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Scarecrow Magic
After nightfall, Scarecrow and friends have a playtime adventure!
Scarecrow plays by the light of the moon.He jumps rope and dances and belts out a tune.Ghoulies and ghosties have fun through the night.Then as the sun rises, they scurry from sight.As night time falls and the moon appears, magic is building in the air. The time has finally come, and Scarecrow is ready to play. Slowly, all his friends start to arrive and they all have a good time. But soon, playtime is over and the sun starts to rise. Back at his post, Scarecrow bids his friends good night as he thinks of the next time the moon will rise and the magic will return.SCARECROW MAGIC is spooky fun that's just perfect for Halloween!
Scarecrow plays by the light of the moon.He jumps rope and dances and belts out a tune.Ghoulies and ghosties have fun through the night.Then as the sun rises, they scurry from sight.As night time falls and the moon appears, magic is building in the air. The time has finally come, and Scarecrow is ready to play. Slowly, all his friends start to arrive and they all have a good time. But soon, playtime is over and the sun starts to rise. Back at his post, Scarecrow bids his friends good night as he thinks of the next time the moon will rise and the magic will return.SCARECROW MAGIC is spooky fun that's just perfect for Halloween!
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2015
375 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 21, 2017
NOPE NOPE NOPE
NOOOOOOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE
NOPE
Any book that has a scarecrow taking off his skin to become a skeleton (?!) and then "zips up his skin" at the end, gets a big NOPE from me. Why does the scarecrow have a skeleton underneath?? Is he a murder victim? What is going on?
This book gave me the willies in the worst way. *shudder*
NOOOOOOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE
NOPE
Any book that has a scarecrow taking off his skin to become a skeleton (?!) and then "zips up his skin" at the end, gets a big NOPE from me. Why does the scarecrow have a skeleton underneath?? Is he a murder victim? What is going on?
This book gave me the willies in the worst way. *shudder*
August 11, 2015
This would have been a fine spooky picture book to read around Halloween except for the part where the scarecrow comes to life (fine with that) unties himself from his post (makes perfect sense) removes his clothes (only natural when you are going skinny dipping) and reveals he is a bony skeleton (OMG! That farmer is using a corpse for a scarecrow!) The scarecrow remains a skeleton the rest of the story until the end when he "zips up his skin." (You've got to be kidding me!) Some kids might overlook this, but at least a few will catch on to the true horror that lurks on this farm.
September 20, 2016
Sorry. There wasn't a lot to like. The author had a cool idea for a spooky surprise about the scarecrow ( I won't reveal what it is) but couldn't come up with a plot to go with it or even an inventive ending. The use of rhyme reinforces the lack of storyline. Often the rhyme is just a series of silly words which don't advance the action. Fine for a one-time read, but not worth library shelf space.
August 16, 2016
The illustrations were fun, but it was a bit... horrific in the way the scarecrow really was a skeleton under the clothes, and the text talking about him taking off his skin and zipping up his skin... That's not what a scarecrow really is in the first place....
December 20, 2017
When the moon comes out and the rest of the farm is asleep, what does the scarecrow do? With no more birds to chase away, he comes to life and climbs down to play! Turns out that there’s a skeleton hiding underneath that straw, and bones boy is ready to enjoy a full moon with the various ghoulies and ghosties that also make an appearance. Together, they dance, jump rope, swim, and play all manner of games. When the sun starts to come up, everyone heads home, and scarecrow returns to his post… until next time!
Ed Masessa has created a delightful rhyming story with “Scarecrow Magic,” along with vibrant illustrations by Matt Myers. Masessa certainly has inventive ideas for what scarecrow and his buddies get up to under the light of the moon, and many kids will be delighted by familiar games. Scarecrow himself, in his skeleton form, might come across as just a little weird to younger readers, but most will enjoy this picture book, perfect for the upcoming autumn holidays.
(Review originally written for San Francisco Book Review.)
