Brooms Are for Flying by Michael Rex

From the Publisher

A funny, interactive Halloween story for preschoolers.Bones are for shaking.Capes are for sneaking.Mouths are for moaning. Tummies are for treating.One Halloween, a little witch joins a group of young trick-or-treaters, and all participate in a wonderful foot-stomping, hand-clapping dance. But when the children take off their masks, they get a big surprise: under her mask, the little witch really is a witch -- and she shows the others that brooms really are for flying!With his signature bold, bright artwork and simple, engaging text, Michael Rex has created the perfect Halloween book for preschoolers, who will love to do as the monsters do in this uproarious celebration. The rhythmic text begs to be chanted aloud, and the little witch provides all the thrills of this favorite holiday, without any of the chills.

Children's Literature

With a "follow the leader" format, a little witch directs other costumed children to march and stomp, peek with their eyes, reach and flap their arms, shake their bones and moan. Young listeners will enjoy following along with the actions, as well. Readers are in for a surprise when the witch directs the characters to removes their masks and she states, "Masks are for...tricking." She removes her human child mask revealing her own warty-nosed green face. The little witch then flies off on her broom to join her mother. A plain white background allows the reader to focus on the likable costumed characters, including a pirate, an alien, Frankenstein, a clown and a vampire. With a four-word sentence on each page and cartoon-style illustrations in pencil and graphic software, this is a good introduction for young preschoolers who are just becoming acquainted with Halloween. 2000, Henry Holt and Company, $16.00. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo

School Library Journal

PreS-A cherub-faced little witch leads a cast of Halloween-costumed kids through a variety of movements. Clever pairings include leading a mummy in "Arms are for reaching," a werewolf in "Tails are for wagging," and a skeleton in "Bones are for shaking." In true trick-or-treat spirit, when the little witch takes off her mask and whisks away on her broom, the children are surprised but amused by what they see. This book is a delightful way for preschoolers to enjoy Halloween. The computer-generated and pencil graphics are clean and simple. The brightly colored monsters dance on a pure white background and the short phrases are in large black type. The images are not scary but in fact, once masks are removed, show warm and friendly kids from a variety of ethnicities. Perfect for storytime.-Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

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