It’s spooky. It’s suspenseful. And it’s totally Catholic.

Author-illustrator duo Anthony DeStefano and Erwin Madrid just released the unique children’s title, All Hallows’ Eve, with Sophia Institute Press, and it’s the perfect book to add to your bookshelves and Hallowtide celebrations. As DeStefano describes in the dedication, it’s “A spooky tale to fill the night / With thrills and chills and pure delight.”

Told in rhyme and accompanied by fun, eerie and detailed illustrations, four friends wander into a cemetery and meet a raspy-voiced woman named Hulga May. While listening to her chilling story, they learn the true meaning behind these three special days of All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), All Saints’ Day (or All Hallows’ Day), and All Souls’ Day: prayer for the faithful departed, the mercy of purgatory, and the glory of the Communion of Saints. The mystery of death and the hope of eternal life become the preeminent focus of Hallowtide for these children, a far different experience than secular Halloween.

In fact, a note at the beginning of the book reminds readers: “Unlike the secular culture, Christians do not focus on evil spirits, monsters, and pagan or occult practices during All Hallows’ Tide. Rather, this is the time of year when we remember in a special way all those who have died in the grace of God.”

After the captivating narrative, which ends on a note of prayer and hope, the author includes helpful commentary, clarification and citations, addressing the Church’s teaching on purgatory and the use of imagination and literary license to illustrate the reality of praying for the souls of the faithful departed, citing Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well.

One reader commented, “I read this to my kids the other night — they [enjoyed it] and I loved it too!”

Adults and children alike will appreciate this tale of “goosebumps and grace” that focuses attention on the deeper, holier meaning behind these candy- and costume-studded days on the calendar.

“From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God” (Catechism, 1032).

Grab a copy for your own children, grandchildren, godchildren or students, and help reclaim Halloween, sharing the beauty and truth of our Catholic faith and the gift of All Hallows’ Tide.

Watch EWTN Bookmark interview with the author:

TUNE IN

Watch coverage of the book on EWTN News Nightly this Thursday, too.