Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes

Henry Herz and his sons, Josh and Harrison, offer up supernatural versions of 14 nursery rhymes, including “This Little Hydra,” “Peter Peter Goblin Eater,” and a cadaverous twist on “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary” (“ ‘Zombie rotten, quite forgotten,/ How does your graveyard fare?’/ ‘With skulls and bones for steppingstones,/ It’s enough to raise your hair.’ ”). Wee Willie Winkie becomes a slinking werewolf who goes “Looking for tardy children to eat,” while “Little Witch Muffet” simply tosses the spider into her cauldron. Larson’s skillfully drafted images feature rich, mossy colors and angular, eerie beasts that are more charming than truly scary. While these sprites, ogres, and harpies are certainly fit for Halloween reading, this distinctive collection deserves to be enjoyed year round. Ages 5–8. (Feb.)