🎃 The Most Haunted House in America by Jarrett Dapier, illustrated by Lee Gatlin 🎃

The Most Haunted House in America by Jarrett Dapier,

illustrated by Lee Gatlin

Abrams BFYR, 2022, 32 pages

One night in October, an invitation arrived underground inviting the Skeleton Drummers to the White House for an Halloween celebration. And what a fun place to be invited to. Not only is it the president's home, "[b]ut there's one more thing you might not know./ The White House is HAUNTED from top to toe!" A little bit scared, but nevertheless undaunted, the Skeleton Drummers head to the nation's capital and the North Lawn of the President's home.

There, kids dressed up as "wizards and witches and robots and more/ line up the drive and step up to the door." President Obama and First Lady Michelle give out treats to everyone accompanied by the haunting sounds of the Skeleton Drummers. 

Then, when all the treats have been handed out, the President and First Lady invite the Skeleton Drummers into the White House where "...inside the doors, something's not right./ A chill in the air and a prickle of fright/ grab hold of our band. Our sticks start to shake/ our bones start to shudder, then rattle and quake!" Room by room, the drummers encounter all kinds of ghosts and spirits, some historical figures who are still roaming the halls and haunting the rooms of the White House. And what a rollicking Halloween those spirits are having.  

But when they stumble on the Terror Ball, where the living and the dead are partying together, maybe it is time for the Skeleton Drummers to make a hasty exit from the White House out onto the Mall. But ultimately, as they leave at dawn to go back underground, all they can only say "Thank you, First Lady - this night was the BEST!

This is a fun story, told completely in rhyme, and based on a real Halloween celebration in 2009 at the White House during the Obamas' first year living there, when they invited the author to drum along with others drummers while 2,500 kids and their grownups trick or treated there. And, of course, it it believed that the White House is indeed haunted, so together these two things made for a fun Halloween story. 

I loved the pencil, ink, and digital illustrations, done in a bright palette of seasonal colors. And though there are lots of what could be scary beings, both dead and living, throughout none of them are done so that they are too frightening for kids. I would recommend this book for kids over 6 years, and you might find yourself having to explain who the Obamas are. 

There is some back matter consisting of books and online resources where you can find more information about the nation's haunted White House. 

The Most Haunted House in America is a lighthearted picture book perfect for the Halloween season.

📚Four New Favorite Halloween Picture Books 🎃🧙🏼‍♀️👻

 

It's almost Halloween and here are some new picture books to help your young readers get into the holiday spirit.

Happy Owl-Oween! by Laura Gehl,

illustrated by Lydia Nichols

Abrams Appleseed, 2022, 24 pages

"Pumpkins to pick./ Ghost pops to lick./ Neighbors to trick!/ Happy Owl-oween!" It's almost Halloween and the little owlets are getting ready for the big day. Told in short rhyming couplets, the owlet are busy doing all the usual Halloween traditions. There are pumpkins to carve and candy apples to make as they sip warm cups of cider, then it is time to make costumes. What will they be? One owlet makes a witch costume, one chooses to be a vampire, a third owlet is Frankenstein, and the fourth is a superhero. Then it is off for an evening of trick or treating, following by sorting and sharing their candy with each other and finally to bed, tired but happy. This is such a sweet story for young readers like mine who are really just beginning to appreciate Halloween and who don't really know the traditions of the season. Plus these cute owlets with their sweet faces will captivate kids without being scary. The rhyme never falters and the illustrations are bold and colorful. Plus there is some back matter that explains all about the roots of Halloween and how we celebrate it nowadays. My young readers really loved this book. We read it enough times they had most of the words committed to memory.  

The Crayons Trick or Treat by Drew Daywalt,

illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Philomel Books/PRH, 2022, 28 pages

The Crayons are back and this year they are trying their hand at trick or treating on Halloween. Dressed in their color coordinated costumes - orange pumpkin, green witch, purple vampire, white ghost, black bat, grey fox and peach is just naked- there's just one problem. Though they can wait to fill their bags with candy, none of them have ever trick or treated before. What do they say after they after they knock on the door? Orange tries first saying: "Give us your candy, lady." That doesn't work, so green tries Merry Christmas with the same result as Orange - a door slam. After a few more failed attempts to get some candy, the Crayons, lead by Purple, practice saying "Trick or Treat" before knocking the next door. Will the fifth try be the charm? Young kids are often afraid of some to the traditional Halloween creatures, but this will take the scare right out of them. And it is a story that will definitely make young readers laugh even as they see the old adage "if at first you don't succeed, try try again" at work, a good lesson for youngsters. Jeffers's illustrations, done in a Halloween palette, are cartoonish and in keeping with Daywalt's other Crayon books, which fans will no doubt recognize. I read this to my young readers, many about to experience their first Halloween, and they loved it. 

