Halloween

Luminous, haunting illustrations of three trick-or-treaters' moonlit revels capture the spooky, spine-tingling thrill of this magical night.

Publishers Weekly

Given Couch's (Summer's Vacation) stylish treatment, the 1949 poem that serves as text for this distinctive picture book will occasion a classic case of the shivers. The poem is mostly a scene-setter: "Tonight is the night/ when dead leaves fly/ like witches on switches/ across the sky." In spooky, misty paintings, Couch introduces three trick-or-treaters who gradually lose their courage. Readers will join them in wondering if things are as they seem, as Couch straddles the delicate line between literal and suggestive representation. The children flee, carelessly dropping their masks and candy baskets. By the chilly glow of a colossal moon, monsters approach-and kindly return the lost items. The illustrator's controlled tension and spine-tingling lighting mine the visual story line for maximum impact. Ages 3-7. (Aug.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Harry Behn (1898-1973) was born in Prescott, Arizona. He attended Stanford University and Harvard University, and worked as a Hollywood scriptwriter and a college professor. He was the founding editor of the Arizona Quarterly, founder of the University of Arizona Press and the Phoenix Little Theatre. He wrote numerous children's novels, several of which he also illustrated, and seven books of verse for young readers.

Sue Stauffacher is a professional journalist and has been writing a children's book review column for 10 years. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Greg Couch is the illustrator of many children's books. He has received two Society of Illustrators Silver Medals. He lives in Nyack, New York.