HERE THEY COME!

Costello's debut takes place on Halloween, when hobgoblins, trolls and a drumlike "thing that goes bump in the night" gather in the forest for a bonfire. The narrator, a green imp who resembles a bipedal iguana, feels nervous, but "Mom says, 'You children are in for a treat./ A good scare can knock you right flat off your feet.' " The little reptile relaxes as the bizarre guests arrive, and stands on tiptoe to see the snacks they bring: "An ogre comes strolling with cinnamon rolls" and a scowling, slime-green "marsh monster" totes a basket of "marshmallows, of course." But when a ghost rises to share a scary tale, it suddenly gives "the call:/ Here come the scariest creatures of all! " In four wordless spreads that accentuate the suspenseful build-up, the panicked monsters run for cover and hide breathlessly behind rocks and trees: a parade of costumed humans strolls through the forest, terrifying the creepy creatures. The design otherwise unfortunately underserves the childlike watercolors. Costello demonstrates good comic timing and his sympathetic main character exudes holiday excitement. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)