At the Old Haunted House

by Helen Ketteman (Author) Nate Wragg (Illustrator)

At the Old Haunted House
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
From the author of the popular Goodnight, Little Monster and a character designer for Pixar films comes a delightful rhyming romp through an old haunted house. Vibrantly painted illustrations lead three children through the house, where new creatures await in each room. Readers can count along as they see Pa goblin and his wee goblins four and witches and ghosts, and so many more. Just the right blend of spooky fun, this book is a can't-miss treat for Halloween.
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Kirkus

A good choice to share with wriggly listeners, who will soon be joining in. (Picture book. 4-6)

Copyright 2014 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.


Publishers Weekly

Readers meet the residents of a spooky house atop a grave-lined hill by way of a riff on the counting tune "Over in the Meadow": "At the old haunted house/ in a room with no sun/ lived a warty green witch/ and her wee witchy one." Wragg's background in animation shows in dramatically composed scenes lit with unholy shades of yellow and green, as well as the pale glow of moonlight. As Kettemen proceeds to 10, a werewolf family dances in a magenta library to tunes playing on a gramophone, gap-toothed mummies stir a burbling cauldron for their "mummy mommy" as trick-or-treaters peer in at them from outside, and furry fanged spiders spin "sticky webs/ in the dusty old den" while chandeliers sway in the background. A massive party fit for monsters and humans alike wraps up this entertaining Halloween adventure. Ages 5-8. Illustrator's agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Aug.)

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2--An old haunted house is home to an assortment of creatures from "a warty green witch and her wee witchy one" to goblins, vampires, bats, black cats, werewolves, spiders, and more. Written in the pattern of the popular poem "Over in the Meadow," each page starts with the repeated phrase "At the old haunted house" and, on each page, the creatures increase in number from one to ten. The rhyme ends with three trick-or-treaters arriving and a Halloween fright party, which the creatures have been preparing for, bursting forth in celebration. The vibrant painted illustrations are dark, goofy, and mildly spooky. The text is simple rhyme with the creatures practicing spells, making strange noises, stirring brews, weaving webs, and other Halloween activities. Although the rhyme is occasionally awkward, this title will be in demand at the holiday and beyond. A rousing storyhour selection.--Paula Huddy, The Blake School-Highcroft Campus, Wayzata, MN

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781477847695
Lexile Measure
470
Guided Reading Level
L
Publisher
Two Lions
Publication date
August 12, 2014
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV057000 - Juvenile Fiction | Stories in Verse (see also Poetry)
JUV009030 - Juvenile Fiction | Concepts | Counting & Numbers
JUV017030 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Halloween
Library of Congress categories
-
Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award
Nominee 2016 - 2016

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