Skeleton Bones and Goblin Groans: Poems for Halloween [Hardcover]

Amy E. Sklansky (Author), Karen Dismukes (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Jack o' lantern
Jack o' light.
Jack o' darkness.
Jack o' night.

A spirited collection of Halloween poems
guaranteed to tickle the funny bone

Thrillsome, shocking, bewitching-Halloween! It's the only night of the year where a being can truly be . . . itself! But Halloween's not just for goblins. Read along and see for yourself as bats, witches, daring adventurers, even ordinary kids (especially ordinary kids!) are excited to come out for tricks or treats.

Spooky-fun poems and winning hand-beaded illustrations perfectly capture the fun of this much-loved holiday.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–From skeletons to vampires, the creepy icons of Halloween are presented in this collection of short, engaging poems. Forms of poetry are varied; some selections are very short, others longer, most rhyming, and some draped across spreads. "What Should I Be?" sets the stage as the narrator must decide on a costume while voicing the ultimate goal of Halloween for most children: "…superhero,/wise old wizard,/goblin for a night./Whatever I decide to be/(monster, hero, beast),/I want to get an early start/collecting all the treats!" Each playful poem is placed on a textured, brightly colored collage created by beads and fabric on canvas. The result is appealing, animated, and appropriate for younger children. While the alliterative language in "Night Flight" is imaginative with its "Flip/flap/floom" and "Dip/dap/doom," bats do not dive through the air "To land right in your hair!" This error is mitigated, however, by the overall appeal of the book and its potential use with a broad age range. Fresh, straightforward collections of short, Halloween-themed poetry are always welcome additions and this one is particularly handsome.–Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library
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Review

"Kids who enjoy the spooky side of Halloween will find this a treat."--Kirkus Reviews

"[A]ppealing, animated, and appropriate for younger children."--School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080507046X
• ISBN-13: 978-0805070460
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,591,201 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't stop giving them away for gifts!, September 30, 2006

By 

Book Nana (Marquette, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skeleton Bones and Goblin Groans: Poems for Halloween (Hardcover)

I am an adult but love this Halloween book. It is written for children but I enjoy it and have given a copy of ths book to numerous friends (who have grandchildren) as well as to some of my favorite children. It has interested me that boys who are not readers by nature, seem to enjoy this book very much. Girls also adore the book but always seem easier to interest in reading than boys. Have a look! Don't pass up this book!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Halloween Treat with No Cavities!, October 16, 2004

By 

Happy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skeleton Bones and Goblin Groans: Poems for Halloween (Hardcover)

A great alternative to giving the same old candy year after year- this book is a treat for young minds!The poems are imaginative and fun, and in the case of the poem, "Skeleton", informative.I purchased two of the books for my nephews and niece as a Halloween treat. I always like to read the books myself before giving them away and I couldn't wait to take a peek at this one. The beaded illustrations are colorful, whimsical and beautifully done. I especially loved the art and poem on "Dinner Dilemma", "House for Sale!", "A Broomstick's Life", and "What Should I Be?". If you are looking for a "Spooktacular" book that adults and children will have fun reading, choose this one along with "From the Doghouse: Poems to Chew On", by the same author, and you won't be disappointed.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book! Cute, with spectacularly creative illustrations., October 11, 2010

By 

Frances K. Harville "bookgeek" (Tacoma, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Skeleton Bones and Goblin Groans: Poems for Halloween (Hardcover)

I'm a beader, and saw an ad for this book in a magazine many years ago. I saved it, wanting to pick it up sometime. I found it a few months ago, tucked in some old papers, and decided to see if it was still around. It was, and I was so happy to be able to get a copy.

The poems are cute--my 3-year-old likes me to read them to her. And the illustrations are so cleverly done, beautifully rendered, and inspiring, I bought the second book these two collaborated on! It's about dogs, and just as cute and fun.

As a creative individual, I appreciate the artistry of others, and this book is no exception! As a kid's book, it is perfect for Halloween. As beading inspiration for Halloween junkies, it is gold.