School Library Journal Review
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 (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
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.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
A Halloween book that rides on the rhythms of "Over in the Meadow." Although Halloween rhyming counting books abound, this stands out, with a text that begs to be read aloud and cartoony digital illustrations that add goofy appeal. A girl and two boys set off on Halloween night to go trick-or-treating. As the children leave the cozy, warm glow of their street, readers see a haunted house on a hill, with gravestones dotting the front yard. Climbing the twisty path to the dark estate takes time, so the story turns to the antics inside the house. "At the old haunted house in a room with no sun / lived a warty green witch and her wee witch one. SPELL!' cried the witch. POOF!' cried the one. / And they both practiced spells in the room with no sun." The actions of the scary creatures within may seem odd, but the rhyme must go on: Cats scratch, goblins dust, monsters stir, and mummies mix. Eventually the three kids reach the front door and are invited in for stew, cake and brew. At first shocked by the gruesome fare, the children recover quickly and get caught up in partying with the slightly spooky but friendly menagerie. A good choice to share with wriggly listeners, who will soon be joining in. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
