TRICK OR TREAT

Oliver the ghost is all prepared for his Halloween party after delivering invitations to his scariest friends—but what will he do when two young trick-or-treaters show up unexpectedly at his door?

In the hustle and bustle of getting everything ready, Oliver mistakenly drops an invitation to his party, and it lands near two human boys who are happy to be so honored. When night falls, Oliver’s guests start to arrive. The witches, the skeletons and the bats are greeted with a “BOO” from Oliver, but “a little cow and a little jack-o’-lantern” arrive and shout “Trick or treat!” Everyone, host and guests alike, is nonplussed. After some awkward moments full of plans to whisper hexes and cast spells, Oliver shouts, “TREAT!” Once welcomed, the two boys enjoy a night of dancing with skeletons, chasing ghosts and riding brooms with witches. With economical wording, flat illustrations executed in pencil and watercolor and clever foreshadowing, the story further impresses by delivering a most satisfactory ending. The morning after Halloween, Oliver discovers an invitation from young Jack inviting him to his birthday party.

Landry has carefully crafted a seemingly simple tale about graciousness, generosity and openness to new friendships and packaged it into what is sure to be a perennial Halloween favorite.