Illustrations copyright 2006 by Yuyi Morales
Booklist (August 8, 2006)
Vol. 102, No. 22, 8/06
Montes, Marisa. Los Gatos Black on Halloween. Illus. by Yuyi Morales.
Sept. 2006. 32p. Holt, $16.95 (0-8050-7429-5).
K-Gr. 2. A cat’s green eyes stare out from the book’s cover. Inside, there are more of los gatos—as well as las brujas (witches), los fantasmas (ghosts), and los esqueletos (skeletons) looking like they have to come from a dia de los Muertos celebration. The pithy, rhyming text tells a frightening, if familiar, story. The ghosts and ghoulies are off to a Monsters’ Ball at a Haunted Hall, and though there’s plenty of scary stuff around, the guests are most frightened by the children who come knocking at the door for trick-or-treat. Montes’ evocative poem deserves exceptional artwork, and Morales obliges. Her soft-edged paintings glow with the luminosity of jewels, and her witches, werewolves, and corpses are frighteningly executed. Therein lies what may be a problem for preschoolers. These fiends aren’t particularly kid-friendly; they are dead-eyed, Day of the Dead folk who scare. For slightly older children, however, this spookiness is what Halloween is all about. The Spanish is neatly integrated into the text, but for those who need clarification, a glossary is appended. —Ilene Cooper
Publisher’s Weekly (August 14, 2006)
Halloween and the Day of the Dead overlap in this atmospheric, bilingual romp. Montes (Juan Bob Goes to Work) composes serviceable stanzas using English and Spanish words as synonyms: “Los gatos black with eyes of green / Cats slink and creep on Halloween.” This dual-language approach can be redundant (“At medianoche midnight strikes…”), yet Morales holds readers’ attention with surreal, faintly macabre spreads in dim turquoise and clay-brown hues, illuminated by fuschia and flame orange. Witches fly broomsticks like skateboard whizzes, a headstone references Mexican comic Cantinflas and sallow-faced muertos dance until children arrive: “The thing that monsters most abhor / Are human ninos at the door!”. Ages 4-8 (Sept.)
Kirkus Reviews (August 15, 2006)
Montes’ vivid poem, replete with the appropriate creepiness, describes all of the usual – and some not-so-usual – Halloween suspects. Under the full moon, los gatos slink, yowl, and hiss. Las brujas fly on their brooms. Los esqueletos rattle their bones. Pumpkins burn, mummies stalk, the wolfman prowls, the dead rise and ghouls and zombies march across the pages, all parading toward a haunted mansion for a monstrous ball. Eerie music resonates throughout the night, and all of the creatures begin to waltz, boogie and bop – until tres loud raps (“Rap! Rap! Rap!”) sound at the door. Who could it be? Not children trick or treating! Suddenly, the creatures vanish. Nothing scares a monster more than human ninos, particularly on Halloween. Spanish words, perfectly defined by context, flow smoothly throughout the atmospheric, rhymed text and are officially defined in an accessible glossary at the story’s end. Morales’ dark, glowing pictures of inventively proportioned ghosts and other sinister night creatures provide the ideal accompaniment. A spooky seasonal treat and a great choice for any collection. (Picture book. 6-8)
Sunday Republican, Waterbury, CT (September 3, 2006)
On Halloween night, all the monsters hold a ball in the Haunted House. Marisa Montes tells their story in “Los Gatos Black on Halloween” (Henry Holt, $16.95, ages 6-10). As they gather for their party the cats yowl and hiss, carved pumpkins with spooky beacons burn bright and los esqueletos rattle their bones as they dance through the door. But the scariest creatures of all have yet to arrive. This poem livens up Halloween, and introduces children to a spooky array of Spanish words. There is also a glossary at the back of the book. Yuyi Morales, the illustrator, grew up in Mexico and her striking paintings reflect her Spanish background.
