“As an elementary school teacher, I am always on the lookout for children’s books that have a great message and rich language. This book has both. Kids love holidays, and Halloween is definitely a favorite. I can’t wait to add this to my classroom library.” —Valory Stopczynski, Primary School Teacher
‘Twas Halloween Night
By Geoffrey Owens, Illustrated by Karen Hopkins Harrod
Publication Date: October 1, 2024
Young Jorlyn’s night of trick-or-treating reveals some shocking surprises right in her own neighborhood in this rhyming poem destined to become a holiday classic like Clement C. Moore’s poem “The Night Before Christmas.”
When my son Jordyn was young and green—and still possessing that adventuresome spirit and taste for sweets that inspire neighborhood wanderlust in late October—I couldn’t help noticing how popular Halloween had become. It seemed as if it had begun to rival Christmas for our nation’s favorite holiday. And yet, whereas Christmas is well represented by Clement C. Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (more popularly known as “The Night Before Christmas”) and Charles Dickens’s masterpiece A Christmas Carol, there was, as far as I could see, no equivalently well-known Halloween story. This realization, along with my son’s enjoyment of the holiday’s rituals, inspired me to write “‘Twas Halloween Night.”
Once I imagined the story of young Jorlyn’s adventure, I decided to describe it in rhyming verse. Why? Because rhyme is fun. Because rhyme is magical. Because everyone likes rhyme. (Or, at least, nobody doesn’t like rhyme.) Both Robert Frost and John Lennon insisted on it. Rap depends on it. Children adore it. Rhyme enchants; rhyme soothes. Rhyme, despite its constant promise of a predictable pattern, perennially surprises and delights. We often think ourselves too intellectually serious for rhyme, but we’re not. On a certain level, regardless of our supposed sophistication, we enjoy it. We even respect it; for it takes an extra level of consciousness, creativity and commitment to express something in rhyme. A thought can be powerfully expressed in blank verse or prose, but that same thought takes on a greater power in rhyme. There is much excellent poetry that does not involve rhyme, but it’s the rhyming verse that we tend to remember most. And although it’s not as essential an educational element in our society as it once was, rhyme remains an effective teaching tool.
I also wrote “’Twas Halloween Night” with a mind towards how Dickens, in his great holiday story, makes sure both to comment on society and to suggest ways in which we, as its members, might make it better. Thus, Jorlyn’s experience, like Scrooge’s, leads her to a greater understanding of her human family and her responsibility to it. Years ago, when I first began working on the poem, I had in mind the need for my own little boy to be aware of, and sensitive to, the world around him. How was I to know that years later, that need—on his part as well as all of ours—would be greater than ever?
Young Reader (4-10) poetry book.
WHERE TO BUY:
Hard cover, full-color illustrated book ISBN: 9781950495900
e-book ISBN: 9781950495634
Direct from Lucid House Publishing click here.
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Audiobook ISBN: 9798228296763 distributed by Blackstone Audio worldwide.
Meet The Author
Review Quotes:
“A delightful chronicle of a Halloween night,
filled with candy and fun and a smidgeon of fright.
Mistakes, new friendships, and discoveries are made;
lessons are learned and only good pranks are played.
Owens captivates readers and listeners with a rich, honest, and compelling story set to a familiar rhyme. Harrod’s illustrations are bound to imprint themselves alongside those made by young imaginations. ‘Twas Halloween Night’ is likely to become part of the annual tradition of many families, and a marvelous gift to share with young readers who will enjoy it year after year.” —Kimberley Cetron, Ph.D., Educator
“Brilliantly written, it juxtaposes the darkness of Halloween against the light of friendship, acceptance and kindness.” —Joy Gregory, M.Ed.
