Trunk-or-Treat

May 15, 2024
A newish Halloween trend gets a rollicking treatment. Instead of visiting homes on Halloween night, a group of racially diverse costumed kids, accompanied by their grown-ups, head to a parking lot and stop by the various cars, whose trunks are cleverly decorated in a variety of vividly colorful thematic ways. Readers will glean exciting, inventive ideas should they and their families and friends wish to embark on their own Trunk-or-Treat celebrations. At one trunk, the kids sample delectable treats and take some home (including healthy ones). Other cars are decorated with a D�a de los Muertos theme (though that holiday goes unnamed in the text) and spooky monsters. One features a musical soundstage, complete with instruments and speakers, and another is a minilibrary, filled with exciting books. "Candy, fruits, books-- / it's treats galore!" So many wonderful, imaginative, and safe ways for families to enjoy the holiday. Expressed in bouncy rhymes, this entertaining read demonstrates that Halloween can be a community-focused event; here, the holiday offers an opportunity to celebrate with friends and neighbors rather than simply gather candy. The colorful digital illustrations are full of sprightly Halloween gusto. No trick: This tale will be a treat for young readers this October. (Picture book. 4-7)

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June 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 4-A Halloween adventure with appeal for all ages. Through catchy rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this book ingeniously reimagines the classic "Trick-or-Treat, Smell My Feet" song to immerse readers in the enchanting world of trunk-or-treat festivities. Each page delights with imaginative depictions of elaborately decorated car trunks, spooky sounds, and the thrill of discovering treats with friends. Beyond the candy and costumes, the story subtly emphasizes the significance of companionship and community, culminating in a heartwarming reminder of the joy found in friendship. Zhai's enchanting artwork brings the magic of Halloween to life, captivating readers with its rich detail and playful charm. VERDICT Not only a delightful read-aloud but also a celebration of the spirit of Halloween.-Jessica Clark

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 17, 2024
Not every trick-or-treater ventures door-to-door. In this seasonal celebration, Ayala-Kronos and Zhai follow a family joining a high-spirited crowd at a local parking lot for an afternoon of “Trunk-or-Treat” festivities. There, “Every trunk tricked out with unique treats,/ so much to see—and nice people to meet!” As kids roam from car to car, the arrayed themes inspire variations on the refrain, “TRUNK-OR-TREAT,/ TRUNK-OR-TREAT,/ give us something....” There’s a Day of the Dead trunk (“something BRIGHT to... SEE!”) and a ghoulish library variation (“something STRANGE to... READ!”). The time of day and the setting largely preclude the holiday’s traditional macabre; instead, the artwork, reminiscent of contemporary animation, supplies a sweet-natured celebration of community spirit and family creativity. Characters are depicted with various skin tones. Ages 4–8.