Ada Twist, Scientist: Ghost Busted

written and illustrated by Gabrielle Meyer

Abrams BFYR. 2022, 32 pages  

Ada Twist has become a very popular STEM icon and the scientific method. This story is not a Halloween tale per se, but is a good ghost story. Ada and her friend Rosie are have a sleepover at their friend Iggy's house. When Ada suggests they play ping-pong, Iggy tells they that they can't. The ping-pong table is in the cellar, which is haunted, and he won't go down. The lights flicker and there's a scary ghostly voice that says "Howler's Hungry!" every once in a while. Naturally, Ada suggests they investigate using the scientific method seeking to answer the question; Is the basement haunted? It is interesting to see how they go about doing their research to form a hypothesis and test it out with experiments. I really liked the way they did everything step by step but in the end they learned that sometimes if you don't look at the whole picture, but only pieces of evidence, you can draw false conclusions. I liked this boldly illustrated book for two main reasons. First, the method that the kids use is explained very well, and a great introduction to the scientific method. Second, these diverse friends show how to work together to accomplish their goal. Group work is something introduced in elementary school and Ada, Rosie and Iggy are great roles models. And Iggy's dad was there and supportive, but left the kids alone do their thing until he was needed. Even if kids aren't into STEM, there is plenty for them to enjoy in the picture book that is also part of the Ada Twist, Scientist series on Netflix.   

A Costume for Charly by C.K. Malone,

illustrated by Alejandra Barajas

Beaming Books, 2022, 40 pages

Halloween has always been problematic for Charly. They can never decide what to be that reflects who they are 100%. Digging through the box of old costumes, nothing seems to work. Going as an astronaut hides too much, a clown costume isn't even funny, and being a monster in a masked covers up who they are. Red Riding Hood is a good costume, but too girl, which Dracula is also good but too boy. Then, Charly gets a brilliant idea. They cut and snipe away at both the Red Riding Hood and Dracula costumes until they create the perfect costume that uniquely says Charly 100%. This year, Trick or Treating in a costume that is both boy and girl will be the best feeling in the world for Charly as he presents their authentic self. This is a well-written story that really says so much about gender identity and being true to oneself. And I think the reactions of the other neighborhood kids is pretty true to life - some kids thought his costume wacky, other didn't get it, but some thought it was wonderful. The brightly colored illustrations really compliment the text. Charly's quest for the perfect costume is no different than what most kids go through when it comes to choosing a Halloween costume, the only difference is that Charly presents as bigender making this a good book for starting discussions about gender identity with youngsters. Back matter includes some information about what identifying as bigender means as well as resources about the LGBTQIA+ community.

🎃Three Hauntingly Good Halloween Picture Books 👻

Here are a few picture books to add to your Halloween adventures. I hope you like them as much as my young readers did. 

Hardly Haunted

written and illustrated by Jessie Sima

Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2021, 48 pages

All House wants is for people to move in and live there, but no one ever does. House sits on a hill and looks a little creepy now. Could she be haunted, she wonders? Certainly that isn't what she wants. But, she has all the makings for a haunted house. She is a little dusty, has plenty of cobwebs, her doors creak, her pipes rattle, and even the little black cat who ventures inside gets scared. But maybe, just maybe, if House is very calm and quiet, someone will want her. Outside, the wind is having none of that and finally the house realizes she likes being noisy and maybe even likes the idea of being haunted. Now, if only the right family would move in, she could become a real haunted house. But wait, who is that coming up the walk? Halloween, ghosts, goblins and haunted houses can be pretty scary to young kids, but this is a perfect book for dispelling some of those fears. By anthropomorphizing the house, kids not only learn the importance of being themselves, but they may even begin to feel empathy for the empty house. After all, even kids experience loneliness and feelings of being unwanted sometimes. This is a perfect Halloween story that can just as easily be read and enjoyed all year round. 

Poultrygeist by Eric Geron,

illustrated by Pete Oswald

Candlewick Press, 2021, 32 pages

This isn't really a Halloween story per se, but feels like a good choice for this time of year. It is the very tongue-in-cheek story of a chicken who is crossing the road to get to the other side just as a truck is coming down the same road. And while the chicken definitely crosses the road to the other side, it just isn't the other side she was aiming for and it isn't the end of her story, either.  No, indeed, chicken wakes up on the Other Side where an array of scary ghostly animals who have met the same fate as chicken inform her that she has become a poultrygeist. Her job now is be noisy and to haunt, to be a cock-a-doodle Boo, to turn someone's sunny side up day into sunny side down. But chicken just wants to be a friendly ghost, she doesn't want to haunt anyone, especially not innocent readers. But then her anger gets the best of her and her transforms into scary poultrygeist. Be warned! This is kind of a dark story, and may not be for every young reader. For kids old enough to get the humor, they will find it to be a very punny book. Other kids might be relieved when chicken breaks the fourth wall to make sure they are OK. Wisely, Geron never lets chicken aim her ghostly scariness at readers, only at the other poltergeists. I did love the digitally created illustrations, they are humorous without being scary or grim. This is a fun twist on the old joke about the chicken crossing the road as well as a book that may help dispel the fear of ghosts in younger kids. 

