All Hallows' Eve

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.

Why You Should Read This Book:

• It’s Educational and Engaging: All Hallows’ Eve introduces children to life-changing Catholic teachings in an accessible and memorable way. Unlike typical Halloween stories, this book focuses on the true meaning of the holiday, rooted in the traditions of All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.
• With Important Values and Lessons: The book encourages children to reflect on the power of prayer, the reality and purpose of Purgatory, and the interconnectedness of all souls through the Communion of Saints.
• A Moving Story of Redemption: All Hallows’ Eve follows the transformation of a selfish girl into a selfless soul, illustrating God’s infinite mercy and the hope of conversion.
• With a Unique Twist: A true thriller, the book has an impactful surprise ending that will captivate readers and make it a holiday classic!

“DeStefano’s thoughtful yet charming book … engages children in the mysteries of the faith with a method that has already proven itself through the successes of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis—storytelling … I hope his contribution will aid in sowing the seeds of faith for future generations.” -- Bishop John O. Barres, S.T.D., J.C.L., D.D., Diocese of Rockville Centre

“Halloween has been hijacked by secular culture … but we should not give up on its strong Catholic roots. DeStefano’s exciting story teaches kids about faith, prayer, penance, Purgatory, and the Communion of Saints. A great gift for all the children in your life.” --Bishop Joseph L. Coffey, Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

“What a beautiful way to introduce kids to the afterlife … In a fun story, readers gain a deep understanding of the bond between generations … I wish I’d read this to my children—I’ll be sure to read it to my grandchildren!” --Mike Aquilina, Author, TV host, co-founder of St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

“Too many Catholics have joined the war on Halloween, forgetting its thoroughly Catholic roots … All Hallows’ Eve is a noble attempt to reclaim this celebration. Parents, teachers, and Catholic school librarians will find a valuable resource here.” --Rev. Peter M. J. Stravinskas, PH.D., S.T.D., Editor, The Catholic Response, The Catholic Educator, President, Catholic Education Foundation