All Hallows Eve*** - Tapa dura

A pinch of modern fairy dust is sprinkled on Halloween traditions in this playful, ghoul- and goblin-free introduction to the holiday. Eve, a young fairy from the All Hallows pumpkin patch, loves candy but is unable to make itshe can only create toys with her magic. Eve determinedly practices her spells, hoping she’ll be able to magic up candy on her birthday, October 31st. During her dress-up birthday party, Eve’s finest attempts yield only candy-shaped toyssuch as candy bar blocks, candy cane whistles, and squeaky toy cakes. As her frustration grows, her party guests save the day by visiting all the pumpkins in the patch and collecting candy to fulfill Eve’s wish. Overjoyed by their kindness, Eve gratefully offers the toys she created to her friends. A tale of friendship, cooperation, and self-acceptance, this story also provides health-conscious families and those with specific dietary concerns an alternative way to enjoy the holiday activities.

Lisa Sferlazza Johnson is executive director of Peacemakers, Inc., a nonprofit curriculum-development group specializing in geographic and cultural programs for elementary school children.Tucker Johnson is the principal designer at StudioC/V/R. They both live in Barrington, Rhode Island.