Beneath the Ghost Moon - Softcover

Yolen, Jane

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0316970077 ISBN 13: 9780316970075

Publisher: Little, Brown, 1998

Synopsis

While the farmyard mice prepare for the upcoming Ghost Eve Ball, the dreaded creepy-crawlies prepare to attack, but the courage of one small mouse to rally the others to fight for their home, saves them.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-There are never enough good Halloween books when that ghostly holiday rolls around, and this story told in verse will make an enjoyable addition. On the night of Ghost Eve, the farmyard mice lay sleeping with costumes and masks, dreaming of their upcoming Halloween ball. But while they sleep, the dreaded, lizardlike creepy crawlies come creeping; invade their cheery home; and destroy costumes, masks, and their plans. Awaking to the mess, they begin to cry. The one white mouse champions them to take back what is theirs and drive the invaders out. Gathering rubber bands for slingshots, pins for swords, bottle caps for shields, and pop-can pull tabs for armor, the rodents rally to their cause and frighten the invaders away. But one small enemy stays behind and asks for friendship. The victors say no, but the white mouse comes to his rescue. The story ends when mouse and crawlie dance together beneath the moon. Yolen's verse, while wordy in places, spins 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.
Dot Minzer, North Barrington School, Barrington, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

From award-winning author Yolen comes this effervescent Halloween poem. On Halloween eve, all the field mice are dreaming of the ball they plan to have the next night. Unbeknownst to the sleeping mice, some mean-spirited creepy-crawly things slither out and destroy all the beautiful costumes. The mice are despondent when they see the mess and even consider moving away, but they are inspired to battle by one small white mouse. Egged on by her courage, the mice rally, making slingshots with wood and rubber bands, using bottle caps for shields, and gathering pebbles for ammunition. The creepy-crawlies are so scared that they run away. All except one, that is, who apologizes for his crimes and asks to be part of the mouse society. While most of the mice urge vengeance, the white mouse advocates forgiveness, which turns out to be the reigning spirit of the day. 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. (Fiction. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Edition details

• Publisher: Little, Brown
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0316970077
• ISBN 13: 9780316970075
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Molk Laurel