Overview
One Halloween, a little witch joins a group of young trick-or-treaters, and all participate in a wonderful foot-stomping, hand-clapping dance. But when the children take off their masks, they get a big surprise: under her mask, the little witch really is a witch—and she shows the others that brooms really are for flying.
With his signature bold, bright artwork and simple, engaging text, Michael Rex has created the perfect Halloween book for preschoolers, who will love to do as the monsters do in this uproarious celebration of Halloween. The rhythmic text begs to be chanted, and the little witch provides all the thrills of this favorite holiday without any of the chills.
A group of young trick-or-treaters demonstrate that "feet are for stomping," "eyes are for peeking," "mouths are for moaning," and "tummies are for treating."
Synopsis
A funny, interactive Halloween story for preschoolers.
Children's Literature
With a "follow the leader" format, a little witch directs other costumed children to march and stomp, peek with their eyes, reach and flap their arms, shake their bones and moan. Young listeners will enjoy following along with the actions, as well. Readers are in for a surprise when the witch directs the characters to removes their masks and she states, "Masks are for...tricking." She removes her human child mask revealing her own warty-nosed green face. The little witch then flies off on her broom to join her mother. A plain white background allows the reader to focus on the likable costumed characters, including a pirate, an alien, Frankenstein, a clown and a vampire. With a four-word sentence on each page and cartoon-style illustrations in pencil and graphic software, this is a good introduction for young preschoolers who are just becoming acquainted with Halloween. 2000, Henry Holt and Company, $16.00. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
Editorials
From the Publisher
“This book is a delightful way for preschoolers to enjoy Halloween. . . . The images are not scary but in fact, once masks are removed, show warm and friendly kids from a variety of ethnicities. Perfect for storytime.”—School Library Journal “The energetic movements throughout are preschooler-perfect (and sure to bring them to their feet), and the final twist is just the right trick for this age group—shivery fun without the fright.”—The Horn Book “With rounded, cuddly pencil drawings and Ruth Krauss’s winning A Hole Is to Dig formula, Rex provides a real goodie for this year’s trick-or-treat bag.”—Publishers Weekly