'Twas Halloween Night - by Geoffrey Owens (Hardcover)

About the Book

Young Jorlyn's night of trick-or-treating reveals some shocking surprises right in her own Brooklyn neighborhood in this rhyming poem destined to become a holiday classic like Clement C. Moore's poem "The Night Before Christmas."

Book Synopsis

Poetry, rhymed or otherwise, is, has always been, and always will be, a significant part of our culture. When at our best, we have the insight to recognize how barren life would be without it. The poetic style of "'Twas Halloween Night" imitates that of "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"-its rhythm as well as its rhyming couplets. Because of my love for Shakespeare, in choosing the meter I seriously considered iambic pentameter. But Moore's four beats somehow seemed more appropriate than the Bard's five. My hope is that this deliberate imitation (homage, perhaps?) will serve as an attractive entrance point-a friendly literary "Welcome" mat-for the reader. I also wrote "'Twas Halloween Night" with a mind towards how Dickens, in his great holiday story, makes sure both to comment on society and to suggest ways in which we, as its members, might make it better. Thus, Jorlyn's experience, like Scrooge's, leads her to a greater understanding of her human family and her responsibility to it. Years ago, when I first began working on the poem, I had in mind the need for my own little boy to be aware of, and sensitive to, the world around him. How was I to know that years later, that need-on his part as well as all of ours-would be greater than ever?

Review Quotes

"Geoffrey Owens' "'Twas Halloween Night" is his wonderful first step into the world of children's books, though it's clear that it belongs in the hands of adult readers as well. There is a beautiful and whimsical approach to this tale, (which I enjoyed even more the second time through). As I read it out loud, the poem seemed to bring out the actor in me, its wit and musicality becoming even more and more alive. This light-hearted and delightful book is a must-read for the Fall season!"- Kenneth Cavett, Actor

"'Twas Halloween NIght" is a sweet and slightly spooky book about fears that turn into friendship, with lessons that rhyme and grow deeper with time."-Deborah Bremer, Kansas State Board of Education

"This book is a fun read for all ages. Owens poetically captures the spirit of Halloween, taking you on a visually appealing journey full of spooky moments, life lessons, sharing, and empathy."- Crystal Blake, Brand Photographer

"Bravo" to Geoffrey Owens for bringing his passion for heightened language to the next generation in this beautiful tale of love and friendship! The writing is wonderful, and the artwork is stunning. A profound achievement." -J. Alex Brinson, Actor

"On this scariest (but only in a fun way!) of Halloween nights - amidst the costumes, owls, and treats and tricks - two children find friendship and the joys of sharing. This joyous rhyming tale will become a traditional read in our house every October for years to come!"- John Wellington, Artist