Luna and the Witch Throw a Halloween Party

Aspiring bruja Luna agrees to help with Halloween party-planning in exchange for witchcraft lessons in Plaza and Murphy’s lengthy but likable narrative. Peck’s traditionally styled, textural digital paintings showcase the magnitude of Luna’s challenge as she sets about helping the host, witch Pheenie, pull together a memorable bash. The pale-skinned pair begin in a decrepit kitchen, where Luna successfully shifts proposed menu items from baked “troll fingers” to “troll-finger-shaped cookies.” Choices about decor, games, and music similarly require Luna to redirect Pheenie’s instincts toward kid-friendly options—can-do ingenuity that’s rewarded with opportunities to observe spell-casting at work (“Creepy lanterns/ now burn bright./ Keep them burning/ through the night!”). When it’s time to party, the duo anxiously await guests for a predictable payoff that underscores the magic of kindness. Ages 3–7. (July)