Sally's Journal (Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas): Notes from Halloween Town and Beyond

by Mari Mancusi

Told from Sally's point of view, this stunningly illustrated guidebook offers an intimate look inside the world of Jack Skellington and the Pumpkin Queen series from its iconic characters to the eerie charm of Halloween Town. The perfect gift for fans of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmasand immersive companion books like The Hocus Pocus Spell Book.

By turns dreamy and macabre, this illustrated journal guides readers across the Hinterlands through Sally’s eyes. With passages about Halloween Town, other holiday realms, and brand new places fans have never seen before, as well as recipes for Sally’s  favorite potions, this enchanting title is a must-have for fans ages 8+ who love the original film and its feisty heroine.

Sections
A Guide to the Learn all about familiar holiday towns like Halloween Town and Christmas Town, as well as new realms introduced in the Pumpkin Queen book series, like Dream Town, Fable Town, and more.Character Sally will introduce readers to the many inhabitants of the Hinterlands, like the friendly monsters of Halloween Town, the dragons of Fable Town, the rag dolls of Dream Town, and more.Recipes, Tinctures, and Sally shares her favorite recipes and potions, from her familiar brew of Deadly Nightshade, Frog’s Breath, and Worm’s Wort to mysterious portal potions, and beyond.And more!

208 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Mari Mancusi grew up where the north wind meets the sea (otherwise known as Massachusetts), but has since made her home in the great state of Texas, mostly due to her love of summer. (And tacos.) A former Emmy Award winning TV news producer, today she is the author of more than two-dozen books for kids, teens, and adults, mostly of the sci-fi/fantasy variety. In addition to writing, Mari loves traveling, video games, and cosplaying. She is also Mom to an eight year old Frozen superfan who, when recently asked by her teacher to describe her hero answered: “My Mom!” (Okay, fine, she said Kristin Bell.)

You can find Mari online at www.marimancusi.com. She knows several Samanthas.

Reviews

[Artemis Crescent]

'Are you an adventurer looking to explore the far reaches of the Hinterlands? You've come to the right place!'



We're here, at my 1300th book review.

There comes a point where you've written so many reviews over the years that no number shocks you anymore.

Less shocking now is the fact that I've been rambling online about books for over thirteen years.

I reckon, for me, such a milestone review should be of a book that combines a myriad of the things I love, like the favourite ingredients to a meticulously, majestically brewed potion - witchcraft, Halloween, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', Pumpkin Queen Sally the ragdoll, and other strong female characters and presences, and messages of love, community, equality, and building bridges.

And 'Disney's Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Sally's Journal: Notes from Halloween Town and Beyond' contains these in spades (and hearts). And it is such a fun, funny, creative, colourful, cute and engaging Halloween and holiday book, that can be devoured like trick-or-treat candy in one afternoon, at any day of the year, not just autumn.

The basic premise is: Sally is writing a journal and record of Halloween Town, and other Towns, such as Christmas Town, Valentine's Town, Easter Town, St. Patrick's Day Town, Time Town, Fable Town, and Dream Town, and each of their cultures, people and creatures, that she's discovered and explored so far. It's an adventurer's guide, for everyone to read and learn from, and be instructed on the various constructive crafts, potion recipes, and other fun activities included.

Those, and newspaper articles, and job advertisements.

Sally is a kind, friendly, benevolent, dedicated, determined, diplomatic, hardworking, responsible explorer queen, who wants to bring about peace, community and camaraderie between the holiday realms, and other realms hidden further in the mysterious Hinterlands.

'Sally's Journal' expands on the lore of the 1993 animated film, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', that has been established in 'The Pumpkin Queen' novel series and 'Sally's Lament' (also written by Mari Mancusi!). I admit to only having read 'Long Live the Pumpkin Queen' by Shea Ernshaw, as well as its graphic novel adaptation, but that's not a problem; 'Sally's Journal' is very accessible to all sorts of readers, of all ages, with the additional lore and characters from other reading material explained simply therein.

I love all the contents, but I especially adore the section on Dream Town, and getting to know Luna Slumberly, Sally's apprentice.

Luna is another ragdoll, who made her debut in 'Hour of the Pumpkin Queen' by Megan Shepherd, the sequel to 'Long Live the Pumpkin Queen'. She was a volunteer at the Lullaby Library, and currently runs Dream Town. She is Sally's adventure buddy, bookworm best friend, and little sister figure (I'm going light on spoiler territory, here).

Luna sounds like a delight, anything but slumber-ly; a girl after my own heart! Also she has one of my favourite names, is a lilac girl, and strong female leads forever!

Sally's husband, Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, receives special and important mention and praise as well, of course.

The couple are adorable together. Well, Sally gets along with nearly everyone, and forms bonds with the many people she encounters on her travels.

She is a queen, but most importantly, she is a friend to all.

Great fun, creative and hilarious info is contained in the pages of 'Sally's Journal'. The illustrations by Andre Ducci are gorgeous, creative and brilliant, and fit 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' wonderfully, like a perfectly-sewed-and-coloured patchwork ragdoll.

'Disney's Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Sally's Journal: Notes from Halloween Town and Beyond' - an enjoyable, magical, otherworldly Halloween treat for 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' fans and beyond.

As delicious and irresistible as real candy.

Consider it an early Halloween present recommendation from Artemis Crescent, on her 1300th review.



'No matter what corner of the Hinterlands you decide to visit, I'm confident you can make you dreams (or, if you prefer, nightmares!) a reality.

Frightfully yours,

Sally (blurb)



And as Sally would say, '[...] we are much more alike than different. And with a little patience, respect, and understanding, we can gain so much from one another and enrich all our lives.' (page 14)



'Good or bad, whatever the challenges may be, I know we'll conquer them all. Because we'll do it together.
Clearly it was meant to be.

Yours in fright,

Sally' (page 207) ('Conclusion')



Connected book reviews:


'Long Live the Pumpkin Queen'

'Long Live the Pumpkin Queen (Graphic Novel)'


Final Score: 5/5

[Marya D.]

This was super adorable. The writing is very cute (LOVE the adoptable Halloween critters!) and the art is absolutely gorgeous.

I LOVE that they used this stylized mid-century style, rather than the usual Disney art! Big shout-out to the illustrator, André Ducci! I wish his name was more prominent in the promotional pages. Even the Penguin Random House page doesn't list his name at all, which seems odd. I had to check my copy of the book to give him credit here. Mancusi's writing is lovely and charming here, but this book is at least as much illustration as writing.

Still, SO cute and fun.

[Manic Booksy Dreamgirl]

I’m really underwhelmed. I was so excited for this book because I loved Mari Mancusi’s Twisted Tale book ‘Sally’s Lament’ but I feel short changed by this. The illustrations were sparse and the writing content felt churned out.

[Maddie Thornton]

I personally believe this is a perfect companion novel. It’s fun, entertaining, and informative. The art is BEAUTIFUL. I hope this author gets to write more in this universe in the future.

[Jenna Alcock]

A very cute companion book to the first two books.

[Denver]

Was a fun little side addition to the trilogy. Will make a handy little reference. Left out Chance Town, I think.

Cute artwork. Fun new information for the reader.