ANNIE WAS WARNED

Glow-in-the-dark display type on the cover really sets the mood for this Halloween ramble. Resolutely setting out into the night in the wake of her friend James’s dare, Annie makes her way down a deserted street, past spooky shadows and blowing leaves, to an ill-favored mansion. Braving rustles and whispers, she pushes open the door—a gatefold—and the lights blaze on, revealing a roomful of costumed “creatures,” including James, now sporting vampire teeth, loudly wishing her a happy birthday. Annie’s wide-eyed, unchanging look of worry gives the art a wooden feel, but Krosoczka expertly heightens both the suspense and the climactic, well-designed release. Young audiences will shiver with pleasure. (Picture book. 6-8)