Trick or Treat! Experience the magic of Halloween as never before with this picture book packed with spooky fun and a meaningful lesson, perfect for kids ages 4-10!
Someone new has moved in next door, and Jake is pretty sure that only one kind of neighbor would be unpacking a cauldron, broomstick, and black cat… Then Jake gets an idea! Surely a Witch will have a spell to help him plan, prepare, and clean for his upcoming Halloween party! When he writes letters requesting her magical help, will Jake get all that he hopes for? Or will the Witch use her powers to teach him a valuable lesson in this delightfully charming story about the Halloween…when the Witch wrote back!
Filled with playful rhymes, engaging art, hilarious fall fun, and a heartfelt message about responsibility and effort, When the Witch Wrote Back! is the perfect Halloween gift or boo basket stuffer for kids! Complete with a bonus spread of tips from Jake on how to have a happy Halloween, this story is the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season!
Dear Witch,
You think you can fool me, but I’ve seen the proof:
Nathan Christopher is a former child and aspiring adult who enjoys spreadsheets and—far more useful for his writing—making people laugh. Nathan is the creator of the When They Wrote Back! series of funny holiday picture books, beginning with When Santa Wrote Back! (Sourcebooks Wonderland, 2025). Follow-ups include When the Witch Wrote Back! and When the Easter Bunny Wrote Back! (2026) and When the Leprechaun Wrote Back! (2027). He pens his stories (and his letters to Santa) in Windsor, Canada, where he lives with his wife and children—who ensure endless material and a conveniently sleepless schedule for writing.
It was supposed to be a magical night… until a few mischievous kittens turned it into chaos. Can the tiniest voice save the day?
At Monster Scare Prep School, every monster is practicing their scariest roar. But when Meep tries, all that comes out is a squeaky little “meep.” The others laugh—until real trouble strikes, and Meep may be the only one who can save the day.
Will he find his roar—or discover that being himself is more than enough?
Funny, playful, and full of heart, Monsters Don’t Say Meep is a laugh-out-loud monster adventure about courage, individuality, and the magic of being yourself—reminding us that sometimes the smallest voice makes the biggest impact.
Perfect for bedtime, classrooms, and storytime, this book will have kids (and adults) cheering for their own true voices.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Halloween is quickly approaching, and as kids decide which costume to wear this year, the students at the Monster Scare Prep School are practicing their scariest roars for The Monsters’ Ball’s biggest roar contest. Every monster that took the stage gave their mightiest roar, but when it was Meep’s turn, all he could manage was to squeak out a “meep.” The two-horned, green monster’s failed attempt was met with laughter from its classmates, causing their shoulders to slump in embarrassment or humiliation. Many readers will empathize with Meep’s situation and reaction.
Meep faced laughter on more than one occasion over their weak roar. Each time, the mockery instantly dampened his spirits, but he vowed to find his roar in time for the ball. This determination and perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful message that will inspire and motivate young readers. But the million-dollar question is, did Meep find their roar? Did they win the contest? Those questions will be answered when you read the book, and I hope you decide to share it with your family or students!
Monsters Don’t Say Meep had a wonderful collection of colorful monsters. There were monsters with two eyes or one huge eye. Monsters with horns, spikes, or even both. There were monsters with bright, white teeth, as well as several that were toothless. There were a few surprise party crashers and a DJ duck spinning the turntable. Yes, you read that right…Monsters Don’t Say Meep had a duck for a DJ!
Monsters Don’t Say Meep did have a few design issues and one noticeable editing mistake; overall, though, it was a delightful story that discourages laughing at someone’s mistake while encouraging young listeners to keep trying. The creature’s laughter did hurt Meep’s feelings, but it didn’t deter them from their goal. This is a powerful lesson in empathy and understanding, and we should all follow Meep’s example: keep striving to reach your goal(s)!
Monsters Don’t Say Meep teaches kids that it’s okay to be look or sound different, to embrace what makes you unique. This story had many endearing qualities. The scene featuring the monsters “polishing their fangs” and “fluffing their fur” was quite humorous. While the bat’s wings and nose were a bit off the mark, the animal was still adorable. I bet young viewers will giggle over Meep’s headpiece and his expulsion of air.
I recommend sharing the book with kids aged 3-8 years. Use this story as a lead-in to an art activity: designing a monster or a jack o’lantern. Make it a part of your classroom party! At school or at home, Monsters Don’t Say Meep teaches important lessons to young listeners while entertaining them with its cute, colorful, Halloween-themed illustrations.
Help your kids find their voice by reading Monsters Don’t Say Meep!
Heart Rating System: 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) Score: ❤❤❤❤
Bridgetta Tomarchio is an author, ghostwriter, and PR powerhouse who has helped countless entrepreneurs and creatives bring their stories to life. Founder of Plot Twist Ink, she coaches writers from concept to bestseller, drawing on 20+ years of experience in media, publishing, and publicity. Her career spans actress, host, producer, and publicist for celebrities and high-profile clients, giving her an unmatched eye for storytelling that captivates both readers and the media. Bridgetta’s own writing blends raw honesty, empowerment, and heart—whether she’s crafting memoir, children’s adventures, or bold fiction. Her greatest inspiration is her 5-year-old son, Lucian, who fuels her imagination and serves as her enthusiastic “guinea pig” for children’s stories. With every project, Bridgetta weaves purpose, passion, and authenticity—helping others find their voice and transform their stories into legacies.
