BENEATH THE GHOST MOON
by Jane Yolen & illustrated by Laurel Molk
From award-winning author Yolen comes this effervescent Halloween poem. On Halloween eve, all the field mice are dreaming of the ball they plan to have the next night. Unbeknownst to the sleeping mice, some mean-spirited creepy-crawly things slither out and destroy all the beautiful costumes. The mice are despondent when they see the mess and even consider moving away, but they are inspired to battle by one small white mouse. Egged on by her courage, the mice rally, making slingshots with wood and rubber bands, using bottle caps for shields, and gathering pebbles for ammunition. The creepy-crawlies are so scared that they run away. All except one, that is, who apologizes for his crimes and asks to be part of the mouse society. While most of the mice urge vengeance, the white mouse advocates forgiveness, which turns out to be the reigning spirit of the day. Destined to become a Halloween classic, this was written to be read aloud. Colorful, lighthearted illustrations are a fine complement to the wonderful words. Yolen's poetic pitch is perfect, and the story unfolds in a graceful, lovely fashion that will have young listeners begging, "Again! Again!" Happily, adults will be glad to comply. (Fiction. 4-8)