Halloween Party

Neighborhood ghouls and goblins get down at the ``spooky, scary once-a-year'' Halloween party in Shute's toe-tapping picture book. A mother and son are seen putting the final touches on their costumes before heading out to the celebration. As the ``freaky, friendly, fabulous'' fiesta kicks into high gear at midnight, all the guests take off their masks-and mother and son reveal a slightly shivery surprise. Shute's zippy rhyming verse spurs young revelers on, losing pace only in a few spots, and the comical finale adds extra zest to the proceedings. Ages 5-up. (Sept.)