Vampire Boy's Good Night
PreS-K–Bela, Boy Vampire, and his witch friend Morgan fly across town on Morgan's broom, looking for children with rosy cheeks and tiny white teeth. The friends are attracted to a well-lit house and discover a Halloween party with warty witches, ghosts, goblins, pirates, and vampires. Although Bela and Morgan seem to fit right in, they experience some puzzling moments, as when a scary vampire wins the costume contest, and the vampire isn't Bela. At evening's end, the masks come off and rosy-cheeked children are revealed. Morgan flies Bela home, where he falls asleep in his coffin bed, hugging his stuffed bat. The brief text and gentle illustrations work together in telling this Halloween story. The double-page illustrations are simple and uncluttered, but include clever details. Adults in particular will appreciate the books scattered on Morgan's floor. Titles include The Crucible and The Witch of Blackbird Pond. This friendly story will delight, but not frighten young readers. It's a good addition to holiday collections.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OHα(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.