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Halloween Sleepwalker by Thomas Freese, illustrated by Fran Riddell

Source: Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
Hardcover, 64 pages
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Halloween Sleepwalker by Thomas Freese, illustrated by Fran Riddell will be an instant hit with kids from the colorful images that are American Gothic with a pop culture twist in style to the story that will have their imaginations zooming. The images are crisp and at times resemble scrapbooked pages with cut out designs and stickers, but they’re so engaging, there’s never a wasted moment.  The illustrations match very well with the dialogue and the plot, and kids will be excited to see where Shelby Sanford’s adventures take him in the night.

Shelby Sanford has a family who fears things that go bump in the night, but he’s not afraid of anything, not even on Halloween.  He wants to roam the streets and greet the witches, beasts, and ghouls, but most of all its the stories his family tells that sets his wheels turning.  My daughter and I read this book together the day it came in — she could hardly wait to get the plastic wrapping off of it before we began.  She just loved the cover, and was delighted as we read the adventure together.  She pointed to the scary Halloween things she recognized and watched as Shelby met every test.

Halloween Sleepwalker by Thomas Freese, illustrated by Fran Riddell is so well done, I’m sure that this will become a traditional favorite in our house every Halloween — at least until our daughter is too old for trick-or-treating.  I know my daughter would recommend it, and I certainly do too.

About the Author:

Thomas Freese is an author, storyteller, and artist. He has written 10 books and performs over 20 educational and entertaining story programs.

About the Illustrator:

Fran Riddell is a teacher, artist, cartoonist, and illustrator living in Lexington, Kentucky.

This is my 73rd book for the 2013 New Authors Challenge.

Mailbox Monday #242

Mailbox Monday (click the icon to check out the new blog) has gone on tour since Marcia at To Be Continued, formerly The Printed Page passed the torch.  September’s host is Book Dragon’s Lair.

The meme allows bloggers to share what books they receive in the mail or through other means over the past week.

Just be warned that these posts can increase your TBR piles and wish lists.

Here’s what I received:

1.  Halloween Sleepwalker by Thomas Freese and Fran Riddell for review.

Are ghosts, witches, and scary creatures real? Around the fireside, Shelby Sherman Sanford’s family is talking about their Halloween fears. Mother, father, and older sister confess their frights, but Shelby says he is not afraid of anything he wants to go out for a walk! Later that night, when the clock strikes twelve, it seems Shelby gets his chance to prove himself, as he finds himself outside in the neighbor’s corn field. A young witch welcomes him with an enchanted apple and one bite gives him the second sight of ghosts and monsters. A ride on the witch’s broom carries Shelby over the graveyard, past the church, and crashing into a tree to begin his adventure. But is it real or a dream?

What did you receive?