Skeleton Bones and Goblin Groans

Publishers Weekly

"Beady" refers to more than just evil eyes in Skeleton Bones and Goblin Groans: Poems for Halloween by Amy Sklansky, illus. by Karen Dismukes. As in their From the Doghouse, the fabric and bead artwork brings to life a collection of poems on haunting topics. In "A Witch's Favorite Day," a green-complected hag laments, "I only come out at night/ because I'm such a fright./ This sadly is my plight / except on Halloween." (Aug.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

Get ready for Halloween! Twenty-one breezy and rhythmic poems await the reader. Imaginative verse ranges in style, subject, and length. From choosing a costume to scary characters such as vampires and witches, the mood for the fun-filled day is set. "Jack o' Lantern, Jack o' light. Jack o' darkness. Jack o' night. Jack o' scary, Jack o' mean. Jack o' lantern, Halloween!" The artwork is cleverly executed and adds to the joy of the holiday. Artistic beadwork set on bold fabrics is stunning to behold. Bright vivid colors display a gangly skeleton, a haunted house, and frolicking ghosts. Turn the book upside down to view the bat and sideways to meet Frankenstein. So, rustle up some of your favorite goblins and enjoy the fun of Halloween! 2004, Henry Holt and Company, Ages 5 to 8.
—Laura Hummel

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-From skeletons to vampires, the creepy icons of Halloween are presented in this collection of short, engaging poems. Forms of poetry are varied; some selections are very short, others longer, most rhyming, and some draped across spreads. "What Should I Be?" sets the stage as the narrator must decide on a costume while voicing the ultimate goal of Halloween for most children: "-superhero,/wise old wizard,/goblin for a night./Whatever I decide to be/(monster, hero, beast),/I want to get an early start/collecting all the treats!" Each playful poem is placed on a textured, brightly colored collage created by beads and fabric on canvas. The result is appealing, animated, and appropriate for younger children. While the alliterative language in "Night Flight" is imaginative with its "Flip/flap/floom" and "Dip/dap/doom," bats do not dive through the air "To land right in your hair!" This error is mitigated, however, by the overall appeal of the book and its potential use with a broad age range. Fresh, straightforward collections of short, Halloween-themed poetry are always welcome additions and this one is particularly handsome.-Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Halloween happenings of the mildly scary sort are the thematic focus of this collection of 21 short poems. Most of the poems rhyme, although a few are non-rhyming, in the style (but not the exact form) of haiku. Many of the poems are excellent; a few have some amateurish rhymes or sing-song rhythm; and one or two need a touch of Halloween magic to come alive. If the quality of the poems is a little uneven, the volume's polished design and enchanting beaded illustrations maintain a high level of quality and interest throughout. Dismukes exhibits a fine sense of style and graphic design in her jewel-toned fabric collages embellished with buttons and rows of beads. Her Halloween creatures are a delight: Frankenstein, a green-faced witch, a Cyclops, skeletons, spiders, and ghostly trick-or-treaters in costume. A clever black cat with a curly tail makes repeated but slightly altered appearances, sporting tiny matching fangs for a vampire poem and just one eye when the Cyclops comes to call. Kids who enjoy the spooky side of Halloween will find this a treat. (Poetry. 5-8)