Ed Masessa has created a delightful rhyming story with “Scarecrow Magic,” along with vibrant illustrations by Matt Myers. Masessa certainly has inventive ideas for what scarecrow and his buddies get up to under the light of the moon, and many kids will be delighted by familiar games. Scarecrow himself, in his skeleton form, might come across as just a little weird to younger readers, but most will enjoy this picture book, perfect for the upcoming autumn holidays.
(Review originally written for San Francisco Book Review.)
October 19, 2020
A scarecrow and some creepy nocturnal creatures share a magical evening under the light of the moon. The "monsters" are pretty nonthreatening - some are even rather Seussian in appearance. Some younger kids might find it disturbing that the scarecrow is really a The illustrations by Matt Myers are quite fun.
In all this would make a fine Halloween read.
In all this would make a fine Halloween read.
September 19, 2017
The premise of this book is okay--a scarecrow uses magic to go play with monster friends at night. But uh, if he sheds his "skin" and becomes a skeleton for this magical play, doesn't that mean the farmers have used a REAL PERSON as a scarecrow?? Why couldn't he have just stayed a scarecrow?
I could not recommend this without thinking that the farmer had lynched someone to hang on a pole and use as a scarecrow.
I could not recommend this without thinking that the farmer had lynched someone to hang on a pole and use as a scarecrow.
October 15, 2018
Rhyming story. Creepy illustrations. This is the weirdest, creepiest book I have read lately. The scarecrow comes alive and rips off its clothes to reveal he’s a skeleton underneath. He and lots of hidden creatures come out by moonlight to frolic all night. On one level it seems fun, on another level it is downright disturbing. I would not buy this one for school. It’s clever in a ghoulish way. I think the illustrations would give kids nightmares, Skip it.
November 9, 2017
This was a very creative Halloween-Fall storybook. How a scarecrow 'comes to life' and plays by the light of the moon. Along with other creatures throughout the story and woods. this might scare a younger reader-listener but if you are with them explaining then they may not be scared. Very nice story
October 25, 2022
I also read this book to my son who loves Pumpkin Magic. I didn't find this one quite as easy and fun to read as Pumpking Magic, but it was still a fun read that I would do again, just not nightly like Pumpkin Magic.
October 2, 2018
Very cute, rhyming book about a scarecrow and his friends who come out to play in the moonlight. Just spooky enough for Halloween for the little ones.
October 16, 2018
It has a really sweet ending and amazing illustrations
September 10, 2019
This book is a definite mood setter for fall.
June 24, 2021
A nice spooky tale and a story as well.
March 22, 2022
Very fun and cool Halloween book! The illustrations are so cool.
July 5, 2024
A scare crow comes to life at night and plays with other night creatures. I liked the idea and the playfulness of this, but I didn't really like that the scare crow was a skeleton.
October 30, 2025
Creepy, which I guess is good for a Halloween book!
September 22, 2015
A shivery and wonderfully strange autumn read, this picture book explores what happens on the night of a full moon. It all starts with the moon bright in the sky and a scarecrow that starts to move. Magic is building all around, and creatures begin to emerge from the ground and the shadows. As the others arrive, the scarecrow unties himself, removes his clothes and then his skin! As a skeleton, he dashes around ready to play. He jumps rope with a vine, takes a dip in the pond, bowls with pumpkins, plays hide-and-seek. At snack time they all feast on worms and slug balls. By the time the sun rises, it's all tidied up and Scarecrow is back to work on his post.
This picture book is not sweet and quiet, rather it's a wild raucous picture book that has some darkness mixed in. So it may not be for every child and may not be ideal for right before bed. There is joy in a picture book that takes a autumn figure like a scarecrow and unveils the skeleton underneath. The magic at play all around in a rural area is also a treat to see come alive. The book is written in rhyme that bounces and dashes along, carrying this zingy story forward even faster. Halloween is not mentioned at all, but this would be a great pick for a read aloud at a Halloween event where scary darkness is to be expected and embraced.
