By Terri Schlichenmeyer
“Boo” doesn’t scare you.
Nope, not at all. Let someone say “Boo!” and you laugh because you’re too brave for that. You’re too smart to be scared of one little word. But what about a whole bunch of scary words – in book form? What about these great Halloween books…?
The littlest kids (3-to-5 years old) will get gentle scares from “Herbert’s First Halloween” by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Steven Henry. It’s the story of a pig who’s “not sure” about Halloween, as a whole. His father wants him to dress up and nothing feels right, until Herbert finds a costume that makes him roar! Or, if your little one can handle friendly (but rather icky) monsters, then look for “This Book is Full of Monsters” by Guido Van Genechten, an interactive book with pop-outs. You might also look for “Creepy Pair of Underwear!” by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown; it’s fun, too.
Kids ages 5-to-9 – those who can handle more words in a story, or who enjoy group read-alouds – will go for “Ghost Cat” by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Kevin M. Barry. It’s the tale of Miss Maggie McCullen, keeper of the lighthouse, who’s beloved by one and all, but they worry about her. Isn’t Miss Maggie lonely, all by herself in the lighthouse? No, because Miss Maggie has a secret pet, but it’s not your usual kitty. Children this age might also appreciate seeing “Bonaparte Falls Apart” by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Will Terry. It’s the story of a young skeleton who just can’t seem to keep things together – literally – and a boney kid can’t go to school like that, can he? With the help of his kid-monster friends, yes, he can.
For that in-between reader – the kid who’s chapter-book-ready but still loves illustrations – try “The Pomegranate Witch” by Denise Doyen, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. It’s the tale of a tree bearing the most delicious fruits and all the kids in the neighborhood want some – but it won’t be easy. This tree is “owned and guarded” by a witch who isn’t going to let them have one bite! Soon, a war is on and the kids have a few tactics to try… but so does the so-called “witch.” The National Geographic folks also have a great non-fiction book for kids in this age group: “Don’t Read This Book Before Bed” by Anna Claybourne includes real pictures and double-scary chapters.
And finally, for kids ages 10-to-17, “Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods” by Hal Johnson, illustrated by Tom Mead will keep them up all night with twenty stories of horror, creepiness, and things that go “EEEK” in the wilderness. Hint: keep this book on-hand for camping next spring.
There are a lot more scary, gross, creepy books available in your bookstore or library, and don’t forget to look for the classics and books you remember from your own childhood. Scares don’t expire and a good fright can last decades. As always, ask if you can’t find what you want, and have a boo-tiful Howl-oween.
