STAN'S FRIGHTFUL HALLOWEEN

A clumsy young werewolf has a surprising Halloween in this picture book.

Stan loves Oct. 31—the only night of the year that he has “permission to be as scary as he wanted.” However, on Oct. 30, he falls and breaks his foot. Because he has a cast and a cane, he fears he won’t “keep up with the pack,” and he watches sadly as his friends leave without him on Halloween. He spends the evening trying to entertain himself outside—donning a sheet for “ghosting,” riding a broom like a witch, and wrapping himself in toilet paper to resemble a mummy. However, each activity makes him fall over. Disappointed that he didn’t frighten anyone, he goes home, where friends and family throw him a surprise party. Shocked, Stan trips and falls. He rejoices when partygoers recoil from his disheveled, injured appearance, though, as he’s achieved his goal to be scary. Sutter’s story is simple but cleverly depicted. Married illustrators Thorne and Thorne’s full-color images are fantastic, with autumnal tones that positively glow. Many are quite detailed, as in a depiction of a table with party treats and a spooky but charming house. Outside scenes feature such accents as bats and witch silhouettes in the sky. The book includes recipes for festive snacks, including “Spider pizza.”

A clever, wonderfully illustrated holiday story.