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Meet Jacko, your new favorite Halloween literary character. Just in time for October, he's here to take you through the world of Hall-Lore-Ween.
In “Hall-Lore-Ween” and “It’s Hall-Lore-Ween Again!” Jacko, a three-eyed jack-o-lantern, is serving up a series of kid-friendly spooky Halloween poems and short stories to set the mood for your October.
From Cynnie, who moves to her aunt’s interesting home after she passes to a showdown between the Meatheads and the Kings of Halloween in Anoka, MN, both of these books are packed full of fun and frights you can enjoy throughout spooky season — or anytime you need a little dose of Halloween.
About “Hall-Lore-Ween”
Hall-Lore-Ween contains a collection of fun Halloween adventures and poems that the whole family can enjoy. With three short stories and four poems all themed around the spooky season, there is truly something for everyone. From the mind of Josh Spero and special guest author K.J. Davis, these tales aim to personify the very spirit of Halloween.
Hosted by Jacko, the Three-Eyed Jack-o-Lantern, each story tells a unique tale about overcoming adversity during the time of frights and delights. With plenty of twists and turns, this Halloween adventure book is perfect for readers who love a good scare but also appreciate a heart-warming story of overcoming obstacles and coming out stronger on the other side.
However, heed this friendly warning; after reading this book, you will not feel the same. You will feel as though the Halloween season has arrived. It will transform the air around you as you journey into the magic of the season. So every year, dust this book off, dim the lights, put on some spooky music, and let the eerie aura of Hall-Lore-Ween embrace you.
About “It’s Hall-Lore-Ween Again!”
Prepare to be haunted once more by Jacko in It's Hall-Lore-Ween Again! A new season. A new volume. A new set of stories to share.
Jacko, the legendary Three-Eyed Jack-o-Lantern, has returned—and with him, a brand-new collection of eerie adventures, whimsical poetry, and the spirit of Halloween in full glow. Featuring three fresh short stories, six haunting poems, and spooky illustrations throughout, this follow-up to Hall-Lore-Ween delivers chills, heart, and Halloween magic for all ages.
From the imaginative world of Josh Spero comes a book the whole family can enjoy. Whether you're returning to Jacko's world or discovering it for the first time, you'll find that each tale stands on its own. No prior reading required for this sequel... though some familiar faces from the original may pop up to say hello!
Brimming with ghostly giggles, looming scares, and timeless messages of courage and connection, this is a book to return to year after year. Light a candle, cue the creepy music, and let the chill of fall settle in, because it’s Hall-Lore-Ween Again!
What I like about the series
Halloween anthologies always feel especially appropriate for spooky season. I love the ability to drop into a world for a quick read and get those Halloween feels. These stories are especially good at immersing you in their worlds, taking you on an adventure, and serving up a fun twist or turn in the tradition of the “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” series.
The addition of poetry to both books in the series is fun as well — the short and sweet poems offer a break between stories while still serving up the spooky vibes you’re looking for.
Perhaps my favorite, though, is the artwork of Jacko throughout “It’s Hall-Lore-Ween Again!”, in particular. He always has a snarky (but still age-appropriate) comment on the story just completed or what’s coming next or is up to some unexpected adventure, like carving jack-o-lanterns of his own. He’s the perfect literary horror host!
Where to buy the books
Available from Castling Books, both “Hall-Lore-Ween” and “It’s Hall-Lore-Ween Again!” are available as a self-published book on Amazon. You can also find them online-only at Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore may be able to special order a copy.
My links below are for Amazon.