• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 1 to 3

Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2007

p align=center">Black cats howled. Wind moaned.
Halloween was coming.

Like children everywhere, Omar is excited. This year, after trick-or-treating with his friends, Omar is planning a party. They will bob for apples and tell ghost stories. Best of all, Omar will wear the scariest costume. It'll be so scary that someone might even faint. But like so many children at Halloween, Omar can't decide what he should wear. Nothing seems scary enough, and by the time Halloween arrives, he still hasn't decided.

Omar panics! At the last minute, he had only one choice; a plain old not scary ghost . . . or is he?

In her latest book with Orca,Queen Nadine, Maryann Kovalski has once again blended the unique voice and warm-and-bouncy artwork that has made her a favorite across the country. She has illustrated over twenty titles, six of which she also wrote. Her touching Brenda and Edward has become a Canadian classic and her illustrations for The Big Storm by Rhea Tregebov earned her a Governer General's Award nomination. Best-selling collaborations include Mable Murple with Sheree Fitch and Princess Prunella and the Purple Peanut with Margeret Atwood.

Maryann Kovalski's profile page

"Omar's Halloween is an excellent holiday book with a universal message that reminds children to never despair as even the worst days can turn out to be the best.

"Highly Recommended."
— CM Magazine

"The simple text is easy enough for primary-grade readers, and it effectively captures the small bear's frustration and ultimate success. The soft, warm fall colors bring to life the bear's cozy home and surroundings, while touches of Halloween gloom give an appropriate punch to the story."
— School Library Journal

"The illustrations are cheerful, brightly colored,--simply charming--and they nicely underline the action of the storyline."
— Children's Literature

"Kovalski has a knack for depicting a safe, cozy environment of family and neighbourhood without being bland or condescending. Omar's weird expressions of disgruntlement as he tries out different costumes are funny and create character that goes beyond the usual trick-or-treating tale. At the same time, his ambitions and frustrations are utterly believable and true to his age (about 6) - all features that make this a satisfying picture book. Like its predecessors, this is a good early reader for those at about a Grade 2/3 reading level."
— The Toronto Star

"Maryann Kovalski's wonderful illustrations and gentle story will definitely be a hit with young readers in the weeks leading up to Halloween. This book will be a welcome addition to the seasonal story section of school and public libraries."
— Resource Links

"Youngsters will enjoy the troubles Omar, the bear, has when he searches for a really scary Halloween costume. . . The full-color pages will entice youngsters who are just beginning to read."
— Polish American Journal

"Omar's Halloween is an endearing story, accompanied by vibrant and engaging illustrations, will delight young readers. Maryann Kovalski used gentle humour to tell her story, which is sure to get your little one excited about Halloween."
— The Telegram, St. John's, NL