Halloween Is….

PreS-Gr 4—Eerie opening music sets the tone for this holiday production that focuses on the history of Halloween, as well as how people celebrate today. Narrator Qarie Marshall explains that people in ancient times feared winter's long nights and believed that ghosts, witches, and spirits roamed the earth when darkness fell. People began donning disguises and masks when leaving home after dark so they, too, would look like spirits, thereby beginning the tradition of wearing Halloween costumes. Information about symbols like pumpkins, bats, black cats, and skeletons is included. Based on her picture book, Gail Gibbons's straightforward text is enhanced by her vibrant watercolor illustrations. Pictures of rosy-cheeked children bobbing for apples and having a costume parade prevent the story from becoming too scary for the youngest viewers. Seasonally appropriate background sounds, such as whistling wind and squeaking bats, round out this edifying option.