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Sunday, October 31, 2010

And Then Comes Halloween, written by Tom Brenner and illustrated by Holly Meade. Candlewick, Random House. 2009. $20.00 ages 3 and up

"When neighbors rake fallen leaves into piles,
and the sky is that certain deep blue,
and bins of pumpkins arrive at the grocery store...

THEN bring one home and scoop and carve,
and, with lights out and candle in,
watch it grin or grimace or wink."



I really like this book, and have been holding onto it for months. I wanted to share it with you today. Now, you can order it for next year, if you think it sounds like a book you should have!  Tom Brenner makes exceptional word choices to give his readers a sharp picture of this favored day of the year for young children. Holly Mead provides all the appeal of a Halloween celebration made at home. Children create and hang the decorations, carve pumpkins, and design simple, recognizable costumes to wear as they hit the streets to trick or treat in their neighborhood. They are together and they are having the best time!

When they get home, they sit to eat, trade and count:

"Dump the bags of candy on the floor,
and eat some and count,
and eat some and trade,
and eat some and share
before Dragon and Ballerina
and Buckaroo go home."

All senses get in on the action....listeners will request an immediate reread. What could be more fun?

As the night comes to an end and the children prepare for a much-needed rest, they cannot help but dream of next year and the fun that is in store for them. A whole year to decide who to be, when autumn returns and brings another Halloween with it. Awesome!

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