Melvina Whitmoore (More or Less a Horror Story)

For Melvina Whitmoore, who is afraid of everything, home is where the heart—and the high anxiety—are. Routinely unglued by her fear of “snails and spiders and the ticking of clocks,” Melvina, portrayed with pale skin, rosy cheeks, and a long, pointy nose, hopes to find refuge from all things scary in a spiffy new house. But the first night of settling in doesn’t go as planned. A huge, floorboards-shaking bang begins a suspenseful series of events during which green-turbaned Melvina discovers that the monstrous figures who chase her through the hallways—some wearing party hats—merely want to welcome her. Capalia’s stylish digital art contains myriad giggle-and-goosebump-worthy details as well as a fittingly Escher-esque floor pattern. Spreads featuring a swirling nightmare of creatures and stairs are all part of this satisfying roller-coaster ride of a debut. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)