TURTLE AND SNAKE’S SPOOKY HALLOWEEN

Pals Snake and Turtle decide to host a Halloween fête in this latest installment in Spohn’s popular early reader series (Turtle and Snake Fix It, p. 110, etc.). The spunky duo takes readers through the entire process of party-planning, from sending out the invitations to selecting the perfect attire. Spohn keeps the text appropriately brief—and wholesome—for the preschool to early elementary set. There are no ghouls or ghastly surprises in this simple tale, only the seasonal fun that is the hallmark of the holiday: Snake and Turtle eagerly create jack-o’-lanterns, tasty treats, and fun activities to celebrate the day. These high-interest topics, along with the fully integrated illustrations, keep hesitant readers on track and pique the interest of pre-readers. The bright, bold colors saturating the pages of Spohn’s illustrations are splendidly suited for the younger crowd. Her cartoon quality drawings resemble nothing more that a child’s deft doodlings, lending immense appeal to the tale. The continual reappearance of the pair’s “To Do” list provides readers with an outline for the tale’s direction, while the inclusion of icons in the list offers a little help for struggling readers. Spohn delightfully captures all the innocent fun of this holiday for youngsters and a couple of recipes are included for little ones eager to throw their own soirées. (Picture book. 3-7)