Witch Mama

When the aliens invade, this book will tell them all they need to know about the holiday called Halloween. For earthlings, though, this is a rather dull march through a typical Halloween. Jenna helps her little brother Mickey overcome his nervousness as they dress up, trick-or-treat and go to the school carnival. Caseley's (Slumber Party!) watercolor, pencil and pen illustrations are chipper enough, but fail to breathe any atmosphere into the lifeless plot. Ages 4-up. (Aug.)