FICTION

If You’re Spooky and You Know It (A Pumpkin-Shaped Novelty Board Book for Toddlers)

by Aly Fronis (text) & illus. by Jannie Ho
little bee. Aug. 2025. 16p. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781499818383. Baby-PreS
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Baby-PreS–This Halloween-themed sing-along pairs spooky adjectives with familiar actions in a playful twist on the classic children’s song. From jumping werewolves to clapping skeletons, each spread invites little ones to move, giggle, and repeat. While the text rides the line between song lyrics and story script, the rhythmic repetition and simple call-and-response format make this a familiar fit for group settings. Though derivative, the use of a well-known tune will appeal to young children who thrive on predictability and repetition. Bold, cartoonish illustrations provide just enough spook without veering into scary, with a delightful mix of monsters that feel more goofy than ghoulish.
VERDICT A seasonal crowd-pleaser for the shelves, best suited for libraries looking to boost their Halloween board book offerings.
Reviewed by Rose Garrett , Aug 14, 2025

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