In a “House That Jack Built” tale that exemplifies the butterfly effect, some costumed kids who shout “Trick or treat!” cause havoc at a house full of monsters.
The children wake up the vampire, who trips on his feet and stuns a witch stirring a cauldron. This spooks a ghost, “Boo!” who startles a zombie, who screams and scatters the bats. This scares the black cat, who in turn terrifies Frankie. A skeleton, a werewolf, a spider, and a mummy round out the Halloween cast. Four of these creatures are involved in actually building the house (which is more than the original rhyme). Metzger’s verses have a nice rhythm to them, and the end rhymes work, though it may take quite a few readings before children can join in. The illustrations are done in a scratchy style with black and white featuring prominently and pops of poison green and shades of purple and red. The bugged eyes, wide-open mouths with lots of sharp teeth, and evident fear make this one to share with slightly older children.
For fans of cumulative rhymes and monsters of all sorts. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: June 28, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-545-61112-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: July 20, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
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A Halloween book that rides on the rhythms of “Over in the Meadow.”
Although Halloween rhyming counting books abound, this stands out, with a text that begs to be read aloud and cartoony digital illustrations that add goofy appeal. A girl and two boys set off on Halloween night to go trick-or-treating. As the children leave the cozy, warm glow of their street, readers see a haunted house on a hill, with gravestones dotting the front yard. Climbing the twisty path to the dark estate takes time, so the story turns to the antics inside the house. “At the old haunted house in a room with no sun / lived a warty green witch and her wee witch one. ‘SPELL!’ cried the witch. ‘POOF!’ cried the one. / And they both practiced spells in the room with no sun.” The actions of the scary creatures within may seem odd, but the rhyme must go on: Cats scratch, goblins dust, monsters stir, and mummies mix. Eventually the three kids reach the front door and are invited in for stew, cake and brew. At first shocked by the gruesome fare, the children recover quickly and get caught up in partying with the slightly spooky but friendly menagerie.
A good choice to share with wriggly listeners, who will soon be joining in. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 12, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4778-4769-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Two Lions
Review Posted Online: July 16, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2014
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In a big, old house on a snowy hill, the Amore family of nine celebrates Valentine's Day.
Mia Valentina, the youngest family member, and Mama clean the house and decorate for the Amores’ favorite holiday. Then Mia’s mother helps her make thoughtful but funny valentines for her 6 siblings. When Papa and the rest of the clan return home from a basketball game, Mia’s siblings get a kick out of their valentines, and Papa presents Mama with chocolate cherry cordials, but no one gives Mia a gift. While the family has dinner and plays games, Mia’s sadness seemingly goes unnoticed. It’s not until bedtime that she makes a discovery that chases away her gloom. The pages of this book are text-heavy, making it a good springboard for young readers making the transition to chapter books. The light pink pages, cheerful illustrations, and homespun authenticity of the text will appeal to children. The cozy Appalachian mountain setting shines through. Crafty types will glean inspiration to create a gumdrop tree, custom valentines, or themed cupcakes. Mentions of an antique washing machine and patched-up windows establish the Amores as a working-class family. The old house and large family could be read as standard storybook fare or, by more critical readers, as a romanticized image of rural life, and the didactic ending feels old-fashioned. The Amores are White. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A sweet story highlighting nonromantic love during the Valentine season. (Illustrated text. 4-7)Pub Date: Dec. 28, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-20331-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Dec. 3, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2021
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