Vampenguin 

written and illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

Atheneum BFYR, 2021, 48 pages

This isn't really a Halloween book, but then again...vampenguins. One Sunday morning, the Dracula family, dad, mom, and two kids, head out to the zoo. Their first stop is the dark, chilly penguin room, where the youngest member of the family slips out of the stroller and performs an unnoticed switcheroo - trading places with one of the penguins, who is then strapped into the stroller by the unsuspecting, distracted dad. The Dracula family leaves the penguins and spends the day visiting all the other zoo exhibits and even eating lunch, all without noticing the switch. Meanwhile, baby Dracula hangs out with the penguins, eating their fish lunch, splashing in the pool and just having a grand old time. Funny enough, visitors to the penguin house don't hang out there for very long once they notice baby Dracula. At the end of the day, when the family is getting ready to leave the zoo, they stop for a photo near the penguin house where baby Dracula pulls another unnoticed switcheroo - trading places with the penguin in the stroller. And thanks to clever text and illustrations, no one in the Dracula family is the wiser about the switches, which is one of the things that makes this book so good. Of course, readers will love being in on the joke. My young readers certainly were.   

🎃10 Spooky Pumpkins written and illustrated by Gris Grimly

10 Spooky Pumpkins

written and illustrated by Gris Grimly

Orchard Books/Scholastic, 2021, 40 pages

It's Halloween and a little girl, dressed in a old, patched clown costume, heads out of her country home for some trick-or-treating. As she walks along, she passes 10 spooky pumpkins sitting on a low wall and looking for a cat, but finding nine cats. These nine black cats sitting are sitting on a fence and are looking for a bat and they find eight. 

Yes, this jolly story is a Halloween counting book and it counts backwards, but just because readers get down to number one, don't think that that is the end of the story. No, indeed and I liked how it ended so much. One of the other things I liked about this book was the nice way movement and time passing were so apparent. As the little girl walks along, unafraid, I might add, she passes different places and as she goes, the day turns to evening and then nighttime.

The watercolor illustrations are kind of goofy, with a somewhat Nightmare Before Christmas vibe. I was afraid the illustrations might be a little too scary for kids, so I did what I always do - I read this book to my young readers. They are just at the age where Halloween is beginning to mean something to them and they have been talking about costumes and trick-or-treating, so they were ready for a Halloween story anyway. We read it a number of times and my young readers loved it. The illustrations were just cartoony enough that they weren't scared and thought they were somewhat funny. Extra bonus - my five-year-olds can now count backwards from 10.

I have a few Halloween stories that are really favorites and 10 Spooky Pumpkins will definitely be part of the Alex Baugh canon of holiday books.

This book is recommended for readers age 4+

This book was borrowed from the NYPL 

🎃 Nine Old and New Favorite Halloween Picture Books

Halloween is coming, but there won't be any trick or treating in most places around the country. This year, my young readers and I will be doing a zoom party. To get ready, we pulled out some of our old favorite Halloween stories, added some new ones into the mix, and came up with these nine that we love to read. 

What are some of your favorite Halloween books?

Happy Halloween from The Very Busy Spider:

A Lift-the-Flap Book

written and illustrated by Eric Carle

World of Eric Carle, 2020, 10 pages

I thought my young readers might be a little old for this lift-the-flap board book, but no. They are big fans of the Very Hungry Caterpillar, and were very happy to see it make an appearance in this book. The text is written, for the most part, in rhyme, and follows the Busy Spider as he looks for his friends on Halloween, who are, of course, under the various flaps. The illustrations appear to be done in Eric Carle's signature collage style - hand-painted tissue paper cut into the desired shapes, and layered for texture. I found that beginning The Very Busy Spider's quest in prose, switching to rhyme, and ending in prose threw me off the first time I read this aloud, so be warned if you use it for a read-aloud. Otherwise, it's a sweet introduction to Halloween for your youngest of readers (and so few sentimental 5-year-olds).

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost 

written and illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago

Candlewick Press, 2020, 40 pages

Gustavo is a shy ghost who loves to do the usual ghostly things like walking through walls and glowing in the dark, but what he really loves is to play the violin. He also has a crush on Alma, a pretty (invisible) monster. But Gustavo has a problem - he can't make friends because he can't speak to any other monsters. He tries all kinds of ways to get noticed, but nothing works. So Gustavo decides to invite them to a Day of the Dead violin concert. And it looks like his fears that no one will like him are true when no one shows up at the concert. Gustavo begins to play his music anyway and next thing he knows, all the other monsters are suddenly there and loving his music. After that, no one ignores Gustavo any more and they even discover what he is a great friend to all of them. Though this isn't a Halloween story per se, my kiddos like it and wanted to include it in our collection of seasonal books we like to read. Though there are pumpkins and monsters throughout the story, it also proved to be a great opportunity to introduce them to the Mexican Day of the Dead and what that means. There's a multiplicity of cultural icons throughout, for example, the traditional papel picado banner and the many calaveras or skulls. Gustavo and his concert is a wonderful story about bravery and friendship, and about being seen and accepted for who you are. And while it is a seasonal story, it can be read and appreciated all year round.

Bears and Boos written by Shirley Parenteau,

illustrated by David Walker

Candlewick Press, 2020, 32 pages

This is the seventh book featuring these four cute, cuddly, pastel colored bears and Big Brown Bear. It's Halloween and there's a big box of items to make into costumes just waiting for four little bears. There's a golden gown, a wizard's hat, a magic wand, even a pirate hat, all up for grabs. And that's just what they do, knocking Floppy Bear down in the process, and leaving nothing for her to make a costume. But when the other bears see what's happened, they not only apologize for knocking Floppy down, but Fuzzy Bear offers her the golden gown she found, Calico Bear gives her the wand he found. and Yellow Bear gives her a necklace. Now, Floppy is the holiday queen and leads the parade of bears out to go trick or treating with Big Brown Bear. And what a good time they all have! This is a sweet Halloween story, told in four stanza rhymes and bearing a message about being kind, considerate, and sharing. What was nice about the bears apologizing to Floppy was that it was spontaneous after they saw that there was nothing left for her and they were not told to do it by Big Brown Bear. It is important for kids to realize the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for them. A particularly good message for anyone, actually, at any age. My young readers are already fans of these little bears, and this book was also sure to be a hit with them when we read it together. 

Moldilocks and the Three Scares: A Zombie Tale

written by Lynne Marie, illustrated by David Rodriguez Lorenzo

Sterling Children's Books, 2019, 42 pages 

In this humorous retelling of the well-known fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the Scare family and their blue dog Plasma live in a haunted house with room for four. As Papa Frankenstein makes some soup, he wishes there were a fourth person to eat the fourth portion, Mama Mummy wishes for a lab assistant as she mixes up a potion, and Baby Scare, a vampire, wishes for a playmate. When the soup turns out to be too hot to eat, they take Plasma for a walk while it cools. Enter Moldilocks, a zombie who has been without a family for a long time. Yes, she tries the soup, and eats Baby Scares portion, tries the chairs and breaks Baby Scare's, tries the beds and naps in Baby Scares just right bed. What happens when the Scares return? They see what Moldilocks has done, and finds her still asleep. And it looks like everyone's wish has come true, and Moldilocks finally has a new family. For a retelling, this was a lot of fun to read. There's all kinds of word play going on, and the illustrations, done with pencil in Halloween colors, are more humorous than scary. But is carries a nice message about blended families, acceptance, and just being who you are. I read this to my young readers last Halloween, and a number of times since then. 

  

Herbert's First Halloween written by Cynthia Rylant,

illustrated by Stephen Henry

Chronicle Books, 2017, 36 pages

It's Herbert's first trick or treat Halloween, but he isn't quite sure about it. After all, Halloween can be scary, but luckily, Herbert's father, who is very excited for Herbert, understands that. First, he shows Herbert a photo of his own first Halloween, dressed up as a cowboy. When Herbert says he wants to be a tiger, his dad measures him for a costume. Then, father and son carve a pumpkin with a big jolly smile and put it on the porch. Yet, even after his dad tells him about all the candy, Herbert still looks unsure of things. On Halloween, after putting on his costume, Herbert and his dad go trick or treating with all the other kids. Herbert has such a good time, that he's even looking forward to next year. This is kind of a young book, but I read it to my young readers because some of them were new to this country and didn't know what Halloween was all about. And yes, it can look scary to young kids. But there is such a great message about being brave that I thought this book, along with Llama Llama Trick or Treat would be the perfect combination for talking to them about Halloween. And it worked. It was nice to see a very patient, supportive dad in the position of talking to Herbert about Halloween and even making his costume, strengthening their bond. 

Llama Llama Trick or Treat

written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney

Viking BFYR, 2014, 14 pages

This is the second favorite board book my young readers wanted to revisit. I think it's the simple, but charming rhyme text that makes it memorable for them, since they can still recite the whole book. It's also shows Llama getting ready for Halloween - picking out the perfect costume, finding just the right pumpkin and carving it into a Jock-O'-Lantern, putting candy in a bowl for trick-or-treaters - all the typical things that most kids also do to get ready for Halloween. The rhyme works, the illustrations are sweet and done in Halloween colors.  

