Charlie Bumpers vs. the Squeaking Skull

Description

Can Charlie Bumpers face his fear of horror movies, come up with a genius costume, and enjoy Halloween? Fourth graders Charlie and Tommy have big plans for Halloween. They're going to trick-or-treat and sleep over at Alex's house. But when Charlie finds out that the entertainment at the party will be the "Scariest Horror Movies Ever," he is struck by panic. Charlie loves candy, he loves sleepovers with his friends, but he absolutely hates horror movies. There is yet another wrinkle in Charlie's Halloween plans. He is determined to win the big prize (ten movie tickets) that will be awarded for the best costume, but when he finally comes up with a genius prize-winning idea, he runs into an unexpected obstacle. How will Charlie be able to enjoy Halloween this year? Black and white illustrations throughout.

Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and author who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than forty years. He has appeared nationally in theaters, schools, libraries, festivals and conferences, as a workshop leader and keynote and inspirational speaker. His picture books and middle-grade novels have won wide acclaim, from Bank Street School of Education Best Books, Children's Choice Awards, Green Earth Book Awards, and pick of the list from ABA. Harley was called "the Mark Twain of contemporary children's music" by Entertainment Weekly. He lives in Massachusetts. Adam Gustavson holds an MFA from the School of Visual Arts and a BFA from Rowan University and has taught at Seton Hall University and Philadelphia's University of the Arts. He is the award-winning illustrator of over thirty books for children. He lives, paints, teaches, and plays music in his home state of New Jersey, along with his charming family and a neurotic poodle.

"Harley develops all of Charlie's concerns with a nice sense of balance and levity, and Gustavson's uncommonly good spot illustrations are frequent, adding notes of creepiness or humor at all the right places." -Booklist "Occasional ink and watercolor illustrations highlight the installment's funniest moments." -The Horn Book Guide "Fans of the [audiobook] series will enjoy this third installment, and those new to Charlie will have no trouble following along." -School Library Journal "Harley serves up hilarious high jinks squirming with Halloween trouble. . . . A learning experience for more than just the main character." -Kirkus Reviews