Trick or Treat on Scary Street

A pale-skinned child who’s apparently clad in a werewolf getup guides a crew of mischievous costumed friends, portrayed with various skin tones, along the titular street’s Halloween trail. But the bizarre houses and homeowners they encounter are far from ordinary trick-or-treating fare, and members of the group begin to vanish, even as their impish leader insists, “You’re safe and sound on Scary Street.” Finally, the now-solo leader reaches the street’s end, where moonlight ushers in a physical transformation, and a large log cabin doghouse reveals everyone magically (if inexplicably) bopping at a lively Halloween party. Though NSYNC member Bass’s picture book debut features sometimes uneven lines (“I hear a DRAconian diet/ is quite seductive to those who try it”), they duet well with Garrigue’s comically lurid digital art. The whole package is poised to hold readers’ attention until the final page calls for a “Bye Bye Bye.” Ages 4–8. (July)