Book Reviews and More: All Hallows Eve - Anthony DeStefano and Erwin Madrid

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

All Hallows Eve - Anthony DeStefano and Erwin Madrid

All Hallows Eve

Anthony DeStefano

Erwin Madrid (Illustrator)

Sophia Institute Press

ISBN 9798889115021

eISBN 9798889115038

ASIN B0FMFPXCN8

All Hallows Eve - Anthony DeStefano Cover Front

Wow! This is a wonderful volume. It would be an excellent addition to any home, school, or church library. I absolutely loved it. A few years ago I was really stuck about the importance of the importance of All Hallows’ Tide, and have since then read numerous volumes and tried to pray daily for souls in purgatory. I wish I had read a volume like this when I was a child or even a decade or 2 ago. It took me back to visits to a cemetery with my grandmother, and cleaning my grandfather’s tombstone. It reinforced for me the importance or prayer. And I am certain it will do the same for you and your family, or any children you share this volume with.

The description of this volume states:

“There is something more enthralling than the usual tales of vampires, monsters, and ghouls. In All Hallows’ Eve, bestselling author Anthony DeStefano takes young readers on a lighthearted but spine-tingling journey that unveils the true spiritual meaning of Halloween.

Join a group of friends as they encounter Hulga May, a mysterious woman who sweeps and prays in a dark cemetery every Halloween night. As Hulga shares her haunting tale, children and adults alike will learn about the profound significance of prayer, penance, and the souls in Purgatory. This finely crafted story blends eerie suspense with heartfelt lessons, making it ideal for young readers in search of both thrills and wisdom.

For too long, Christians have allowed the secular culture to dominate what is essentially a deeply religious holiday. With this story, DeStefano reclaims Halloween by placing its emphasis not on evil spirits, monsters, and pagan and occult practices but where it belongs—on the countless souls who have died in God’s grace and long for deliverance into the Heavenly realms.”

The back cover of the book states:

“An EERIE-sistable, FANG-tastic, and SPOOK-tacular time for all!

In All Hallows' Eve, bestselling author Anthony DeStefano takes young readers on a lighthearted but spine-tingling journey that unveils the true spiritual meaning of Halloween.

An author’s note at the beginning of the volume informs us that:

“TOMB it may concern:

Halloween does NOT belong

to the secular culture —

it belongs to Christians!

All Hallows’ Eve, celebrated on October 31st each year, is more commonly known as Halloween. The two names are interchangeable. All Hallows’ Eve is the night before All Hallows’ Day, which is today called All Saints’ Day, when we honor the saints in Heaven. This takes place on November 1st each year.

The day after All Saints’ Day is called All Souls’ Day, when we pray for the souls in Purgatory who are awaiting entrance to Heaven. This takes place on November 2nd each year.

These three days — All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), All Hallows’ Day (All Saints’ Day), and All Souls’ Day — are together called “All Hallows’ Tide.”

Unlike the secular culture, Christians do not focus on evil spirits, monsters, and pagan or occult practices during All Hallows’ Tide. Rather, this is the time of year when we remember in a special way all those who have died in the grace of God.”

At the end of the volume is a note:

“Note to MUMMIES and DEADIES and all who may have GRAVE concerns about this BOO-k”

There is also a section with quotes from the bible and from the Catechism to support the purpose and intent of this book.

I have a few categories or targets for a book that I consider exceptional; first I want my kids to read it (no matter their age), second I can’t stop talking about it, and third I know I will likely read it again. This scored on all three marks. It is an excellent volume for families, or for those who read to and with little ones. And though this is written for young readers it left me desperate for the forthcoming volume, Purgatory: A Guide, from DeStefano that is written for adults.

I can easily recommend this volume for every Catholic home. An excellent picture book that children will love and that teaches about an important doctrine. The only thing I feel it was missing was a prayer or 2 that children or families could incorporate into their devotional life. A great book for the whole family!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!