Four Bewitching New Books
1. A troupe of out-of-order letters are putting on a spooky show in "AlphaOops! H Is for Halloween," from author Alethea Kontis and illustrator Bob Kolar. H is on first, of course, but A's dallying in the dressing room, and X has no idea what role to play. Expect encore readings. Ages 4 to 8. Candlewick, $16
2. In author Tammi Sauer and illustrator Scott Magoon's picture book "Mostly Monsterly," a little ghoul named Bernadette loves to "pick flowers ... pet kittens ... and bake." Horrors! Can she make monster friends and still be her sweet self? The hilarious digital art — popping eyeballs! — perfectly complements the story. Ages 4 to 8. Simon & Schuster, $15
3. The heroine of the riveting The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows" dives into the "not quite right" paintings that line her creaky house — and discovers a dangerous otherworld beyond their frames. Talking cats emerge as her allies (or are they?) in this atmospheric fantasy, the first in a planned series, from debut writer Jacqueline West. Ages 9 and up. Dial, $17
4. The three Hardscrabble siblings set out to learn the identity of the title character in Ellen Potter's gothic mystery "The Kneebone Boy." But it's the trio's longing to unwrap the truth about their missing mom that sets off a grand adventure full of shadowy characters and hair-raising action. Ages 9 and up. Feiwel & Friends, $17