Myers sets a great tone with his illustrations, creating a wonderful glow of the moon and a deep darkness of night. The skeleton's white bones pop on the page as he gallivants around. The dark purples, blues and greens capture nighttime in the country. Against that backdrop, the strange creatures who come from the shadows and the ground are a mix of friendly and fearsome that works very well. They are just enough to be creepy but not really frightening.
Jaunty rhyme, a spooky night and one wild skeleton make for a treat of a book for a Halloween read. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
This picture book is not sweet and quiet, rather it's a wild raucous picture book that has some darkness mixed in. So it may not be for every child and may not be ideal for right before bed. There is joy in a picture book that takes a autumn figure like a scarecrow and unveils the skeleton underneath. The magic at play all around in a rural area is also a treat to see come alive. The book is written in rhyme that bounces and dashes along, carrying this zingy story forward even faster. Halloween is not mentioned at all, but this would be a great pick for a read aloud at a Halloween event where scary darkness is to be expected and embraced.
Myers sets a great tone with his illustrations, creating a wonderful glow of the moon and a deep darkness of night. The skeleton's white bones pop on the page as he gallivants around. The dark purples, blues and greens capture nighttime in the country. Against that backdrop, the strange creatures who come from the shadows and the ground are a mix of friendly and fearsome that works very well. They are just enough to be creepy but not really frightening.
Jaunty rhyme, a spooky night and one wild skeleton make for a treat of a book for a Halloween read. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
December 16, 2015
So this is the most terrifying picture book I've read in awhile...
Not saying that's a bad thing. I know some people don't believe in scaring children, but I personally loved to be scared after about age 5 (and still do). Fear can be a healthy emotion, that's why some children love roller coasters so much. And why Goosebumbs was so popular for so long. Scary books and movies can teach kids to face their fearrs, and scary and funny go hand in hand more often than you might think.
Like this book for example, which is about a scarecrow that hangs out with his scary friends after the sun sets, but not before he unzips his scarecrow skin to reveal a human skeleton. The illustrations make it a little humorous, but the concept is also terrifying. Not to mention really creative. I mean I'm sure someone else has written about someone using a dead body as a scarecrow, but I've never come across that idea before. And the other creatures in the book are pretty freaky looking too.
So yah, you know if your kid gets scared easily. If he/she does, don't read this book to him.
Not saying that's a bad thing. I know some people don't believe in scaring children, but I personally loved to be scared after about age 5 (and still do). Fear can be a healthy emotion, that's why some children love roller coasters so much. And why Goosebumbs was so popular for so long. Scary books and movies can teach kids to face their fearrs, and scary and funny go hand in hand more often than you might think.
Like this book for example, which is about a scarecrow that hangs out with his scary friends after the sun sets, but not before he unzips his scarecrow skin to reveal a human skeleton. The illustrations make it a little humorous, but the concept is also terrifying. Not to mention really creative. I mean I'm sure someone else has written about someone using a dead body as a scarecrow, but I've never come across that idea before. And the other creatures in the book are pretty freaky looking too.
So yah, you know if your kid gets scared easily. If he/she does, don't read this book to him.
October 23, 2016
Awards: None
Grade Level: Age: 3- 5 years old grades : Pre K- K
Summary: Scarecrow magic was a really fun book that had some interesting ideas in it. We follow a night in the life of the scarecrow as he secretly leaves his scarecrow post as a skeleton to go play with the other creatures of the night. We follow him on his adventure until the sun rises again!
Review: I thought this was a great book that is perfect for Halloween. I like the imagination of the author in having the scarecrow come right out of its post as a skeleton and play with the others. I also really liked the idea of the scarecrow coming back home to his post in time for the sun.
Possible in class uses: You could use this book around Halloween to get the kids in the spirit of the holiday. You could also use it to teach kids about being home in a timely fashion when their parents are expecting them to. Lastly, you could use this book to spark the children's imaginations about how they have always thought of scarecrows or any other myths.
