Today's the big day, yep, it's October 31st and it's time to celebrate Hallowe'en! Kids will be uber excited as they perfect their costumes and as they count down the minutes until moonrise. They can't wait to grab a huge bag and head out into their neighbourhood to fill that satchel to the very top with delectable, yummy FREE candy.!!! Yahooooo !!! Their pumpkins are expertly carved, strategically placed on the front porch ready to be lit, and now the hard part, they have to wait....and wait....and wait until its time to charge out that door into candy heaven!!
Today I am giving you a list of the best Hallowe'en books for 2015. After the special event is over is a great time to pick copies up as they usually are sold at discounted prices (the after-the-event- books). Tuck them away for next year or better yet read them now as you cuddle up post-Hallowe'en night. Remember to share those candies as the readings occur because adults like candies too. One for your child...two for you...right?
Happy Hallowe'en everyone...please be safe and enjoy!
1. Room on the Broom
Room on the Broom, by the team that also created The Gruffalo, author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, is an excellent book to share with children 4 to 8 years old. The story of a witch, a group of animals who help her, good manners, friendship and cooperation is fun to read aloud because of its rhythm and rhyme. Kids love the repetition, the appealing story and the illustrations. Room on the Broom was first published in the United States in 2001 by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers.
2. By the Light of the Halloween Moon
By the Light of the Halloween Moon is an unusual Halloween picture book, a cumulative tale. Set at night and featuring a child with a wiggling toe, the tale is both amusing and slightly scary. The story, by Caroline Stutson, features alliteration and repetition. Kevin Hawkes's dramatic illustrations greatly add to the appeal of By the Light of the Halloween Moon. I recommend it for most kids ages 6-8 and some younger kids. Marshall Cavendish published the book in 2009.
3. Creepy Carrots
Creepy Carrots is a deliciously creepy, but not really scary, picture book by Aaron Reynolds, with black and orange illustrations by Peter Brown. The book, a 2013 Caldecott Honor Book for its illustrations, is about a rabbit who loves to eat carrots and is worried that "creepy carrots" are following him. The book is fun for 3 to 6 year olds, particularly those not ready for monsters and other scary creatures. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers published the book in 2012.
4. Celebrate Halloween
Celebrate Halloween with Pumpkins, Costumes, and Candy is a nonfiction book, one of many in the Holidays Around the World series. The book, by Deborah Heiligman, uses color photographs of children celebrating fall and Halloween in several different countries to illustrate the story of holiday, its history and celebration. Extras at the end of the book include directions for a Halloween game, information about The Day of the Dead, a glossary and more. (National Geographic, 2007.)
What happens when a woman who hates pumpkins unexpectedly, and despite her best efforts to prevent it, has a bumper crop of pumpkins? What can she do? Her solution makes a very entertaining story. Author Linda White stresses community in this delightful Halloween picture book. Megan Lloyd's illustrations are delightful. Holiday House published the book in 1996.
6. Tucker's Spooky Halloween
Tucker's Spooky Halloween provides extra fun for young kids because, in addition to the picture book, it comes with an animated version of the story, plus two audio versions. The story by Leslie McGuirk features a little white dog, Tucker, and the problems he encounters as he tries to convince his owner to dress him in a scary costume for Halloween. The illustrations by McQuirk have a nice simplicity. Candlewick Press published Tucker's Spooky Halloween in 2009 as part of its Candlewick Storybook Animations Series.
7. Los Gatos Black on Halloween
The Halloween picture book Los Gatos Black on Halloween will send shivers of delight down the spines of older children who thrive on creepy stories and illustrations. The influence of her childhood in Mexico is reflected in the paintings by illustrator Yuyi Morales. Elements of the Day of the Dead celebration can also be found in the text by author Martha Montes, who was born in Puerto Rico. This picture book would make a wonderful Halloween read-aloud, as well as a read-alone, for 8-12 year olds who love scary stories and pictures. It is scarier than most picture books, which is why I don't recommend it for all ages or all 8-12 year olds.
8. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything
This just-scary-enough story is both a good read-aloud
and a goood read alone. A little old lady goes walking in the forest until dark and then heads for home. On the way, she keeps hearing ominous sounds. She finds herself followed by noisy clomping boots, then by wiggly pants, and more. Kids will enjoy repeating the story's refrain and will delight in the little old lady's creative solution to the problem of what to do with these noisy objects who are upset because they can't scare her.
and a goood read alone. A little old lady goes walking in the forest until dark and then heads for home. On the way, she keeps hearing ominous sounds. She finds herself followed by noisy clomping boots, then by wiggly pants, and more. Kids will enjoy repeating the story's refrain and will delight in the little old lady's creative solution to the problem of what to do with these noisy objects who are upset because they can't scare her.
This charming story by Charlotte Zolotow is about Thomas, a little boy who moves into a "new house on a new street" and never ventures from his front steps because he thinks his neighbors don't like him. Day after day, he watches children playing and neighbors walking by. When Halloween comes, he is surprised to find that his neighbors, children and adults alike, recognize him, despite the tiger mask he hides behind, and want to be friends. He goes home a happy boy.
10. Humbug Witch
Humbug Witch by Lorna Balian tells the story of a scary-looking little witch who finds that, despite looking like a witch, she can't do what witches do. The little witch is quite a sight, with a big nose, crooked teeth and stringy red hair. Although she tries, the little witch can't cackle like a witch, fly on a broom, cast magical spells or make magic potions. We find out why when the little witch removes her costume and mask, and we see she is a little girl who has been dressed up for Halloween. The simple illustrations are full of humor, much of it the result of the expression on the face of the black cat as he watches the little witch. This is a good book for three to five year olds.
Unwrapping these to make you smile...
Read on and read always!
It's a wrap.
Contact me at storywrapsblog@gmail.com
It's a wrap.
Contact me at storywrapsblog@gmail.com
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