Lawrence Journal News, Lawrence, Kansas (September 17, 2006)
“Los Gatos Black on Halloween” (Henry Hold Books for Young Readers, $16.95) offers chills, thrills, and … giggles? Beginning eerily with scenes of spooks and other creepies, it ends on a startlingly humorous note that is as light as the beginning is dark. Interspersed with simply Spanish words, with a glossary at the end, the text in versy by Marisa Montes is evocative and exciting. All the proper ingredients are introduced: medianoche (midnight), a monstrous ball and assortment of wolfmen.
The muted illustrations by Yuyi Morales are both haunted and haunting. Children will be mesmerized by their mysteriousness, but much too enchanted to be afraid of the ghostly images.
And then, in the final pages, all the monsters get their come-uppances and children rule. It is an unexpected but welcome vision.
San Francisco Chronicle (Sunday September 24, 2006)
Northern California is further represented in the dreamy Los Gatos Black on Halloween (Henry Hold, 32 pages, $16.95, ages 4-8) by award-winning writer Marisa Montes (“Juan Bobo Goes to Work,”, “A Circle of Time”) and award-winning illustrator Yuyi Morales (“Just a Minute,” Harvesting Hope”). Spanish vocabulary slips seamlessly into the fluid verse charting the movements of black cats, witches, skeletons, ghosts, mummies, werewolves and corpses awakened from their graves, all headed for a ghoulish party. “Yes, by the magic of this night / This noche filled with chills and fright / The monsters crowd the haunted hall – Los monstruos throw a monstrous ball.” Morales eerie paintings are captivating, rich with atmosphere and exquisite detail.
Monterey Herald, Oct. 8, 2006:
.."ages 4-8. is a bilingual poem that introduces young readers to a scary array of Spanish words that will open their ojos to the chilling delights of the season. Under the full and bright luna, the monsters aree throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall that you won't want to miss! "
The State Journal Register, Springfield, IL (October 15, 2006
“Los Gatos Black on Halloween” by Marisa Montes and illustrated by Yuyi Morales; Henry Hold Books for Young Readers, $16.95
Here’s a book that gives new life to an old topic. “Lost Gatos Black on Halloween.” In this book, the night comes alive in Spanish-tinged verse by Marisa Montes and ghoul-infested art by Yuyi Morales.
The quick flashes of Spanish (with a glossary in the back of the book) lends a mysterious flavor to the rhymes. “The witches on escabas fly” one line says as hags fat and skinny maneuver their broomsticks in front of a full moon.
Dark and light contrast as the illustrations pick up on Montes’ creepy characters. As phantoms shriek and zombies march, the art beckons children into the world of those phantoms celebrating the unearthly.
Yet the world is not truly dark or chaotic, the reader discovers. It is as humorous in the end as it is at first alarming. Even the monster’s hall isn’t as spooky as it might appear when kids discover a surprising and laughable ending.
The book blends fantasy and a dose of reality felicitously. Though there are a few scary moments, this book melds haunting with hijinks, and a spine-tingling story turns into a triumph for children. It’s a perfect way to set the scene for a dark yet festive night.
From The New York Times (10/22/2006):
Halloween—with its emphasis on malevolent creatures, vandalism, death and refined sugar—is a holiday particularly unsuitable to children. Children, therefore, celebrate it with gusto, keeping its particular traditions somewhat below the radar of parental approval and the forces of commercialization. Apart from a few devotees of wicca, nobody is pushing to put the hallow back in Halloween, and the festival is happily welcoming of a wide variety of cultural customs, the mark of a living folk tradition. . . .
A curious black kitten leads the way in “Los Gatos Black on Halloween” by Marisa Montes, with cheerfully grotesque illustrations by Yuyi Morales. In this rhyming bilingual romp we check in on las brujas (witches), los esqueletos (skeletons) and los fantasmas (ghosts) as they get duded up for a party.
Everything between these covers is dancing. The rhymes, rich in verbs, are fresh and surprising. “Las brujas boogie, muertos bop, los esqueletos do the hop. The ghosts in their transparent waltz glide through the wolfman’s somersaults.” Everybody and every non-body, from phantom to zombie, kicks up his heels. The text meanders across the page, fitting itself around the shenanigans of fat witches, natty vampires and elegant corpses. The traditions of Dia de los Muertos meet those of contemporary Halloween as the monster ball is crashed by—oh horror—“human niños at the door.” Little trick-or-treaters send the monsters running. A glossary with a pronunciation guide will give confidence to non-Spanish-speaking adults reading aloud. . . .
In “Los Gatos Black on Halloween” a headstone bears the name of Cantinflas, the Mexican Charlie Chaplin. . . What these three stories give us, beyond a laugh and a shiver on Halloween, is folk tale optimism. With community, ritual and disguise, the little guys can prevail. Unhappy with the status quo? Grab a friend and put on the face paint.
Sarah Ellis is a Vancouver librarian and writer for children. Her latest book is “The Queen’s Feet,” illustrated by Dusan Petricic.
Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, PA (Sunday October 22, 2006), Ron Berthel
In “Los Gatos Black on Halloween” (Henry Holt, $16.95, 4-8) by Marisa Montes, with art by Yuyi Morales, the witches, ghosts, and other creatures are celebrating Halloween in a haunted house. They’re having a ball until a knock on the door disturbs their fun. The story is told in rhyme and introduces several Spanish words.
Chicago Sun Times (October 22, 2006)
For a Spanish spin, there is Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Henry Holt, 32 pages, $16.95). Los gatos (cats), las calabazas (pumpkins), las brujas (witches), los esqueletos (skeletons) and los fantasimas (ghosts) are some of the creatures that gather at the haunted casa (house) to enjoy a Halloween party, which is brought to a standstill by the scariest thing of all – ninos (children).
The smoothly rhymed lines, sprinkled with Spanish words, are spookly and colorfully brought to life by soft paintings with a distinctive Mexican accent. Their details, such as skeletons dressed in elaborate Mexican costumes, will delight readers ages 4-8. A Spanish glossary is appended at the end.
Sunday Leader-Herald, Gloversville, NY (Sunday, October 22, 2006)
In “Lost Gatos Black on Halloween” (Henry Holt, $16.95, 4-8) by Marisa Montes, with art by Yuyi Morales, the witches, skeletons, ghosts and other creatures are celebrating Halloween in a haunted house. They’re having a ball until a knock on the door disturbs their fun. The story is told in rhyme and introduces several Spanish words.
Buffalo News, Buffalo NY (Sunday, October 22, 2006)
Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Henry Holt, $16.95). A Spanish vocabulary lesson is woven seamlessly into a slightly spooky but mostly entertaining Halloween poem about monsters throwing a ball in a Haunted Hall (“Las Calabasas, fat and round, Carved pumpkins guard a hallowed ground – “). Morales eerie paintings, reflecting her childhood in Mexico, may frighten the wee ones more than the poem itself, however.
Parents Express, Philadelphia PA, October 2006
“Lost Gatos Black on Halloween” written by Marisa Montes and illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Henry Hold, $16.95), hardcover, ages 5-8). Luminous, eerie paintings add a touch of the fantastic to the bilingual poem, detailing a parade of creepy creatures (including, with a nod to the Day of the Dead, los esqueletos and los muertos) on their way to a Halloween ball. Meanings of the Spanish words are easy to figure out in context, though a glossary is provided if needed. May be not for the preschooler who is easily scared, but a good choice for those with high scare quotient.
Georgia Family Magazine (October 2006)
LOS GATOS BLACK ON HALLOWEEN Under October’s luna, full and bright, the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall in this lively bilingual Halloween poem that introduces young readers to a spooky array of Spanish words. Read these chilling delights of the season. Ages 4+. By Marisa Montes; Henry Holt & Co.; www.henryholtchildrensbooks.com; $17.
South Florida Parenting, Sunrise FL (October 2006)
LOS GATOS BLACK ON HALLOWEEN
By Marisa Montes
Henry Holt and Co., 2006
$16.95; ages 7 and up.
Follow los monstrous and los esqueletos to the Halloween party! Under October’s luna, full and bright, the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. Las brujas come on their broomsticks, Los metros rise from their coffins to join in the fun. Los esqueletos rattle their bones as they dance through the door. And the scariest creatures of all aren’t even there yet! This lively bilingual Halloween poem introduces young readers to a spooky array of Spanish words that will open their ojos to the chilling delights of the season. Look for a cool glossary in the back.
