The Ghost-Eye Tree (Owlet Book)

My 2 boys love this book and make me read it again and again. I think they are responding both to the beautiful poetry as well as the sibling rivalry theme.

Granted, I haven't read this book since I became an adult, but when I read it as a child I remember being terrified and loving it! It's definately something I plan on buying and keeping for my kids in the future!

This book is well written and superbly illustrated, as perfect a match of word tone and illustration as you can find. My 3 year old daughter quite enjoys the spooky mood, the scary ghost-eye tree, and the haunting refrain, "Oooo... I dreaded to go... I dreaded the tree... Why does Mama always choose me when the night is so dark and the mind runs free?" This is a year-round book, not just for the Halloween season.In response to the reviewer who says the language is harsh, I can agree with that although let me add that it is rather realistic (although not to be encouraged) given the ages of the sister and brother in the book. My remedy is that when the sister says, "stupid," I instead read aloud the word "silly" in its place.We also greatly enjoy the book Barn Dance by the same group of authors/illustrators. Barn Dance is different in that it has an actual supernatural element and is less a spooky book and more a book of wonder/imagination with a touch of friendly spookiness.

Quite an enjoyable book to read to young children between 4 and 8. Your kids will want you to read this story over and over again. They will follow the suspense, reciting along with the rhythmic flow of the story. Highly recommended!

The authors Bill Martin and John Archambault present a haunting and well-paced story of a young boy's relationship with a "ghost"tree.Ted Rand's pictures match the story very well. You can feel the atmosphere and tension in his illustrations. Feel the icy wind blowing through the ghost tree. Read this book to get into the mood for Halloween. A great picture book with interesting text.