TRICK OR TREAT?

Counting and word games result when a trick-or-treater makes the rounds of his 10-story apartment building. On his way upstairs, the junior Dracula gets Licorice Twists, Chocolate Sticks and so forth, but, on the top floor, a gleeful neighbor in Merlin guise sends him "WackBards!" The boy proceeds in reverse, receiving Stocolate Chicks, Twicorice Lists, etc. Meisel (How to Talk to Your Cat) gamely draws a crateful of chicks, elaborately scrawled lists, etc., and Martin and Sampson's (previously teamed for I Pledge Allegiance, reviewed August 26) expertly cadenced inside-out wordplay could prove habit-forming. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)