Long live the Pumpkin Queen

Gr 7--10--Exactly 50 weeks after the events of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack and Sally Skellington have returned from their honeymoon to begin their work as the Pumpkin King and Queen. Unfortunately, Sally finds being a queen rather suffocating and chafes at the drudgery of new gowns and dealing with the mayor all the time as Halloween approaches. When Jack's beloved ghost-dog Zero and Sally accidentally fall into the forgotten world of Dream Town, a series of events occurs that threatens everything she knows and loves. Sally uncovers some family secrets in her search for the answer to her situation. She must decide once and for all if she can be the Pumpkin Queen and save all the holidays for everyone. Ernshaw's atmospheric and spooky writing lends itself well to Burton's world. The adult age of the main characters and the juvenile tone and quick pacing of the novel create a juxtaposition that is questionable but not altogether uncomfortable. Sally's doubts about her suitability for the position she finds herself in will resonate with many readers, but the assumption of familiarity with the characters themselves may keep the story from being accessible to some readers. VERDICT Details about Sally's past and a chance to spend more time with beloved characters will appeal greatly to fans of the original movie but may not tempt others.--Allie Stevens

Sally must save her town from a sleeping curse before Halloween comes. Sally is at last married to Pumpkin King Jack Skellington. Nothing could be more perfect as they depart for a one-day honeymoon to Valentine's Town. But after a chance meeting with elegant Ruby Valentino, Queen of Valentine's Town, Sally begins having doubts about her newfound status as Pumpkin Queen. These doubts only grow upon their return to Halloween Town, as the residents begin pressuring Sally into fulfilling their ideas of a good queen. With Halloween only two weeks away and Jack focused on making the holiday a success, Sally despairs. Upset, she flees to the grove of portal trees, where she is drawn to one with a mysterious hidden door. Loyal ghost dog Zero stops her from passing through it, but on returning home, Sally discovers she may have let a terrible monster out of its prison. With the Sandman on the loose, the citizens of Halloween Town fall under his sleeping spell, and it's up to Sally to save the day. Sally's adventure gives some much-needed expansion to the other holiday worlds and her backstory with Dr. Finkelstein. The perspective through which Sally sees the world keeps the narrative grounded in Halloween Town even while she explores other areas. While some parts of the ending are unsatisfactory, witnessing Sally uncover her true self and come into her own takes readers on a satisfying journey. A delight for both existing fans and newcomers. (Fantasy. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.