A Halloween Scare in Ohio

by Eric James, Marina Le Ray (Illustrator)

Overview

A not-too-spooky Halloween story that turns the Buckeye State into a monster-filled playground—perfect for kids ages 4–8!

From Akron to Athens, monsters are on the move—but they're here to party, not to scare. A Halloween Scare in Ohio is a delightfully silly read-aloud that combines colorful creatures, playful rhymes, and just enough mischief to thrill young readers without the frights.

Designed for early elementary readers, this story delivers age-appropriate Halloween fun with a gentle tone and rhythmic verse that parents and teachers love to read aloud. Though lightly sprinkled with nods to local landmarks like Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Scripps Center, the focus stays on the joyful energy of Halloween night, as silly monsters descend for a celebration more festive than frightening.

With bright, whimsical illustrations and a charming story that invites laughter and curiosity, this book has become a seasonal favorite for families from Ohio—and beyond. Whether you're building a Halloween basket, planning a classroom storytime, or sharing a cozy October evening with little ones, A Halloween Scare in Ohio brings warmth, giggles, and monster magic to every fall bookshelf. A must-have for fans of Room on the Broom, Little Blue Truck's Halloween, and not-so-scary seasonal reads.

Prepare, if you dare,

for a Ohio scare,

A night of pure terror to whiten your hair.

A tale full of sights that are best left unseen.

You ready? You sure?

This was my Halloween.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728233833
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	08/01/2021
Series:	A Halloween Scare
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	7.60(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Eric James is a children’s book author, word tickler, and champion asparagus thrower. You can find him online at www.ericjames.co.uk. He lives in Bath, England, with his family.

Marina Le Ray has had success both as a children’s book illustrator as well as a greeting card designer. She lives and works in Nantes, France.

Editorial Reviews

2014-07-16
Unless readers are familiar with cities and towns in Ohio, the conceit falls flat in this arbitrary, rhyming tale of what happened one Halloween. A boy recounts his fantastical Halloween adventures in rhyming couplets that occasionally work in a name or two from the Buckeye State. "The creepies were crawly, the crazies were crazed, / The zombies from Athens had eyes that were glazed. / The ogres from Dayton were ugly as sin, / With big bulging noses and warts on their chin." Although the text scans relatively well, the illustrations do little to add to the story. The type has a jittery aspect that changes size and boldness yet does not consistently add valuable emphasis. Even when the slim plot takes a turn—the narrator is awarded the prize for "The Best Costume in Ohio"—the story lacks overall appeal. One of 25 titles meant to provide localized Halloween fun, it is only barely passable in that niche. Other locales include California, the Carolinas, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New England, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. All of Canada is encompassed in another, and there is a generic A Halloween Scare in My House for everyone else. Pass on this bland offering unless you are desperate for a Halloween book that mentions places near you. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews