About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is oscillating between the excitement of Halloween and a genuine, nervous fear of the unknown or the eccentric adults in your neighborhood. It is the perfect bridge for young readers who want to feel brave without being genuinely terrified, using humor to process the common childhood anxiety surrounding scary stories and urban legends. The story follows A.J. and his friends as they investigate their school secretary, Mrs. Patty, who is rumored to be a witch living in a haunted house. While the premise suggests a spooky mystery, the tone is grounded in Dan Gutman's signature slapstick humor and relatable elementary school dynamics. It encourages children to look past gossip and stereotypes, all while celebrating the fun of the holiday. The short chapters and simple vocabulary make it an excellent choice for building reading confidence in children ages 6 to 10.