Grade Level: Age: 3- 5 years old grades : Pre K- K
Summary: Scarecrow magic was a really fun book that had some interesting ideas in it. We follow a night in the life of the scarecrow as he secretly leaves his scarecrow post as a skeleton to go play with the other creatures of the night. We follow him on his adventure until the sun rises again!
Review: I thought this was a great book that is perfect for Halloween. I like the imagination of the author in having the scarecrow come right out of its post as a skeleton and play with the others. I also really liked the idea of the scarecrow coming back home to his post in time for the sun.
Possible in class uses: You could use this book around Halloween to get the kids in the spirit of the holiday. You could also use it to teach kids about being home in a timely fashion when their parents are expecting them to. Lastly, you could use this book to spark the children's imaginations about how they have always thought of scarecrows or any other myths.
Read
October 19, 2016After nightfall, Scarecrow and friends have a playtime adventure! Scarecrow plays by the light of the moon. He jumps rope and dances and belts out a tune. Ghoulies and ghosties have fun through the night. Then as the sun rises, they scurry from sight. As night time falls and the moon appears, magic is building in the air. The time has finally come, and Scarecrow is ready to play. Slowly, all his friends start to arrive and they all have a good time. But soon, playtime is over and the sun starts to rise. Back at his post, Scarecrow bids his friends good night as he thinks of the next time the moon will rise and the magic will return. Scarecrow Magic is spooky fun that's just perfect for Halloween!
Subject: Scarecrows -- Juvenile fiction.
Magic -- Juvenile fiction
Stories in rhyme
Subject: Scarecrows -- Juvenile fiction.
Magic -- Juvenile fiction
Stories in rhyme
September 27, 2016
Definitely worth mentioning to parents that this is a bit more than a magical fall nighttime book, it has a more creepy Tim Burton-esque feel and scarier themes than expected in a picture book. If you want to introduce your young child to scary stories, this is a great place to start. Basically either the tamest scary story out there, or the most terrifying cutesy picture book. Rides the line well, I think, but certainly a surprise that's not for everyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2016
I liked this book, but it very creepy. I loved the rhyming. My only concern is that the pictures are dark, making it a hard book to share with a group of students as a read aloud. So I will need to check out whether scanning the photos into a PPT might make it work or if the images are more appropriate for a one on one read.
Decided not to purchase after a second read.
Decided not to purchase after a second read.
October 20, 2015
A rhyming picture book about a scarecrow that comes alive to dance with ghoulies, ghosties & goblins when the moon rises at night. Dark illustrations and a skeleton that zips out of his skin may make this tale too grim for very young children, but most elementary-aged children will enjoy this spooky tale. Recommended.
December 26, 2015
This story is clearly suppose to be a silly story about a scarecrow enjoying a night out with some other monsters, but it comes across as dark and a little disturbing, after all there is a skeleton hiding inside of a scarecrow. Some of the other monsters also look pretty creepy. You can tell the book was well intentioned though.
January 31, 2017
Oh my goodness. I love this book. It was not what I was expecting. In the night, the scarecrow comes alive and sheds his skin to play with the ghosts, goblins, and ghoulies that arrive in the night. It rhymes, it sings-song, and the illustrations are magical. A great book for any time of the year.
#beaththebacklist #hermione #s
#beaththebacklist #hermione #s
November 7, 2016
A bit scary for the younger audience. If your child has a fear of scarecrows, this might not be the best choice for them. Good thing my five year old is horror-ific so he loved to see the Scarecrow come to life, unhook himself from the post and strip down to a skeleton.
March 12, 2015
Fall, scarecrow, monsters.
July 7, 2015
Fall, scarecrow, monsters good Preschool-1 read a loud during a spooky story time in October
August 26, 2015
I think this book is pretty scary too. The monsters are all creepy and to think that a skeleton lives inside a scarecrow is terrifying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews