Summer vacation is over; it’s back to school time. For some kids, that means no more camping in the back yard telling ghost stories, then having nightmares until Dad hears you yell out in your sleep.
Illustration by Mary Stevens from the 1953 kid's book TORNADO JONES. Tint added
But in my mind that’s not what’s going on here in the picture.
I think these kids come from werewolf families, and a ghost relative– probably an uncle– has appeared to see just how the transformations are coming. One kid on the right is already a wolf, and he’s gazing at the full moon one can see in the distance, below the spectral upper body of the uncle.
Soon it will be autumn, and these kids will be riding bicycles through fallen leaves to investigate derelict old haunts and have a good time. Candy will be eaten, new curse words will be tried out, and ancient blood rites involving sacrifices will be performed, just as kids have done for centuries.
Cover art by Raymond Abel from the 1967 kid's book MYSTERY ON NINE-MILE MARSH.
