Issue #0

The Best Halloween of All

Plot

Kindergarten-Grade 3-This breezy update of Wojciechowski's 1992 title (Crown) features a more direct narrative voice as well as a few new illustrations. There's a lot more dialogue, especially between narrator Ben and his older brother Michael, and the text appears to be hand printed, allowing certain words and phrases to be emphasized (via slightly larger and darker letters) just as they might be in conversation. The story remains the same, however, with Ben cataloging the inventive costumes created by his parents and, finally declaring his independence by designing his own (much simpler) one. The illustrations are also very close to the originals, though it appears that some pictures and the overall page size are slightly larger. This creates a less text-heavy look, making the new version more inviting and accessible. The added pictures fit seamlessly into the story, expanding the humor and adding to the fun. Even libraries that own the previous edition will want to consider purchasing a few new copies of this charming Halloween treat.

Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA.