Eek! Halloween! (Boynton on Board)

An excellent, rounded effort from a creator who knows how to deliver. (Board book. 1-3)

Copyright 2016 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-K--The chickens know that something odd is going on. A duck wearing gigantic monster feet? Pumpkins with eerie faces? Their anxiety mounts until a friend pops up to reassure them: "Relax, silly chickens! It's Halloween." This bite-size board book is infused with the sense of whimsy that fans of the author's work have grown to appreciate. She pairs readable text in verse with winsome, thick-lined, round-eyed illustrations to create a delightful introduction to this potentially frightening holiday. Readers will love the cast of enticing creatures--a pig wearing a chicken suit, a large elephant in a mouse costume, a pair of grinning felines in wizard and witch hats, and the soft-bellied chickens (an endearingly expressive bunch, looking around uncertainly and grimacing forlornly)--each placed against a simple backdrop. Boynton maintains a slightly eerie mood but keeps everything just gentle enough to appeal to the intended audience. VERDICT A great addition to board book collections, especially where Halloween titles are needed. Kids anticipating their first Halloween will be easily convinced, along with the initially nervous poultry, that the upcoming holiday is full of spooky fun.--Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal