The diaper-wearing baby from Patricelli's Toot, Tickle, and other board books gets its first taste of Halloween, from pumpkin carving to costume choosing. In the book's funniest moment, Baby dismisses "too small" and "too big" pumpkins for one that's "just right"—it's the exact size and shape of Baby's head, down to a squiggly stem that mirrors Baby's single curly hair. (Admittedly, this makes the subsequent pumpkin-carving scenes just a tadcreepy.) Patricelli honestly explores the frights and excitements that Halloween first-timers often feel, but she keeps the dial firmly set to fun. Up to age 3. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (July)

PreS—A preschooler really loves Halloween, but readers see the duality of the holiday in a new and special way. There are the challenges of picking the perfect pumpkin and carving it, picking out a costume, and finding the courage to go trick-or-treating with Dad. The twofold plot is supported by the illustrations. For example, when the protagonist exclaims that he is "all clean," he actually is a complete mess from the guts of the pumpkin. Boo! is a fun and funny book that is a "safe" read for preschoolers because the happy-go-lucky toddler, with a single wiry strand of hair and pinkish glow, adds levity to a dark and scary night filled with ghosts and goblins. VERDICT Another winner for Patricelli. She has cleverly crafted a tale about a lovable preschooler celebrating another favorite holiday.—Gwen Collier, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, NY