cover image Disney's Haunted Mansion: Pop-Up Book

Disney's Haunted Mansion: Pop-Up Book

Chuck Murphy, Russell Spina. Random House Disney, $14.95 (1pp) ISBN 978-1-56282-499-0

Though kids are always ready for a good scare, it seems doubtful that young phantasm fans will be either frightened or amused by this bland outing. The illustrations are merely serviceable, the rudimentary paper engineering offers no surprises and the hologram touted on the back cover has no particular impact. Ecological awareness suffuses the gag lines--they have been recycled many times over (``Bring your friends. We're dying to meet them''). Though the Haunted Mansions at the Disney theme parks offer wit, ingenuity and old-fashioned chills, those qualities are sadly lacking here. Ages 3-8. (Aug.)