Consumers may be months away from worrying about pumpkins and trick-or-treating, but for retailers early summer is the perfect time to get in gear for fall. Halloween can provide plenty of lucrative opportunities for enthusiastic merchants. Playthings' March issue featured in-depth coverage of the possibilities that exist for toy retailers to tap into the playful energy of Halloween. Everything from costumes to playfully ghoulish trinkets can inspire customers' imaginations and in turn motivate them to toss some additional items into their shopping cart. Savvy retailers should already have their respective markets cornered when it comes to traditional Halloween paraphernalia; however, a selection of strange and scary books might be just the trick to provide customers with an extra treat.

Stories for Young People: Edgar Allan Poe, edited by Andrew Delbanco, includes five of Poe's classic, frightening tales, including “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado.” The book is illustrated with original art and includes an author biography ($14.95).

It is unlikely that there will be much “sleeping” at any slumber party where Scary Stories for Sleepovers makes an appearance. The latest addition to the Scary Stories series, the book offers a collection of terrifying tales intended to add a spark (or a spook) to a night away from home ($5.95).

Sterling Publishing, New York

Strange Happenings, by Avi. This collection of otherworldly short stories includes a variety of bizarre tales designed to entice and entertain readers ages 8-12 ($15.00).

Harcourt, Orlando, Fla.

Scary Stories is a compilation of stories from classic authors like Edgar Allan Poe and O. Henry as well as pieces from contemporary favorites such as Stephen King and Roald Dahl. The anthology, intended for readers ages 12 and up, is expected to hit bookshelves in October ($16.95).

Chronicle Books, San Francisco

Bram Stoker's Dracula, adapted by Gary Reed, illustrated by Becky Cloonan. The classic horror novel takes on new form as a graphic novel targeted at readers ages 8 and up ($9.99).

Penguin Young Readers Group, New York