Very Scary [Paperback]

Tony Johnston (Author), Douglas Florian (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A shimmering pumpkin is transformed into a very scary jack-o’-lantern with help from some eager trick-or-treaters.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2?A delightful holiday story in which the text and pictures go hand in hand to create a perfect Halloween treat. An "orange pumpkin moon" shines down on a field chock-full of pumpkins, and the biggest one actually absorbs the moonlight. That beautiful, brightly shining pumpkin impresses an owl, a black cat, crickets, and a wicked-looking witch. But when the costumed children come, they carve a perfect jack-o'-lantern that frightens everyone as it shouts, "'Boo!'" Johnston's poetic text begs to be read aloud and Florian's brilliant, primitive watercolors in oranges, blues, and browns are filled with subtle tricks. There are faintly painted faces on all of the pumpkins, scary shapes in the shadows, and a hint of each new character on the page before it fully appears. This is the kind of book every library should have?beautiful words, wonderful pictures, and a great story. Don't miss it!?Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Ages 3^-5. Absorbing the light of the orange moon, a big pumpkin sits in its field and soon attracts an owl, a cat, some crickets, a witch, and a group of children in Halloween costumes. When a girl boldly carves the pumpkin into a jack-o'lantern, it shouts "BOO!" and frightens everyone away. Rhythmic and sometimes rhyming, the words create the story's atmosphere with economy and style. The mysterious watercolor scenes, in many shades of orange and midnight blue, will reward those who take the time to look closely. Best of all, children who look forward to transforming themselves on Halloween will share the pumpkin's pride in being very scary. A satisfying mood book to read aloud on the holiday. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper; 1 edition (July 26, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152020977
• ISBN-13: 978-0152020972
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,996,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Reading in Atlanta, September 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Very Scary (School & Library Binding)

My 3 year old daughter loves this book! We have it checked out of the library, and have had to renew it. In one part the pumpkin (actually a Jack-O-Lantern) yells "BOO"...that's the scariest part. Fun, but it won't give your child nightmares!