At the Old Haunted House written by Helen Ketteman,

illustrated by Nate Wragg

Two Lions, 2014, 32 pages

It's a dark Halloween as a young girl and two small boys walk away from the bright street and homey homes where they have been trick or treating and head toward a dilapidated old house on a hill complete with a graveyard in the front. Inside is a wide array of creepy creatures, all involved in antics with their offspring, beginning with a witch: "At the old haunted house/ In a room with no sun/ lived a warty green witch/ and her wee witchy one." There are also goblins, black cats, werewolves, vampires,   and even bats. Each creature is one associated with Halloween, but the story is told in a really humorous counting rhyme. All their shenanigans end up in a Halloween party that begins just as the three trick or treaters arrive at the house. My young readers love this counting book. We've actually read it so frequently that they know bits of it by heart and recite them enthusiastically. The cartoon-like illustrations, done in a Halloween palette, help elevate this book into silliness so even the most anxious of kids won't get scared. This book is always a winner. 

Halloween Hustle written by Charlotte Gunnufson,

illustrated by Kevan Atteberry

Two Lions, 2013, 32 pages

This is one of our favorite books to revisit every Halloween. A boney skeleton in a orange pumpkin shirt is bopping down the street doing the Halloween Hustle, along his faithful companion. He's having a good old time for himself until he trips and comes apart. A few well-placed rubber bands and he's good to go, again. Getting on a bus, with a bunch of other Halloween creatures, they head to town to get some party clothes, all the while doing the Halloween Hustle. At an old haunted house, everyone is partying and dancing, but oops, the skeleton falls comes apart again. Luckily, a pretty girl skeleton is there to glue him back together, and the party continues as everyone does the Halloween Hustle. The story is told in a four stanza rhyme, with each one ending in a repeat  of "Doing the Halloween Hustle." The illustrations are bright despite being done on a black background and the monsters/creatures aren't at all scary for young readers. You can find some great printable activities to go with this book at the author's website HERE 

Room on the Brook written by Julia Donaldson,

illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Dial Books, 2001, 32 pages

This fun counting book has been a long time favorite mine, so much so, that I've worn out more than one copy, and given away a few, too. A witch holding a caldron and her marmalade cat are contentedly flying on her broomstick when a gust of wind blows the witch's hat off. Retrieved by a spotted dog who asks if there's room on the broom for him. Eventually, the witch and her cat welcome a green bird, and a frog. But when the broom snaps in half from the extra weight, and a hungry dragon catches the witch, a favorite thing of his to ear, it is cat, dog, bird, and frog to the rescue. When the witch fills her cauldron and adds various ingredients, it isn't to make some soup for the cat, the dog, the bird, the frog and herself,. No, indeed, our friendly witch stirs up a nice new broom with comforts for everyone. The whole tale is told in perfect rhyme, with equally wonderful witty, friendly illustrations. Though the witch looks somewhat like a customary witch, she is both kind and friendly, traits that will dispel any fears young readers may have that witches are mean. One nice result of reading this a lot to kids, is that soon you begin to hear an echo of young voices who have memorized the first few lines. You definitely won't want to leave this out of your Halloween reads.  

A Halloween Picture Book Roundup

Halloween is right around the corner and my young readers and I have been reading and re-reading some new favorites that we would like to share with you. We hope you enjoy them as much as we are. 

Pumpkin Orange, Pumpkin Round by Rosanna Battigelli, 

illustrated by Tara Anderson

Pajama Press, 2019, 24 pages

Told in two word rhyming lines, each one beginning with the word pumpkin, cat parents and their four kittens are off to the pumpkin patch to find just the right pumpkins for making Halloween Jack-o-Lanterns: "Pumpkin orange,/pumpkin round,/pumpkin hiding.../pumpkin found!" Getting their pumpkins home, mom and dad carve the pumpkins while the kids watch. then it time for them to get dressed in their Halloween costumes and head out with the neighbors for some trick-or-treating. Finally, it's time to go home, eat dinner, and enjoy a nice pumpkin bedtime story. My kids really liked this story. The kitties are sweet and happy, it's a loving family celebrating Halloween together and sharing it with friends and neighbors. The gentle pencil and acrylic illustrations are all done in a palette of Halloween oranges, greens and purples. The rhyme is fun but one caveat is that without the pictures, it doesn't hold up on its own. But the rhyme and the illustrations harmonize nicely and result in a simply, but merry Halloween story.

Snowmen at Halloween by Caralyn Buehner, 

illustrated by Mark Buehner

Dial Books, 2019, 32 pages

Personally, I love all the Snowmen books, and so do my kids. In this latest adventure, an early snowfall means a snowy Halloween. But before all the treat-or-treating festivities, a sister and brother build a some snowman and of course, they dress them up for Halloween. Later that night, on their way home, one of the kids thinks he sees a snowman wink. That sets off his imagination, wondering what these scary looking snowman do for Halloween. In his imagination, the snowmen first set off on a Halloween parade, down to the village square, decorated with lights and lanterns. Then, there's pumpkin carving, games, face painting, apple-bobbing and gooey caramel treats, followed by fortune telling and a finding their way out of a maze, spooky stories and trick-or-treating before heading home. But, alas, the next morning the snow has melted and so have the snowmen. What they really do at night remains a secret, but they do leave behind a Happy Halloween message for the kids. Told in a rhyme, this is a fun book and one that will certainly set readers imaginations going. The richly oil and acrylic painted illustrations are a nice mixture of merry and sinister, and readers will like scouring each page to discover the hidden rabbit, cat or T-rex. The snowmen are always a hit and my young readers are delighted to have yet another one to add to the library.

