Halloween is just around the corner, and the kids know it ; they are excited. They are already anticipating an exciting Halloween year of festivities as trips to the departments stores, candy, pumpkins, Haunted Houses and parties. They are gearing up for their Halloween night with enthusiasm.

After reading this story and children's book "Trick -or- Treat on Milton Street" I believe children will like this story’s happy ending. They will also find the illustrations exciting and personal because children will see wonderful reflections of themselves on Halloween. They will see children dressed in their Halloween costumes, and knocking on doors echoing their voices with glee as they chant trick-or-treat.

"Trick-or-Treat on Milton Street" is the story of a little boy who expects his Halloween to be the most boring one this year because he has moved to a neighborhood of grown ups and no children. He finds out later that his new street, Milton Street is not what he expected at Halloween. The Author is Lisa Bullard and she’s the author of numerous children’s books including "Not Enough Beds", and "A Christmas Alphabet Book". The illustrator is Joni Oeltjenbruns she is also an illustrator of numerous children’s books including "Not Enough Beds". The illustrator uses acrylic paint and colors of dark purple, white, tan, green, blue, gray, and red colors that sets the perfect Halloween ambiance. The story is about a boy and his family that moved to a new neigborhood, and a host of adult neighbors that surprise him on Halloween. The book has 31 pages.

The Story

Charley and his family have just moved into their new neighborhood on Milton Street. It’s Halloween, and mom is sick. Charley hadn’t made any new friends yet and he was looking forward to his mother taking him out for trick or treating as he was dressed in his Halloween costume. The neighbors where all grown-ups. Charley’s mother assured him that his Stepfather Dave would take him Trick or Treating, but Charley didn’t want to go with Dave he was embarrassed at his clumsiness he recalled when Dave juggled too many oranges at the supermarket, and dropping all of them. Charley also recalled when the family was at a restaurant and Dave wanted to do a “magic trick” by pulling the tablecloth from the table with out anything moving. Instead Dave pulled the tablecloth and caused every thing to fall every where.

Charley didn’t believe old people could have fun on Halloween and so he gave up on Halloween. His Stepfather Dave was dressed with the silliest hat, and was ready to take Charley Trick or Treating, but before Charley could say no his mother pushed them out the door. When they went out side Charley noticed that Milton Street was not what he expected, the street and everyone’s house was decorated with Halloween decorations. They went to one house and a spooky witch came to the door and gave him a “Carmel Apple.” They went to another house and a Mummy came to the door, and gave him a candy bar. Charley asked the mummy do the grown up dress up for Halloween? The mummy told him he was going to a costume party. On their next stop they saw a dark house with a lit candle in the window and suddenly Dracula came to the door, and gave Charley a glow in the dark toothbrush. Every house they went to, every one was dressed up for Halloween. Charley decided it was time to go home and check on mom when they got to the door, the door flew open. What happens next?

Final thoughts

"Trick-or-Treat on Milton Street" is a very lovely story that comes with the author’s heartfelt message of anticipating the worst, when the worst isn't always what it seems. The illustrations radiate lots of warmth when projecting the gentleness, smiles and the same enthusiasm of Hallowen the adults shared, and extend to a young boy on Halloween night. In this story a boy expected his Halloween to come with no fun, and boredom the adults on this childless street changed that.

As for reading the the font is medium in size and is very visible. Reading will be easy for the young reader. Children 6 to 8 years of age will enjoy this Halloween story. This book should be included in every child's library. Educators of young children should also include this book in their libraries at school.