Halloween Party
Written by Ken Nesbitt
October-November 2025
“We’re having a Halloween party at school.
I’m dressed up like Dracula. Man, I look cool!
I dyed my hair black, and I cut off my bangs.
I’m wearing a cape and some fake plastic fangs.
I put on some makeup to paint my face white,
l ike creatures that only come out in the night.
My fingernails, too, are all pointed and red.
I look like I’m recently back from the dead.
My mom drops me off, and I run into school and
suddenly feel like the world’s biggest fool.
The other kids stare like I’m some kind of freak—
the Halloween party is not till next week.”
Ken Nesbitt
I adapted this poem for a short young audience picture book in October 2025, creating two finalised spreads and accompanying roughs.