Sure, I like candy for Halloween, but I also like books. So, if I can treat myself with a book or two at that time of year, it is great (okay I’ll be honest, any time of the year, and you know it’s more like 13). However, I do not think Halloween (or Christmas, or St. Patrick, or even first day of school) books should be limited to one time of year. They are great no matter when you read them. And these two books are good for a treat year-round.
I’ll start with a Halloween book. I guess Roald Dahl wrote the text, but since I am not really a fan, I am not sure if Roald Dahl: Trick or Treat: With Lift-the-Flap Surprises! was his or not. But I do know that it is Quentin Blake on the illustrations. There is no question that what we see is his signature style. Therefore, I would say that this book would work for Dahl fans but would be best for Blake fans. And it would be a nice, book for a younger reader as a Halloween treat. You find yummy goodies, spooky surprises and of course a few tricks. Due in August 2023, this flap book is a nice introduction to the Halloween spirit. This is mostly due to the style of Blake, and less from the text (perhaps since I am not the real audience for this, it just did not work for me, but the text is fine). Blake’s illustrations carry the story with their simple, not simplistic, details and expression. Not overly colorful, but still the colors are strong and work for the idea presented. Since this was an on line read, I am not sure how the flap part of the story works, but does seem like it will be fun to play with.
Though if you want a treat that is not Halloween based, but equally sweet, try The Power of Yeti. The idea Rebecca Van Slyke is presenting is that you might not be able to tie your shoes (count backwards from 100, or other tricky things), Yeti. Or in other words, yet. When a boy who is having trouble trying to be good at the things his friends can do, he is frustrated. But he need not despair, for when a hairy creature spots our young character in distress, he tells him he is there to help by giving the boy some magic: The Power of Yeti or the power of keep trying and practicing. And this power is stronger than Bigfoot, Sasquatch, or the Abominable Snow Monster. The style of G. Brian Karas is present (as they are the illustrator) but also it is slightly different. The silliness makes things fun and light, while letting you know that it might be hard work getting there, but worth it. The medium color and details set a tone for the text. Due in September this book will be ready for school issues (new friends, new things to learn, same issues of having trouble getting the hang of things) as well as a treat for the holidays.
Both books were read via Edelweiss.
