At the Old Haunted House

K-Gr 2—An old haunted house is home to an assortment of creatures from "a warty green witch and her wee witchy one" to goblins, vampires, bats, black cats, werewolves, spiders, and more. Written in the pattern of the popular poem "Over in the Meadow," each page starts with the repeated phrase "At the old haunted house" and, on each page, the creatures increase in number from one to ten. The rhyme ends with three trick-or-treaters arriving and a Halloween fright party, which the creatures have been preparing for, bursting forth in celebration. The vibrant painted illustrations are dark, goofy, and mildly spooky. The text is simple rhyme with the creatures practicing spells, making strange noises, stirring brews, weaving webs, and other Halloween activities. Although the rhyme is occasionally awkward, this title will be in demand at the holiday and beyond. A rousing storyhour selection.—Paula Huddy, The Blake School-Highcroft Campus, Wayzata, MN