Nick JR., New York, NY (October 2006)
Lost Gatos Black on Halloween, written by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Henry Holt). The rhyming text, embedded with Spanish words, depicts the comings and goings of the usual host of Halloween haunts. “Las brujas guide their broomstick high, the witches on escobas fly.” Morales’ paintings are appropriately scary, with a wink at grown-ups too. Ages 6+
Play Points: 4 – A fantastically silly tale, dark imagery may not suit the easily frightened.
Kern County (CA) Family Magazine (October 2006)
Los Gatos Black on Halloween, by Marisa Montes, Henry Holt and Company, 2006 $16.95
Follow los monstrous and los esqueletos to the Halloween party! Under October’s luna, full and bright, the montsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. Las brujas come on their broomsticks,. Los muertos rise from their coffins to join the fun. Los esqueletos rattle their bones as they dance through the door. And the scariest creatures of all aren’t even there yet! This lively bilingual Halloween poem introduces young readers to a spooky array of Spanish words that will open their ojos to the chilling delights of the season. Look for a cool glossary in the back. Ages 7-up.
Bookslut (October, 2006)
(http://www.bookslut.com/bookslut_in_training/2006_10_010066.php):
"As an extra special holiday treat, I’d also like to suggest you take a look at the gorgeous picture book Los Gatos Black on Halloween, written by Marisa Montes and illustrated by Yuyi Morales. In smart and spunky poems, Montes takes readers through a very imaginative and appropriately creepy Halloween night as Morales gives full color pictures that spark with deep rich color and spooky flare: “Los esqueletos rattle bones; the skeletons with creeks and groans; delight the night, in moonbeams dance – an awkward bow, a clattering prance.”
The mix of English and Spanish is clear and easy to follow, leaving no confusion for English readers and hopefully will instead spark a bit of curiosity for the other language. Young readers will eat this up -- it’s not often that you get a Halloween story that isn’t all silly grinning pumpkins and anemic-looking witches. Older readers will surely find it irresistible as well; both those reading on their own and teens who appreciate a sneaky phrase or gothic drawing will find something here to enjoy. Consider this a gift for the Timothy Burton fan club crowd -- it’s funny but in the best sort of dark way and with cemeteries, haunted houses, werewolves, and witches, it hits on all the things we love about Halloween."
Book Corner, by Sharon Levin (published Oct. 2006):
"Yes, I'm late on this next
book, but you can read it post-Halloween or just get it into your collection for
next year, but Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Bay Area locals Marisa Montes
and illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Henry Holt and Company, 2006)is going to become
a must-read for Halloween.
Montes' spooky, eerie phrasing evokes the spirit of Halloween, "Los gatos black
with eyes of green, cats slink and creep on Halloween. With ojos keen that
squint and gleam--they yowl, they hiss...they sometimes scream" She makes me
hear the cat sounds that can set my heart racing and give me goosebumps.
The Halloween creatures are all heading toward a ball at Haunted Hall and are
entertained by "...harpsichords once tucked away, some unseen dedos - fingers-
play, forgotten music, tinkling clear...La musica the dead can hear." But at
the end of the book, they are frightened away by the scariest creatures of all,
niños . "Of all the horrors they have seen, the WORST are kids on Halloween!"
Yuyi Morales' illustrations heighten the spookiness and add to the whimsy. Her
calabazas, pumpkins seem to be staring at you right off the page, her skeletons
are elegant and the glasses-wearing werewolf is a howl (so sorry, couldn't
resist). But, my favorite illustration that brings a smile each time is the one
of the cheery witches on their brooms especially the plumpest one who looks like
she is constantly giggling.
Children will be thrilled that they have the power to scare los monstruos and
adults will enjoy reading this aloud in their scariest Vincent Price voices (and
if you don't know who Vincent Price is, you're too young to be my friend).
The book has a glossary at the back for the Spanish words, brujas, momia,
esqueletos etc., but children will easily figure out the words just from the
context, which is great fun (and inspiring) for them."