THE THREE LITTLE WITCHES STORYBOOK

Adams (A Year Full of Stories) tracks a trio of broom-riding roommates as they throw a Halloween bash. They write invitations with a pen that "[makes] splotches on words it didn't like"—including one bratty guest's name—and the envelopes fly to the recipients; they also attend a runaway school ("I wonder where we'll find it today?" says one witch). The narrative may be more utilitarian than bewitching, but Bolam's (Murphy Meets the Treadmill) frisky ink-and-watercolor spot cartoons and panels keep the story zipping along until the final blow-out, which lives up to its promise of "tricks, treats, and monster marshmallows!" Ages 4-8. (Aug.)