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht, 

illustrated by Jarvis

Candlewick Press, 2019, 34 pages 

It seems kids can't wait for Halloween and have been known to start thinking about costumes as early as September. It's just one of those high-anticipation holidays that is seeped in tradition, and one of those is a family trip into the country to pick out the perfect pumpkins to transform into a Jack-o-Lantern. At home, a space is cleared in the garage for the actual carving, just the right tools are choses, and friends are invited to come and carve their pumpkins, too. Carving is followed by decorating the house inside and out, and finally, dressed in costumes, it's time to light the Jack-o-Lantern: "its red-hot eyes/ will gaze/ and flicker/ Its fiery grin/will blaze and snicker,/to guard your house/while you have fun." Just like its Christmas predecessor, Pick a Pine Tree, this is also told in a four stanza rhyme describing each step taken to end up with a wonderful Jack-o-Lantern, and ending with a two page spread of decorated houses and costumed children and adults trick-or-treating with plenty of brightly lit pumpkins all around and a witch on her broom in the moonlight. Jarvis' pencil, chalk, and paint illustrations are done in a warm autumnal palette of oranges, reds, and yellows, and include diverse character throughout. This is a nice companion to Pick a Pine Tree and I suspect both will become favorites especially given the pleasing rhyme.

I Spy Spooky Night: A book of Picture Riddles by Jean Marzollo, 

photographs by Walter Wick

Cartwheel Books, 2019, 40 pages 

This is an updated version of the original 1996 I Spy Spooky Night with new challenges for sharp readers. Set in a haunted house that is really a victorian dollhouse, each page challenged readers to find the hidden, creepy objects an unseen narrator has already spied. Objects can be found in the different rooms, the hallway, the stairs, the library, even a secret cupboard, the creepy graveyard and the ghoulish garden. How many of the listed objects can you find on each page? None? Some? All? The book photographs are cleverly done for dramatic effect, and it is all described in the back matter. Be careful, Riddlers, you might be fooled by a rebus or a palindrome where you least expect it. What are they? Find the answer to that in plain sight. This book was a little old for my young readers, who are 4-5 years-old, although they did give it a good shot and did pretty well all things considered, but some of what is included is a little too sophisticated for them. I would age this for 6+

5 Very Little Pumpkins by Holly Wearne, 

illustrated by Ivana Forgo

Flowerpot Press, 2019, 20 pages

Some of my four-year-old young readers still like a good board book, and this has become one of their favorites. Five young animals - a turtle, a kitten, a puppy, an elephant, and a goat - are all dressed up as pumpkins for Halloween. As they give trick-or-treating from house to house, the little pumpkins collect so much candy, they just want to keep going: "They are getting so EXCITED/that they never want to stop/'til their bags have SO MUCH CANDY/it is spilling out the top!" This story is definitely a kid's dream Halloween and a parent's nightmare. The illustrations are as sweet as the candy in each Halloween bag. It's actually a nice book for introducing skittish kids to what could feel like a very scary evening, even when accompanies by a parent. Actually, one of my young readers did point out that the little pumpkins were out in the evening with no parent around and that they would never be allowed to eat as much candy as they wanted. That took some explaining to convince her that it was okay, we just didn't see the parent and the kids probably got tired before they ate as much as she thought. Despite that, she still loved this book. 

  

Poetry Friday - A Hundred Scary Skeletons by Susan Kassabian

Well, the countdown to Halloween has begun, the costumes are decided upon, the trick-or-treat treats are in the house. We've read and re-read all the favorite Halloween stories and poems. All we need now is for the big day to arrive.

Meanwhile, I'd like to share this new poem that we have added to our collection:

It's from a book called Poems for Children by Susan Kassabian. Kassabian has written some very humorous poems for kids for this collection that moves through the seasons of the year.

It's Poetry Friday and Brenda at Friendly Fairy Tales has this weeks poetry roundup

Lola Levine and the Halloween Scream by Monica Brown, illustrated by Angela Dominguez

This is the 6th Lola Levine book (and my first), so fans already know all about her, but others new to the series may not. Indulge me while I introduce Lola. Lola is multiracial - her father is Jewish and her mother is a Peruvian Catholic. She has a younger brother named Ben, and her best friend is Josh Blot, the principal’s son. Lola and Josh are in second grade, and their teacher is named Ms. Garcia. Lola also keeps a diary - Dear Diario - with entries scattered throughout her stories.

