A fun and festive Halloween story.
A crow takes readers on a tour of a monster-filled hotel in Mark Kibbe and Susan Kibbe's rhyming picture book.
On “Hallows of Eve,” a top hat– and bow tie–wearing crow named Old Carnie guides readers through the Monster Hotel, a decrepit old dwelling that may remind some readers of the Victorian home of TV's Addams family. Though the place is dark, filled with cobwebs and dust, and “smells like gym socks, it’s a coveted year-round destination for spooky guests, including monsters, trolls, mummies, and more. Although these creatures have a blast at the hotel, Old Carnie warns that human visitors should stay away, explaining that the Monster Hotel guests “have never seen children” before and would be frightened: “They would jump out of windows, and climb under chairs.” However, the crow muses that maybe, just maybe, on Halloween night: “If you dress like a monster and your costume is right, you can visit the Monster Hotel in disguise.” Children will enjoy following Old Carnie’s rhyming descriptions of the quirky happenings at an atmospheric place: “The doors are all broken; there are weeds for a lawn. The tree in the yard is all shriveled and black.” The spooky characters are more friendly than scary—even the skeletons smile—making the story suitable for young readers. Witherspoon's full-color illustrations offer cartoonish depictions of the Monster Hotel’s amusing scenes, such as the snoozing Vlad the vampire wearing an eye mask. The book also has goblins swimming in the hotel pool, trolls playing chess, and singing and dancing ghosts.
A fun and festive Halloween story.Pub Date: Aug. 17, 2020
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 27
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: March 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience.
The How to Catch A… crew try for Comet.
Having already failed to nab a Halloween witch, the Easter Bunny, a turkey, a leprechaun, the Tooth Fairy, and over a dozen other iconic trophies in previous episodes of this bestselling series, one would think the racially diverse gaggle of children in Elkerton’s moonlit, wintry scenes would be flagging…but no, here they lay out snares ranging from a loop of garland to an igloo baited with reindeer moss to an enticing candy cane maze, all in hopes of snagging one of Santa’s reindeer while he’s busy delivering presents. Infused with pop culture–based Christmas cheer (“Now I’ve already seen the shelf with the elf”), Comet prances past the traps until it’s time to gather up the kids, most of whom look terrified, for a group snapshot with the other reindeer and then climb back into harness: “This was a great stop but a few million to go / Christmas Eve must continue with style!” Though festive, the verse feels trite and unlikely to entice youngsters. A sprinkling of “True Facts About Reindeer” (“They live in the tundra, where they have friends like the arctic bunny”) wrap up this celebration of the predatory spirit. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022
ISBN: 9781728276137
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Another Seuss-chimera joins the ranks of the unforgettable Herlar and with the advent of the Grinch— a sort of Yule Ghoul who lives in a cave just north of who-ville. While all the Who's made ready on Christmas Eve the Grinch donned a Santa-Claus disguise. In gurgling verse at a galloping gait, we learn how the Grinch stole the "presents, the ribbons, the wrappings, the tags, the tinsel and trappings," from all the Who's. But the Grinch's heart (two sizes too small) melted just in time when he realized that the Who's enjoyed Christmas without any externals. Youngsters will be in transports over the goofy gaiety of Dr. Seuss's first book about a villain — easily the best Christmas-cad since Scrooge. Inimitable Seuss illustrations of the Grinch's dog Max disguised as a reindeer are in black and white with touches of red. Irrepressible and irresistible.
Pub Date: Oct. 12, 1957
ISBN: 0394800796
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Oct. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1957
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
