Moonlight the cat loves every night, but Halloween is special. Pumpkins smile at her, scarecrows let her sit in their laps, children are out and about in costume - it is a magical time! When the human activities are done, Moonlight watches the moon, spies on an owl and rabbit, and then heads for home...

Simple but descriptive text from author Cynthia Rylant is paired with boldly colorful artwork from illustrator Melissa Sweet in Moonlight: The Halloween Cat, which offers a sweetly reassuring look at a holiday that might sometimes frighten very young children. Here in Moonlight's world however, there is nothing to fear, and the child listeners gets to follow along as our feline heroine heads out into the night. Definitely on the sweeter side of Halloween fare, I found this one almost soothing to read, and thought the artwork was lovely. My favorite scene was the one in which Moonlight sits on a branch, looking at the full moon. Recommended to anyone looking for gentler Halloween picture-books for younger children. ( )

I agree with my son that this was stereotypical" - and it wasn't even believable - how lame to expect dogs *sleeping by the fire* on Halloween. I think Rylant is getting lazy." ( )

Softly padding through the darkness, Moonlight explores the world on her favorite night, Halloween.The town and countryside glow with shining stars. The wide yellow moon lights pumpkins, racoons, and children out having fun. . . .Told in eloquently simple, lyrical words, with dazzling, luminous paintings, Moonlight evokes not just the excitement of Halloween, but something more -- the reassuring warmth and friendliness that is a special part of this special night.

A little black cat named Moonlight loves to pad around and explore the dark. She loves all the nights, but Halloween night is the very best. Halloween night is a tiny bit different from all the other nights. Pumpkins smile at her, and stars shine down on her. The moon is full and bright, and children are out. There's just something special about Halloween night. Read along with your little ones as Moonlight shares the excitement of the holiday.

The Bottom Line: Kids ages 2 - 7 will love this gentle Halloween-themed tale about the holiday adventures of a little black cat. Sweet's colorful acrylic and colored pencil illustrations are fun and friendly for little ones. This is a tender introduction to Halloween especially for children who may be wary of the tradition. Highly recommended.

This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )

This book can be a mentor text during the time of Halloween. The cat in the story is going on an adventure. This is an easy read for students and the pictures give context clues. ( )