In this book, it’s Halloween week and Lola couldn’t be more excited. She loves being scared and scaring other kids, especially her brother Ben. In school it’s a week of autumn fun. First, Ms. Garcia introduces the ways different cultures around the world celebrate autumn. Then, Lola’s class goes on a leaf gathering trip and everyone makes a leaf book with their findings. 

In the middle of the week, there is a trip to an apple orchard where kids get to pick their own apples. While there, the class learns about scarecrows, and Lola thinks maybe that is what she will be for Halloween. After all, she has been really wanting to wear a scary costume, but then, to Lola’s amazement, her friend Bella tells her she doesn’t like being scared by anything.  

Lola really doesn’t understand Bella’s feelings, but she is getting more and more excited about the costume parade on Friday now that she knows what she wants to be. It’s a great parade, especially since leashed pets can be part of it.  Afterwards, on Friday afternoon, sad that Halloweek is over in school, but looking forward to trick-or-treating on Sunday with Josh and Bella, Lola decides to surprise them with a scary joke as they leave school. But when the joke backfires, Lola learns an important lesson about listening to and respecting what her friend told her about not liking to be scared. Now, can Lola fix her mistake in time to still go trick-or-treating with Josh and Bella? Or will they still be mad at her? Can Lola come up with a way to tell them she's sorry?

This is a nice chapter book and a great addition for fans of series books like Ivy and Bean or Junie B. Jones. Lola is a well-meaning 7 year old, but still has a few things to learn (as do all these young protagonists). The problems they have or the situations they find themselves in, like learning to respect the feelings of other kids, are so relatable to that age group when excitement and enthusiasm can lead to some pretty keyed-up behavior and a few mistakes. 

Maybe this is a spoiler:

Lola’s parents are great - they’re understand and really there for Lola and Ben, involved in their children’s lives at home and at school. But when they take most of Lola and Ben’s Halloween candy, then hide it and sneak eat it - that just wasn’t right. When they caught, the candy was all thrown away. Why couldn’t they put it away, and take some out on special occasions to enjoy as a family? 

If you want to learn more about Lola and her friends and family, an Educator’s Guide chock full of learning activities is available from the publisher, Little, Brown. It only covers the first two Lola Levine books, but can easily be tweaked for any book in the series.

This book is recommended for readers age 6+
This book was borrowed from the NYPL

It's Monday! What are you reading? Halloween Favorites - A Picture Book Roundup

It's hard to believe it is almost Halloween, again. We have been busy reading some old and new favorite picture books to celebrate the day and would like to share some of them with you.

The Pomegranate Witch by Denise Doyen, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
Chronicle Books, 2017, 40 pages, age 5+
I have wonderful memories of fall - of roller skating and eating pomegranates when we stopped for a rest, so I can totally understand why the kids in this small town would want to get some of the red juicy fruit from the legendary old pomegranate tree. The only problem is the tree is haunted by an old, mean witch. Then, five friends decide to storm the tree, but ,alas, their efforts are thwarted by the witch. Four kids retreated, but one snuck up to the tree, plucked off a juicy pomegranate, and shared it with his friends. Luckily, on Halloween, when the witch is away, her kind, friendly sister welcomed the kids with cider and treats - and that’s no trick. But, wait, could the witch and the kind sister be one and the same?  A close reading will generate lots of speculation. And don’t forget to think Halloween costume.

Since my young readers have asked to be read this again and again, I can say with certainty that this is really a delightful Halloween story that will not disappoint. Doyen tells her story in a rhyme that never falters, and Wheeler’s the India ink and watercolor illustrations have just the right amount of eeriness to them so little ones won’t get scared (and yes, we did enjoy a few pomegranates, inspired by this story).

  

Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Atheneum BFYR, 2013, 40 pages, age 4+

It’s Halloween and Farmer Brown doesn’t like it. He puts out a bowl of candy on the porch, locks up the house and puts out a “Do Not Disturb” sign, then he goes to bed. Little does he know that while the animals in his barn love Halloween and are having a party, a dark, spooky creature is heading towards Farmer Brown’s house. When Farmer Brown hears a tap, tap, tapping on the front door, he opens it and sees the bowl of candy is gone. But there’s a note on the door, and there’s lots of noise coming from the barn. What could his barnyard animals be up to on Halloween night? A big surprise for Farmer Brown? 

This is a fun Halloween book, especially for kids who might be a little nervous about all the costumes, and decorations associated with it. The text is lighthearted, with repetitious sound words adding to the spookiness throughout the story. Lewin’s watercolor illustrations, in the colors of Halloween, along with her goofy costumed animals add to the fun of Farmer Brown’s big surprise at the end.  

