The Bats on the Bus by Jackson, Alison

A school bus full of monsters can't wait to celebrate Halloween in this spooktacular picture book adaptation of a classic nursery rhyme.

When Halloween tricksters gather after dusk, they sing "The Wheels on the Bus" in order to cause a fright. Featuring a cast of silly monsters who aren't quite what they seem--including witches who scream where's my broom!, ghosts who shout boo!, and skeleton bones that go clankety clank!--this spooky-fun reimagining of the beloved nursery rhyme will have little ones squealing with delight as they chant all around the town!

Author: Alison Jackson
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books-Little Brown and Hach
Published: 07/21/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.98lbs
Size: 11.25h x 8.80w x 0.43d
ISBN: 9780316584180
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2026
School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 62

About the Author
Alison Jackson has written many books for young readers, including I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie and If The Shoe Fits. She was inspired to write nursery rhyme retellings after preparing preschool programs at the library where she works. Alison lives with her family in Salinas, California, and invites you to visit her online at alison-jackson.com.

Scott Magoon is the acclaimed creator of Linus The Little Yellow Pencil and The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot! He is also the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, the Misunderstood Shark series by Ame Dyckman, and the Spoon series by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. He lives in Massachusetts and invites you to visit him online at scottmagoon.com.