Lance Bass

“One memory that stands out is when I was in the sixth grade, my friends and I threw a party where we all reenacted Clue, one of my favorite movies. Everyone had to come in character, and we acted the whole thing out. I guess that was my first taste of film production! What foreshadowing.” 

Foreshadowing, for sure. Lance has celebrated success as a singer, actor, producer, writer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He’s won a number of awards as a member of the band, NSYNC. The list includes the American Music Award, People’s Choice, MTV Video Music Award, Kids’ Choice Award, and several Grammy nominations. He also remains active in various organizations, including the Lance Bass Foundation, created to meet children’s educational and health needs. Writing and releasing his first children’s book this year should come as no surprise.

The title, Trick or Treat on Scary Street, ran through his head and instigated the entire story. “It did!” he exclaims. “Once I had Trick or Treat on Scary Street, I started imagining who would live on this street and what their lives might actually look like. I think all kids would love to trick-or-treat on Scary Street—don’t you?” he asks.

“Trick or Treat on Scary Street is about a group of friends who discover a very mysterious new street called “Scary Street,” led by a new kid on the block who seems to know a lot more than we think he does,” Lance explains. “Even before having kids, the concept was always floating around in my brain. I knew exactly what I wanted the book to be about, but I didn’t know the exact words or if it would rhyme at the time. But as a musician, writing and rhyming did feel like second nature.”

“Music is rhyme and vice versa. So it was really important to me that the rhythm of the lines worked. But also that there are some surprises to keep you on your toes. The biggest difference, however, is the audience. With music, it’s a wide range of people, but with a children’s book, you really want to speak to that little reader ... and the inner child in all of us.”

The endearing illustrations of small trick-or-treaters running into an eerie Dracula, a black cat, a mysterious witch, and a frightful ghost before the real Halloween party begins are fun for all ages. “Honestly, my love for Halloween and the characters that surround the holiday inspired the book. I’ve always wondered what it would be like for the quintessential Halloween “monsters.” What is trick-or-treating like where they live? Where does the witch go? Dracula? Do they trick-or-treat with their other friends? Do they also get candy? So many questions,” he concludes.

Lance has a connection with the “new kid on the block,” his main character. “One hundred percent,” he tells me. “We’d be best friends and make spooky mischief all the way up and down Scary Street! And yeah, I’d say there’s a bit of me in there. Fun fact: the main character was modeled after my son, Alexander.”

Another fun fact Lance shares is his love of Reese’s Pumpkins. “They just hit differently. I also really love those log cabin candies. Maybe I have a thing for peanut butter.” Then he adds, “Honorable mention is Cadbury’s Caramellos, of course!” 

He’s celebrating the book’s release with lots of events. “There’s much to celebrate. Not only is it Halloween and Scary Street season, but it’s also the twins’ birthday month. They were born on October 13th. There are a lot of birthday parties, Halloween parties, and a book tour in our very near future.”

Lance wrote his book while simultaneously managing to parent his children. “Let’s just say, accomplishing anything with newborn twins crawling around is a miracle. It’s always a mystery how anything gets done. But my hubby is a great brainstormer with tons of fun ideas, so I had good help.”

Trick or Treat on Scary Street was illustrated by Roland Garrigue. The artwork is both playful and spooky, appealing to Lance from the start. “I love his style and use of color and detail. He really nails that playful yet spooky vibe. When I saw his first sketches, I was like, ‘Yep, this is it. This is my kind of Halloween.’ It felt familiar to me, and his style reminds me of a few books I loved as a kid.”

“I was beyond thrilled because Roland brought the world to life in a way I couldn’t have imagined. Every little detail just jumps off the page, and it’s exactly what I was hoping for—spooky, but never too scary. His illustrations are also so great for kids because every time they read it, they notice something different; whether it’s a character, a fun detail, etc. You truly don’t want to turn the page because there’s so much detail.”

“Seeing how much my own kids genuinely love the book is my biggest reward. I’m not joking when I say they ask for it to be read over and over and over ... and over again. Toddlers don’t fake their feelings. If they didn’t like the book, it would never leave the shelf. This one, I’m proud to say, never gets back on the shelf. And I hope it’s the same for all the parents and kids out there.”

Lance finds picture books integral to our children’s communities. “They spark imagination in such a visual way. For kids, it’s like the first introduction to storytelling and art all in one. And it gives families a chance to bond and laugh together, which is what it’s all about. I hope Trick or Treat on Scary Street brings back the love that people had for Halloween when they were young, and I hope it is a reminder of how exciting and fun it was to go on adventures with your friends.” He’s planning on continuing to write. “This is the first of many children’s books—my brain is in family mode and will be for the next few years, so get ready for lots of family-friendly fun!”

“When I was a kid, I loved reading anything adventurous or spooky. Goosebumps was a big deal for me. I also loved Where the Wild Things Are. These days, Michael loves reading to our own kids. We have story time every night with the twins, and it’s honestly one of the best parts of the day. Our house is full of books—we’re definitely a reading family!” he cheers.

Music remains a big part of Lance’s life, and when I ask about his go-to songs while driving, it turns out his children want to hear dad’s voice. “My kids are obsessed with “Bye Bye Bye,” so I have to listen to it on the way to school and back. Over and over again. They also love “Lollipop” and “Car Wash” and we play them all the time. So, I guess those are my go-to!” 

Interestingly, the biggest risk Lance feels he’s taken in his career involves space travel. “It is probably training in Russia to go to space. I wasn’t able to get to space unfortunately, but that period of my life took me so far out of my comfort zone. I was forever changed. I also think jumping from a music career and into projects for TV, film, and books have all been a risk at some level. But if you’re not learning, you’re not living. And I’m so thankful to have been able to express creativity in so many different spaces.”

This thoughtful and creative contributor to our world’s art and entertainment is joyful and settles into the moment. “Right now? I’m loving where I’m at—enjoying life as a dad, working on creative projects I’m passionate about, and embracing every little spooky moment this season brings. I really want to make this holiday season magical for my kids and I think I’m well on my way to doing that, starting by celebrating this book!” •