Pug & Pig Trick-or-Treat by Sue Lowell Gallion, illustrated by Joyce Wan
Beach Lane Books, 2017, 40 pages, age 3+

Now that Pug and Pig are best friends, it’s time to think about going trick-or-treating together. Pug and Pig’s costumes make them look like skeletons. They fit nice and tightly, which makes Pig. Pig even likes the mask so no one will know who he is. But Pug is not at all happy with the tight fit of his costume, or his mask - no one will know who he is. Can these siblings find a way for both Pug and Pig to be happy? Umm…looks like Pug has an idea.

This is a great story about how simple problem solving can avoid disappointments and possible meltdowns, showing young readers how effective a compromise can be. Wan’s simple illustrations really capture the emotions each pig feels, and she even manages to depict movement as Pug runs out the doggy door after coming up with his idea. A lovely second book for new and old fans of Pug & Pig, and anyone who like a gentle Halloween tale.  
You can download a Pug & Pig Halloween Party Kit HERE
You can also download a Pug & Pig Trick-or-Treat Teacher's Guide HERE 

Zip! Zoom! On A Broom by Teri Sloat, illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet
Little, Brown BFYR, 2017, 40 pages, age 4+

“One goes zip./Two go zoom./Three witches glide from room to room.”  Readers count the 10 witches all throughout the house, busy doing witchy stuff. But when all 10 witches decide to ride together on a broomstick, it’s a little too crowded and a little too heavy: “Ten take off, packed too tight./Ten witches bicker, start to fight.” One by one the witches begin to fall: “Nine witches squabble, squirm for room./ One topples from the plunging broom.” But don’t worry, in the end, all are fine

I thought this was a jolly counting book as it doesn’t feel like learning to count to ten so much as a story that just happens to involve numbers 1-10. Bonnet’s india ink and watercolor illustrations are a bit dark, but are also chockablock with all the images a kid could want in one book á la Halloween, and they will spend lots of time going over the pages to see what’s there. 

I Want to Be in a Scary Story by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Jean Jullien
Candlewick Press, 2017, 32 pages, age 3+

A little purple monster tells an unseen author that he wants to be in a scary story. The only problem is that every time the author begins a story, it’s too scary for little purple monster. The dark and scary forest, the spooky house, witch inside the spooky house, the ghost inside the spooky house all prove to be too much for little purple monster. Maybe it would be better if little purple monster were in a funny story about a tweet-weeny monkey and his friend - a ginormous monkey. Scared, the little monster runs off, but in the end, he’s the guy in a scary story who get the last laugh. And, yes, little purple monster wants to be in another story the next day. 

Julien’s bold ink and digitally colored illustrations done in a palette of Halloween colors add lots of scary ambience to the story. Though the word Halloween is no where to be found, this is a perfect story to read around that time, but it works year round, too.

The Scariest Book Ever written and illustrated by Bob Shea
Disney-Hyperion, 2017, 40 pages, age 4+

A fearful ghost invites the reader to explore the dark scary woods outside his house, but conveniently spills some orange juice on himself and tells the reader to go without him. The woods turn out to be colorful trees full of woodland creatures preparing for a spooky costume party, and there are crafts and cupcakes. Ghost thinks the reader is pulling his leg whenever there is a report about what’s happening in the woods. Can Ghost be convinced that the woods are scary in time to go to the party? 

This is another fun, not just for Halloween book. The conversation is one-sided, with Ghost making all kinds of misinterpretations about what’s going on, but that will surely invite young readers to turn this into an interactive story. Shea’s illustrations alternate between light pastels in the woods to dark and spooky oranges, blues, yellows, and black in the house - just the opposite of what kids would expect. A fun book that may help kids overcome their own Halloween-type fears.

Behind the Mask written and illustrated by Yangsook Choi
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006, 40 pages, age 5+

When young Kimin can’t decide what to be for Halloween, his mother suggests he look through his grandfathers belonging. Inside one of the suitcases, he finds a mask that he recognizes - he had been frightened when he had seen his grandfather wearing it as a young boy, but now he realizes his grandfather was a professional Korean dancer and the masks were part of his dances. Kimin decides to honor his grandfather’s memory by wearing the mask and robe that once had scared him. Trick or treating with his friends is a real success, but Kimin receives a real treat when a note to him from his grandfather is discovered. Be sure to read the Author’s Note about Talchum, or traditional Korean mask dancing.

This is a nice Halloween story that shows how our immigrant heritage can become part of our American cultural traditions without losing any of its meaning or importance. And Choi’s softly painted illustrations add much to the atmosphere of this beautiful intergenerational story.  

Keeping the Halloween theme going, we are planning on reading Lola Levine and the Halloween Scream by Monica Brown and some Edgar Allen Poe.

What are you reading this week?

It’s Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date. It’s Monday! What are you reading? - from Picture Books to YA is a kid lit focused meme just like the original and is hosted weekly by Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee at Unleashing Readers. The purpose is the same: to recap what you have read and/or reviewed and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. Twitter: #IMWAYR