It's Halloween, Little Monster (Little Monster #3)

PreS-Gr 1--Little Monster is getting ready to experience his first trick-or-treat expedition, and he's feeling a little anxious. But his papa comes with him and reassures him that there is nothing to be afraid of. Gradually, Little Monster begins to appear less anxious and encouraged that everything is all right. In a charming final twist, the roles are reversed, as Little Monster is the one with the comforting smile when his father is frightened by a skeleton. Charming full-bleed watercolor illustrations featuring cheerful zombies, ghouls, and an assortment of adorable monsters combine with comforting rhyming text to create a playful Halloween outing that is sure to please little monsters everywhere. VERDICT Recommended for collections and perfect for seasonal storytime.--Jessica Marie, Salem P.L., OR

The creators of the Little Monster series send the title character trick-or-treating on his first Halloween in this rhyming tale. Much of the humor derives from Leick's jaunty watercolors, in which paws, clawed feet, and fangs protrude from the already outlandish young monsters' elaborate costumes. Little Monster warily peers out the window as a parent urges him to get ready: "It's here, Little Monster!/ Almost time to go out./ Hurry! Get dressed!/ There are creatures about." When the two head outdoors, Little Monster (with oversize ears poking out from a green Martian costume) looks dubious when reassured that a trick-or-treater isn't really a ghost, but "a kid in a sheet." The frights and assurances continue until a cemetery romp suddenly turns the tables on father-son fright quotients, making for a sweet but sudden conclusion. Ages 3-7. (July)