A silly, sweet story about meeting obstacles with aplomb.
Two cool cats try to stop an out-of-control vine from consuming their town.
Pumpkin and Beetle, a fun-loving duo of vampire felines, uncover a treasure chest in the Hallowville graveyard. It contains a handful of red seeds and a note: “Grow at your own risk.” The pointy-toothed pair think little of it and plant the seeds immediately, nourishing them with plant food made from “spookified bones.” When the plant sprouts, it just keeps growing, and soon a sprawling, ravenous vine covers the school playground, takes over Mrs. Owl’s ghoulberries, and traps the cats’ canine pal Woofles inside a giant flower! Pumpkin and Beetle must figure out how to save their friend and untangle their town from the major mess they made. A couple of cranky witches assist the overwhelmed cats, helping them cook up a yucky vine-dispelling spell with “eyes of a newt,” “one teaspoon of frog mucus,” and “a splash of tomato juice.” The purple and orange surroundings of Hallowville, a town filled with monsters, critters, and talkative bugs, are just Halloween-y enough for emerging readers seeking a lightly eerie adventure. As in their first outing, Pumpkin and Beetle again make brave strides as they face a big challenge and take responsibility, while Ho’s friendly illustrations find ample opportunities for humor tangled up among the vines. A brief guide to growing plants follows the fun tale.
A silly, sweet story about meeting obstacles with aplomb. (Graphic fiction. 5-8)Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
ISBN: 9780823459636
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 18, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Frightful and delightful: a comforting (to some, anyway) reminder that no one sleeps alone.
In a tardy prequel to I Need My Monster (2009), candidates for that coveted spot under the bed audition.
As the distressingly unflappable young narrator looks on, one monster after another gives it a go—but even with three mouths, the best roar Genghis can manage is a puny “blurp!”, silly shadow puppets by shaggy Morgan elicit only a sneeze, and red Abigail’s attempt to startle by hiding in the fridge merely leaves her shivering and pathetic. Fortunately, there’s Gabe, who knows just how to turn big and hairy while lurking outside the bathroom and whose red-eyed stare and gross drooling sends the lad scrambling into bed to save his toes. “Kid, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” the toothy terror growls. Right he is, the lad concludes, snuggling down beneath the covers: “His snorts and ooze were perfect.” As usual, the white-presenting child’s big, bright, smiling face and the assortment of bumbling monsters rendered in oversaturated hues keep any actual scariness at tentacle’s length. Moreover, Monster, Inc. fans will delight in McWilliam’s painstaking details of fang, claw, hair, and scales.
Frightful and delightful: a comforting (to some, anyway) reminder that no one sleeps alone. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-947277-09-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Flashlight Press
Review Posted Online: June 22, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2019
A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side.
Bash is back for another session of Scare School.
This second series installment sees the young ghost tasked with completing a group project that requires him to learn about a terrifying place in or around the school. Bash is assigned to work with Wes, a shy but gentle and artistic werewolf, and Vicky and Vlad, two prickly vampires. The group decides to research the spooky forest. Bash is nervous about exploring the forest; plus, he must contend with teammates who don’t pull their own weight (Vicky and Vlad goof off in the gym while Bash and Wes wait for them in the library). But Bash eventually finds a way to confront his fears as he and the others complete their project. Despite the premise, this tale’s more sweet than spooky. Endearing Bash frets about new experiences but proves eager to jump in. He has a delightful, supportive friend in his roommate, Itsy the spider; her tiny knitted socks are an especially charming detail. The characters’ realization that fear can sometimes hold us back will resonate with readers. The plot moves at a steady clip, while stick figure illustrations and comic panels break up the text, giving the tale an appealing, Wimpy Kid–esque vibe.
A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side. (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781665922128
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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