Book Review: 'And Then Comes Halloween' by Tom Brenner

✰✰✰½ Debut author Tom Brenner has written a charming story about Halloween and the days leading up to it. And Then Comes Halloween follows several children as they prepare for Halloween night. As the days grow shorter and the morning air turns chilly, there are paper witches to be cut out, pumpkins to be carved, and costumes to be made. When Halloween arrives, it’s time run out into the night with friends and knock on doors. Finally, when it’s time to go home, the children learn the fun is not over yet; now it’s time to trade and share.

The Bottom Line: And Then Comes Halloween is a gentle tale about the joys of autumn and the preparation for the Halloween celebration. Youngsters will identify with the activities of the children featured in the story. Holly Meade’s watercolor and collage illustrations subtly set the tone for the holiday. This book is not frightening or spooky; thus, it’s a great introduction to the holiday for children who may be a bit fearful of going out for trick-or-treating. It also features themes of friendship and sharing. And Then Comes Halloween is appropriate for little ones in Grades Pre-K – 1.

Details: And Then Comes Halloween written by Tom Brenner and illustrated by Holly Mead. Hardcover picture book published in 2009 by Candlewick Press. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-3659-3