Cover of Beneath the Ghost Moon by Jane Yolen

Beneath the Ghost Moon

BENEATH THE GHOST MOON

Illustrated by Laurel Molk

Little Brown 1994

ISBN# 0-316-96892-7 hardcover

ISBN# 0-316-97007-7 paperback

My editor at Little Brown, the marvelous Maria Modugno, sent me a picture by a young artist named Laurel Molk. It was a charming water color of mice dressed in Halloween costumes and playing musical instruments. “We love her work,” Maria said, “but she can’t write a story. Can you do something for her?” I propped the painting on my desk and several weeks later began the rhymed tale that became BENEATH THE GHOST MOON. I see it as a gentle Halloween story combined with a take-back-our-streets message.

There is a video narrated by me, from Spoken Arts Video # 9466

What reviewers have said:

  • “From award-winning author Yolen comes this effervescent Halloween poem … Destined to become a Halloween classic, this was written to be read aloud. Colorful, lighthearted illustrations are a fine complement to the wonderful words. Yolen’s poetic pitch is perfect, and the story unfolds in a graceful, lovely fashion that will have young listeners begging, “Again! Again!” Happily, adults will be glad to comply.” –Kirkus
  • “With a nod to “The Night Before Christmas,” Yolen introduces a group of sleeping mice that dream not of sugarplums, but of a Halloween “fancy-dress ball..” Molk’s careful, cool-hued watercolors depict a well-appointed farm house and an endearing cast of gentle-eyed mice. An opening spread of the diminutive critters parading in trick-or-treat gear is not to be missed.” — Publishers Weekly
  • “This narrative poem is perfect for reading aloud. … Young children will enjoy the lovely language and colorful full-page whimsical illustrations about one of the most popular holidays of the year” — Children’s Literature
  • “There are never enough good Halloween books when that ghostly holiday rolls around, and this story told in verse will make an enjoyable addition, a wonderful tale of adventure. Molk’s oversized, full-color art covers three-quarters of each double-page spread and glows with soft moonlight. The mice are charming and the reptiles possess just the right amount of fiendish villainry to make them fun. A super choice.” — School Library Journal

Available in paperback.