BENEATH THE GHOST MOON
Illustrated by Laurel Molk
Little Brown 1994
ISBN# 0-316-96892-7 hardcover
ISBN# 0-316-97007-7 paperback

My editor at Little Brown, the marvelous Maria Modugno, sent me a picture by a young artist named Laurel Molk. It was a charming water color of mice dressed in Halloween costumes and playing musical instruments. "We love her work," Maria said, "but she can't write a story. Can you do something for her?" I propped the painting on my desk and several weeks later began the rhymed tale that became BENEATH THE GHOST MOON. I see it as a gentle Halloween story combined with a take-back-our-streets message.

       Available in paperback.

What reviewers have said: "From award-winning author Yolen comes this effervescent Halloween poem ... Destined to become a Halloween classic, this was written to be read aloud. Colorful, lighthearted illustrations are a fine complement to the wonderful words. Yolen's poetic pitch is perfect, and the story unfolds in a graceful, lovely fashion that will have young listeners begging, ``Again! Again!'' Happily, adults will be glad to comply." --Kirkus

"With a nod to ``The Night Before Christmas,'' Yolen introduces a group of sleeping mice that dream not of sugarplums, but of a Halloween ``fancy-dress ball.." Molk's careful, cool-hued watercolors depict a well-appointed farm house and an endearing cast of gentle-eyed mice. An opening spread of the diminutive critters parading in trick-or-treat gear is not to be missed." -- Publishers Weekly

"This narrative poem is perfect for reading aloud. ... Young children will enjoy the lovely language and colorful full-page whimsical illustrations about one of the most popular holidays of the year" -- Children's Literature

"There are never enough good Halloween books when that ghostly holiday rolls around, and this story told in verse will make an enjoyable addition, a wonderful tale of adventure. Molk's oversized, full-color art covers three-quarters of each double-page spread and glows with soft moonlight. The mice are charming and the reptiles possess just the right amount of fiendish villainry to make them fun. A super choice." -- School Library Journal

To Buy a Copy

Jane Yolen Home Page