LitPick Review
In an enchanted land, a powerful witch named Astari made a potion in her cauldron that created a special creature that embodied the unique spirit of Halloween. But, Astari didn't like the potion she created one night because it just didn't turn out quite right, so she threw it out and a raccoon found it for his evening snack. This raccoon then became CacklePatch, a unique creature who is filled with the spirit of Halloween and has orange eyes. He has friends who are bats, who also have the spirit of Halloween in them, and help CacklePatch to find those who are creative, unique, and even called "weird." On Halloween, CacklePatch brings these people a special treat and those who wish to be visited by CacklePatch can send him a letter to invite him to leave them a gift.
Opinion:
This book has wonderful illustrations that are vivid and look somewhat like they could belong in a video game. The author invites readers to think of this book as a movement to encourage others to be themselves and not try to be just like everyone else. She wants children to embrace their uniqueness and be filled with the same spirit that CacklePatch embodies. The book could become a part of a Halloween tradition, and the author's website for the book includes lesson plans, a space to write CacklePatch, and other ideas to encourage using this book to discuss inclusion, creativity, and uniqueness.
