. Of course, nothing helps, and the lion makes short work of the monster. The illustrations are wonderful, as they combine vivid colors and collage to create a large orange horned, bug eyed monster, fuchsia ants, and a sharp-toothed, purple-clawed lion that swallowed the whole menagerie. Youngsters will delight in participating in this rollicking adventure, whether at story hour or when singing along with the downloaded CD. Definitely add this delightful book to the collection. 2009, Orchard Books/Scholastic, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-545-10145-5
ISBN: 0-545-10145-X
Trick or Treat, Calico!
Karma Wilson
Illustrated by Buket Erdogan
It is Halloween and Calico and her friends are getting ready to go trick or treating, but they have not found Calico. The search is underway and a first encounter a ghost with a lantern in his mouth, but it is not Calico it is puppy Scruff. The hunt continues with a new member of the entourage added as they encounter duckling Puff, little lamb Milly, a witch who turns out to be Mama Cat. Then finally, they spy a pretty princess who really is Calico in her costume. The illustrations are quite eye-catching and all of the animals have appropriate expressions in this lift-the-flap adventure. For activities involving Calico visit Simonsayskids.com. 2009, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 1 to 3, $6.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-1909-4
Trick or Treat? With Scary Flaps
Melanie Walsh
In this lift the flap board book, kids will learn about a lot of creatures and activities related to Halloween. Pumpkins are carved into jack-o'-lanterns, bats and spiders webs abound, kids dress up in costumes--in this case one as a skeleton and the other as a witch's cat. Then the costumed kids head out for trick-or-treating and knock on doors in the hope of obtaining a treat. Then at night when all are asleep, readers see ghosts flying around the house. In this potpourri, there are some scenes that will help younger kids enjoy the holiday and others such as the ones featuring a skeleton in the closet and ghosts flitting around that may be a bit distressing. 2006, Candlewick, Ages 3 to 5, $6.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4295-2
Trixie the Halloween Fairy
Daisy Meadows
With its "Rainbow Magic" series, the publisher seeks to tap into current fascination with fairies. This "special edition" series book has particular appeal, focusing as it does on the fun, intriguing holiday of Halloween. Rachel and Kirsty are looking forward to trick-or-treating as fairies, but their plans are quickly disrupted by the mean-spirited antics of Jack Frost. Frost had his goblins steal three magical pieces of Halloween candy from Trixie, the Halloween Fairy. Fortunately, they lost the candy in the process; at least they don't have it! Unfortunately, unless Trixie can find the candies and return them to Fairyland before Frost's minions find them, Halloween will be ruined! That's where Rachel and Kirsty come in. Trixie needs the girls' help to find the chocolate bar, candy corn, and caramel apple. The pacing of this book is slow, and the action is surprisingly passive. The true hero of the book seems to be Trixie's Fairyland kitten Moonlight. Still, fairy-mad readers are likely to enjoy this book, and the low cost might justify its purchase as an appealing holiday-specific option for middle readers. 2009, Little Apple/Scholastic, Ages 6 to 10, $6.99. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-545-10613-9
ISBN: 0-545-10613-3
Tucker's Spooky Halloween
Leslie McGuirk
Narrated by Rob Cleveland
You could just fish Leslie McGuirk's classic picture book out of this activity packet and read it to your children. But if you did that, you would miss out on the animated short version with its perfectly spooky score. You would miss out on the skillful narration of master storyteller Rob Cleveland. And you would miss out on the fun of placing a sheet full of stickers on a double-page harvest poster. I admit that I am, usually, quite skeptical of high-tech presentations of picture books. I wonder: Does animation add anything to the story? Does it detract anything from the story? Does it distract readers from the picture book as a highly effective storytelling format? In this case, my answers are yes, no, and maybe. (Which is, all-in-all, a positive review for such a format.) The animated short won my heart when it aptly showed Tucker's "mummy eyes" two scenes sooner than the picture book did. The spooky music added to the story's mood, as did Rob Cleveland's masterful reading. My only qualm about the book--and it is a pretty minor one, all things considered--is that this version may distract from the otherwise quite effective (but simple) picture book format. Beginning readers will appreciate the CD site of the disc, which has a page-by-page version complete with tones to indicate when to turn each page. This lovely package is recommended for use in the home or library setting. 2009, Candlewick, Ages 2 to 5, $14.99. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4469-7
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4439-0
Whooo's That? A Lift-the-flap Pumpkin Fun Book
Kay Winters
Illustrated by Jeannie Winston
The title page gives a clue as to what kids will encounter reading this book. There are bats, a black cat, pumpkin (jack-o-lantern) and kids in costumes. Each of the pages has a big almost full-page pumpkin as a flap. The text at the bottom of the page says "Whooo's that…" and when the flap is lifted the questions continue. So whooo's that hanging upside down reveals several not too fearsome bats and a scowling witch, her spider todstools, bat and black cat. The text under the flap is repetitive, but the text under it varies along with all the normal creatures associated with Halloween. The only one that deviates from the pattern is the last flap which shows a big grinning black cat, different text and a pumpkin overflowing with treats when the flap is lifted. One of the attractive components of the book is the variety of jack-o-lanterns on each of the pages. None are scary and most are cute. 2009, Harcourt, Ages 2 to 5, $9.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-15-206480-8
ISBN: 0-15-206480-X
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Updated 9/28/09
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