The Boo Crew Needs You!

PreS--In this interactive Halloween title, the Boo Crew needs readers' help. Lively text and cartoonlike illustrations work well together. For example, text reads, "Nothing's going right at all! Will this wreck the Monster Ball?" In the illustration, small ghosts are flying out of a window, there is a sad vampire whose cape is caught in a tree, and even the spider doesn't look happy. Fortunately, readers can save the day. Text reads, "Quick, press here to make a call for the Boo Crew!" On the other end of the phone, the Boo Crew--Luna, Bones, and Fang--are ready to spring into action. But they need help. Readers are prompted to shout "Yes!," push a switch, blow out a candle on a cupcake, tap pumpkins on the page, take a breath, tip the book, find a rope, clap their hands, turn the book, (and then shake and turn the book), knock on the door, and pat their backs. This fun story will have young readers participating in a Halloween adventure that isn't scary. VERDICT Recommended as an addition to Halloween shelves, an engaging title that provides new material on the holiday topic.--Robin Sofge

There's something strange in the neighborhood on Halloween, and readers know who they're gonna call in Fang's high-energy, rhyming interactive romp. Touching an illustrated button that reads "Quick, PRESS HERE," the audience helps to summon the Boo Crew--ghost Luna, skeleton Bones, and vampire Fang--which solicits assistance to put things right. In each scene, readers are urged to join the crew in addressing chaos ahead of the Monster Ball. When a witch's new broomstick has a glitch, vampire Fang offers "Hey, try PUSHING on the switch," and points to a large orange rocker switch in the image. And when the trio discovers the dance's venue is literally turned on its side, readers are invited to "SHAKE the book and TURN us straight!" Lou fills full moonlit scenes with green, orange, and purple-tinged cartoons of smiling mummies, werewolves, and witches of various skin tones leading up to the festive bash, where readers can celebrate their own job well done. Ages 3-8. (Aug.)