Tacky and the Haunted Igloo

July 27, 2015
Tacky and his fellow penguins have transformed their home into a haunted igloo in preparation for Halloween, but the festivities turn truly scary after the hunters from Tacky’s original 1988 picture book show up, and they’re hungry: “We’re trick-or treatin’ ghosties/ And we ain’t no toothie fairies/ So give us all yer yummy treats/ Or we do something skearies.” Luckily, Tacky (who had been struggling to come up with a sufficiently scary costume before the hunters arrived) shows up just in time, dressed as none other than one of the hunters. The ensuing shenanigans offer lots of laughs—after all, what better to satisfy one’s appetite for schadenfreude than seeing someone scary get scared (or “skeared” as the case may be)? As ever, Tacky proves that even the unruliest of penguins can save the day. Ages 4–8.

August 1, 2015
While his friends busy themselves getting the igloo ready for Halloween, Tacky the Penguin is less than helpful. Lester and Munsinger continue their popular, long-running series with another tale about lovable Tacky. Although the other penguins get a bit exasperated when he samples all of the treats of "yummy gummy Swedish fish, batcicles, and awful waffles," they do want him to participate in the Halloween festivities. The penguins decide to choose costumes that reflect what scares them the most. Readers will either relate to or giggle at their choices: an insect, the dark, a monster, "a stormy outfit," and bubbles. But Tacky cannot decide on what to wear, so he goes off to think. In the meantime, a long line of trick-or-treaters arrives at the haunted igloo-everything goes wonderfully until there is a commotion at the door. When three huge ghosts swoop in, the penguins quickly learn they are their feared predators. The two wolves and the bear begin to tear the igloo apart looking for treats. If all the sweets are gone-and they are, thanks to Tacky-they are "gonna catch some pretty penguins / And we'll grab 'em by the toe / And we'll plop 'em in our treatsie bags / Hodey ho ho." Luckily, Tacky has selected a very scary costume in the nick of time-one that ends up frightening the trio of bullies so much they run away. Halloween has not been as shivery, silly, and satisfying as in this polar romp. (Picture book. 4-8)

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September 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-Tacky has another hit on his hands. The eccentric penguin yet again finds a way to save the day as the hunters make their way to ruin a very festive, and very haunted, Halloween. This engaging tale has a timely twist that will certainly incur some giggles as the penguins dress up as what they are most afraid of; kids will relate to fears of the dark, thunderstorms, monsters, and in Perfect's case-bubbles. Turning their fears into silly costumes will open up the possibilities for young readers to discuss their own fears and how to face them just as Tacky does. As usual, Tacky's entrance is timely and funny, as his costume turns out to be the best of all even after the penguin has a big think (aka a nap). Fans won't be disappointed in this addition, and readers not yet familiar with the character will find this to be a wondrous introduction. VERDICT A first purchase for general collections and holiday alike.-Ashley Prior, Lincoln Public Library, RI

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2015
Preschool-G When Tacky the penguin's pals decide to decorate their home as a haunted igloo, they bustle about, preparing fright-themed treats, decking the halls with cobwebs and skeletons, and making costumes based on their greatest fearsbut Tacky can't decide what to wear. He tastes the snacks, trundles off to think, and soon falls fast asleep. Meanwhile, guests come to join the fun. They party. They leave. Suddenly, the dreaded hunters appear and threaten the little penguins. Even kids unfamiliar with Tacky the Penguin (1988) or Tacky's Christmas (2010) will recognize that these three hunters are very bad news. Fortunately, Tacky arrives in costume, intimidates the villains, and drives them away. With its lively dialogue, Lester's text reads aloud well, while Munsinger's expressive ink-and-watercolor illustrations make the most of the story's emotional extremes. Both funny and scary, this entry in the popular Tacky the Penguin series is entertaining from first to last. Children will enjoy watching this strange little bird outwit the brutish bullies and send them packing. A Halloween treat for Tacky fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

September 1, 2015
Tacky the Penguin and pals (Happy Birdday, Tacky!, rev. 7/13, and others) get into the Halloween spirit by decorating their igloo and preparing trick-or-treat goodies. Actually, his penguin friends do all the work while Snacky Tacky sampled the treats, etc. On Halloween night, the haunted igloo is a spooky success, until three hunters dressed as ghosts arrive and demand all yer yummy treats / Or we do something skearies. Not a problem, if there were any treats left. But wait! Who's this skeary hunter at the door? Is he the biggest hunter's twin brudder ? Tacky's fans will recognize the odd-bird hero, but it's enough to scare off the real hunters. The affectionate text and nonthreatening illustrations play up the absurdity of the situation. kitty flynn

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)