Boo!

July 27, 2015
The diaper-wearing baby from Patricelli’s Toot, Tickle, and other board books gets its first taste of Halloween, from pumpkin carving to costume choosing. In the book’s funniest moment, Baby dismisses “too small” and “too big” pumpkins for one that’s “just right”—it’s the exact size and shape of Baby’s head, down to a squiggly stem that mirrors Baby’s single curly hair. (Admittedly, this makes the subsequent pumpkin-carving scenes just a tad creepy.) Patricelli honestly explores the frights and excitements that Halloween first-timers often feel, but she keeps the dial firmly set to fun. Up to age 3. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House.

September 1, 2015

PreS-A preschooler really loves Halloween, but readers see the duality of the holiday in a new and special way. There are the challenges of picking the perfect pumpkin and carving it, picking out a costume, and finding the courage to go trick-or-treating with Dad. The twofold plot is supported by the illustrations. For example, when the protagonist exclaims that he is "all clean," he actually is a complete mess from the guts of the pumpkin. Boo! is a fun and funny book that is a "safe" read for preschoolers because the happy-go-lucky toddler, with a single wiry strand of hair and pinkish glow, adds levity to a dark and scary night filled with ghosts and goblins. VERDICT Another winner for Patricelli. She has cleverly crafted a tale about a lovable preschooler celebrating another favorite holiday.-Gwen Collier, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, NY

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2016
Patricelli's tiny tot celebrates Halloween. The spooky season is nigh, and this little one is ready to celebrate. First the single-haired imp picks out the perfect pumpkin for a jack-o'-lantern. (Daddy uses the knife while the eager narrator scoops out the insides.) Then it's on to the wardrobe department to pick a creepy costume. And finally there's learning the ins and outs of trick-or-treating. The author mixes comparing-and-contrasting skills development with the highlights of All Hallows' Eve, and the result is a charming read. The bold, rounded illustrations and purple, orange, and green color palette engage the eye and evoke the holiday perfectly. The author smartly crafts her main character to be perfectly androgynous, so readers can see themselves in the costumes as well as sharing the fun and preparing for their own holiday traditions. This will end up in many storytime stacks all year long. A warm and cuddly celebration of the creepiest holiday. (Board book. 1-3)

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September 1, 2015
In this board-book treat, Patricelli's diapered baby picks a just right pumpkin, helps Daddy carve a familiar-looking jack-o'-lantern (a pumpkin selfie, if you will), and chooses a scary costume: W-w-what's that? Oh. It's only me. Trick-or-treating with Daddy is a bit spooky, too, until the little ghostie discovers there's candy involved. The lively color-saturated illustrations play off the simple, direct text, adding humor and silliness to the mix. Two interactive double-page spreads How should we carve our jack-o'-lantern? and What should I be? involve young listeners in the fun and prep newbies for these holiday highlights. kitty flynn

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)