Although Christmas more readily comes to mind when you picture a book being read as part of a holiday celebration, we feel this tradition should spread to other holidays as well. Why not start tonight, with a Halloween tale? Don't worry if you find your bookshelf lacking when it comes to Halloween books. There is a beautifully illustrated free e-book just waiting to be read, right around the corner.

Illustrator and graphic designer Michael Startzman has just released 'The Crooked Tree,' a wonderful children's book about an eventful Halloween night. The words are sparse, although with opening lines like 'In another time, In another place...in a field long unattended,' how much more do you really need? The story follows one trick-or-treater's imaginative journey when she decides to get a good look at the crooked old tree that watches over the town.

Each of the beautifully colored illustrations is a real joy to behold, popping off the screen with surprising vividness. While a few of the images could be slightly too spooky for the youngest kids, the sweet ending will leave everyone with a smile.

Get the free download at Michael's website. And thanks to Duo Fiberworks for sharing this gem.

(Images: Michael Startzman)