It’s Halloween and Mallory is ready to score some lollies and other goodies. She decides it will much creepier going a little later than all the other children in her street. It’s nearly dark, and she is ready. She’s made a newspaper witch hat and has ‘borrowed’ her dad’s black dressing gown. It’s too long, but Mallory isn’t bothered by it dragging on the ground.

Mallory’s neighbour Arthur isn’t keen at all, but his dad decides Arthur needs to be a bit more adventurous. He and Mallory set off to Trick or Treat. Mallory is well prepared for the trick part with a bag full of eggs, flour and other items to trick those who give them nothing.

Mallory’s plan for the extra creep factor of darkness backfires. Each door they knock on results in being told they are too late. Mallory inflicts her tricks on them before they move to the next house.

The last house looks a little creepy. It’s old and rundown. It’s covered in vines, almost blocking the front door. This is one house they shouldn’t visit, but once they knock, it is too late.

They are about to be tricked themselves.

Shazam! They find themselves back in time where their homes are only paddocks and the last house they visited looks brand new. The sun is shining and the owner looks exactly the same, still wearing round black glasses over his eyes.

Mallory is livid to have been tricked, and Arthur is worried. The strange man gives them a task. When they complete it they can go home again.

Horrible Mallory is just as horrible in this episode of Mallory, Mallory. Arthur stands up to her a little more than in their first story/adventure as they struggle to complete a task given to them by a strange man wearing black glasses.

Time is running out. They only have until sundown. This ‘ticking clock’ increases the tension as Mallory and Arthur endeavour to work together.

Part time-slip, part quest and a little creepy, Mallory, Mallory – Trick or Treat is perfect for Halloween. Who is behind the doors on your street? Be careful calling ‘Trick or Treat?’

Author – James Norcliffe

Illustrator – Emily Walker

Age – 7+

Read a review for another Mallory, Mallory adventure here 

(2021, Penguin NZ, NZ Author, New Zealand Author, Halloween, Time-travel, Quest, Task, Black Cats, Historical, Series, Danger, Magic)