“This charming and poignant new children’s book, written throughout in clever rhyming couplets, does not talk down to children and contains abundant sophisticated vocabulary. The main character, Jorlyn, demonstrates kindness, generosity and inclusion to her new friend, (a child who is unable to trick-or-treat because he must take care of his bed-ridden mother). Parents and children alike will also enjoy such fun and disparate references as Britney Spears, Star Wars, and Shakespeare’s three witches. This book will make a perfect gift from an adult who wishes to provide a model of compassion without forcing the point.” —Mia Riker-Norrie, Founding Director, Opera Theatre of Montclair
“Geoffrey Owens has written a beautiful poem that tells a delightful story, full of compassion and clear, fun visuals. (Imagine Darth Vadar kissing Tinkerbell, or Frankenstein and Snoopy sharing candy!) The book can also serve as teaching material for children; it’s easy to follow, and the poem is accompanied by simple but masterful illustrations by Karen Hopkins Harrod. A must-add for any child’s library.” —Ron Cossey, Screenwriter
“While the poet never loses sight of his young audience, he seems always aware that there are adults in the room and demands their attention, too. With sweet artwork and a moral point about sharing, ‘Twas Halloween Night’ is a seasonal book that children will want to read all year-round.” —Steven Leslie Johnson, Minister
“A charming and fun tale, filled with rhymes that Stephen Sondheim would be proud of. I laughed out loud multiple times. A great, fun read!” —Michael Strauss, Actor
“As an elementary school teacher, I am always on the lookout for children’s books that have a great message and rich language. This book has both. Kids love holidays, and Halloween is definitely a favorite. I can’t wait to add this to my classroom library.” —Valory Stopczynski, Primary School Teacher
“Owens’s whimsical rhymes about candy and goblins are immediately captivating. Enchanted by the vibrant yet spooky color palette, I ate up every twist and turn of Jorlyn’s Halloween adventure. Not to mention the satiating sweetness of the ending! This poem is a celebration of the true spirit of Halloween.” —Mikayla O’Dowd, BSN, RN
“Geoffrey Owens weaves a delightful October twist on Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.’ Full of familiar, nostalgic images, the story creates vivid scenes that are sure to resonate with children and adults alike. The rhymes are clever. (Who said you couldn’t use “havarti” in a poem?) But more importantly, the main character, Jorlyn, learns to empathize with others, making the night more than just about the pursuit of candy.” —Bradley Detrick, Teleios Journal
“On this scariest (but only in a fun way!) of Halloween nights – amidst the costumes, owls, and treats and tricks – two children find friendship and the joys of sharing. This joyous rhyming tale will become a traditional read in our house every October for years to come!” —John Wellington, Artist
“This poetic confection captures the charming colors, and especially the flavors, of kids trick-or-treating. But then it does more, poignantly reminding readers that true sweetness is in giving more than in getting.” —Andrew Postman, Author
“Along with being morally instructive, this book is charming, warm, imaginative and, in places, laugh-out-loud funny.” —Declan Joyce, Editor
“What a lovely, charming book! It was great fun to meet the engaging and intrepid Jorlyn as she wandered off her usual Halloween path and encountered … Well, I don’t want to spoil the treat! I’ll only say that you’ll do more than a little giggling and a lot of smiling as you read this poem.” —Paula Hoza, Graphic Designer
“Bravo to Geoffrey Owens for bringing his passion for heightened language to the next generation in this beautiful tale of love and friendship! The writing is wonderful, and the artwork is stunning. A profound achievement.” —J. Alex Brinson, Actor
“‘Twas Halloween NIght” is a sweet and slightly spooky book about fears that turn into friendship, with lessons that rhyme and grow deeper with time.” —Deborah Bremer, Kansas State Board of Education
“Owens’s ‘Twas Halloween Night’ ticks all the welcome literary boxes—and for all ages. It engages the reader with thoughtful storytelling and just the right amount of Halloween treats and thrills for the ideal holiday story/poem. His words, together with Karen Hopkins Harrod’s expressive illustrations, may just serve to be everyone’s new Halloween classic for generations to come.” —Peter Brandt
“This book is a fun read for all ages. Owens poetically captures the spirit of Halloween, taking you on a visually appealing journey full of spooky moments, life lessons, sharing, and empathy.” —Crystal Blake, Brand Photographer
“A wonderful first step into the world of children’s books, though it clearly belongs in the hands of adult readers as well. As I read it out loud, the poem brought out the actor in me, its wit and musicality becoming more and more alive. This light-hearted and delightful book is a must-read for the Fall season!” —Kenneth Cavett, Actor
“In Geoffrey Owens’s instantly classic tale of wonder, joy and the transportive freedom of trick or treating, the author’s insight into what is human and humane allows him to be seriously silly and profoundly simple. It is a tale every parent should read to their children before All Hallows Eve, and one that I will read to my grandchildren as soon as I have some.” —Lawrence Salberg, Financial Advisor