Tony Johnston

A round orange pumpkin soaks up the light of the round orange moon in this Halloween picture book from author Tony Johnston and illustrator Douglas Florian, attracting the admiring attention of an owl in flight, a cat on the prowl, a choir of crickets, a sneaky witch, and a group of children. Transformed by the latter into a jack-o-lantern, the pumpkin gives them all a surprise, proving how very scary he is...

I have enjoyed a number of picture books from both Johnston and Florian, so when I saw Very Scary on my public library's Halloween display, a few weeks back, I immediately snatched it up. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get to it before the big night, but I'm glad that I now have, as I found the narrative engaging—the text is simple, but evocative—and the watercolor artwork engaging. Unsurprisingly, as an aficionado of witchy picture books, I particularly enjoyed those scenes in which the witch is featured. Recommended to younger picture book audiences looking for fun Halloween fare that leans toward the spooky side (at least in its conclusion).… (més)

This powerful story, inspired by the life of a Holocaust survivor, is a testament to the human spirit and the transcendent power of music.When the Nazis invaded Poland, a family is split apart. The parents are sent to one concentration camp, their son to another. Only his father's gift, a harmonica, keeps the boy's hopes alive and, miraculously, ensures his survival. When an officer discovers his talent, he makes the boy play each night. Through music the boy invokes his parents and brings comfort to the other prisoners, lifting their spirits if only for a moment at time.Ron Mazellan's luminous artwork depicts the bleakness of the time, while letting the beauty that hope can bring through the darkness shine.… (més)