One of my daughter's favorites. ( )

Everyone in Booville seems to get along. Everyone, that is, except for neighbors Bella and Boris. Bella Legrossi is the messiest creature in town, while Boris Kleanitoff is the tidiest.

Bella and Boris argue all the time. As Halloween rolls around, each tries to outdo the other with a spectacular party. When all the other monsters turn them down to attend Harry Beastie’s party, Bella and Boris are left out and all alone again. Together they decide to find out what all the other creatures are shrieking about. And together they stumble upon a nice surprise.

The Bottom Line: This tale of two opposites is witty and clever. This spooky tale of friendship is one of my favorites this year. Kids in lower grade school will love Gris Grimly’s spooktacular illustrations in ink and watercolor. This Halloween treat is sure to be a winner for story time reading as well.

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

Boris and Bella is the story of two monsters who are complete opposites. Each decide to throw a Halloween party - and guests decline both invitations - they individually crash another monster's party. It is there that opposites attract. The story is a great lesson on finding the good in everyone and accepting others. If everyone was exactly like me, the world would be a boring place! This is difficult for people to remember sometimes and this story is a cute reminder. ( )

Despite that one can see the ending coming before one even opens the book, and despite the fact that I, personally, don't like monster stories, this was clever and fun. ( )

38 months - a refreshingly different Halloween story about an unlikely couple who are quite the opposite of each other and yet their differences end up making them perfect for each other. ( )