Halloween is just around the bend. Candy-and-costumes-and-toasted-marshmallows oh my! Here are a jumble of treats to enjoy while you wait. There are plenty more titles in the Subject index for those who are goblin the books down 🙂
Boo! written and illustrated by Ben Newman
published in 2016 by Flying Eye Books
Smug. That’s the tune each animal starts off singing in this snappy, funny story.
“No one is as brave as me and nothing scares me…you’ll see!” boasts ol’ mighty mouse. Looming behind him, though, We the Readers see something glowing-eyed-ominous! Turn the page and…BOO! Out it jumps. Off scampers one not-so-tough mouse. Now it’s another’s turn to huff and puff about bravery.
Brilliant design, energetic story, perfect for kids ages 2 and up. Even kids not prone to sitting still will want this again and again.
Duck & Goose, Honk! Quack! Boo!, written and illustrated by Tad Hills
published in 2017 by Schwartz & Wade Books
Duck and Goose are choosing costumes for Halloween. Duck will be a ghost, Goose a superhero. Their pal Thistle’s costume is a secret.
When the big night arrives, Duck and Goose feel a wee bit nervous. Trick-or-treating is fun, but the thought of monsters roaming about is quite unnerving! When these two hear rumors a swamp monster is inquiring after them, it’s an all out panic! Pluck and friendship turn things around and a very happy Halloween it turns out to be. Delightful, charming, with just a whisker of alarm to entertain kids ages 2 and up.
A Teeny Tiny Halloween, written by Lauren L. Wohl, illustrated by Henry Cole
published in 2016 by Persnickety Press
One teeny tiny woman in the very big forest has a ginormous problem! Avalanches of leaves have buried her teeny tiny house! It’s up to a little ghost, a small witch, and a petite cat to save the day.
In return, they’re rewarded with some teeny tiny cookies that are enormously delicious! Great big fun for ages 2 and up.
Herbert’s First Halloween, written by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Steven Henry
published in 2017 by Chronicle Books
No one does comforting like Cynthia Rylant. This story about Herbert who is not entirely sure about all of this Halloween business is as reassuring as a warm hug. His dear dad’s creative, respectful relationship with him shines like a full moon.
A much gentler Halloween story than most, for ages 18 months and up.
Clifford’s Halloween, story and pictures by Norman Bridwell
originally published in 1966; this vintage hardback edition in 2017 by Scholastic
Treat yourself and your kids to classic Clifford fare as the big red dog joins in all the fun at an old-fashioned Halloween party. This reissued hardback edition hits all the right buttons for vintage-lovers.
The pages even have that original, sun-faded, toasty-wheat color. Cool. Spot on for ages 18 months and up.
Pug & Pig Trick-or-Treat, written by Sue Lowell Gallion, illustrated by Joyce Wan
published in 2017 by Beach Lane Books
These two cuties are ready for Halloween…almost.
Suddenly Pug, in a moment of wild abandon, shreds his uncomfy costume and declares he does not give a fig for Halloween. Poor Pig has no one to share in the fun…until Pug has a new moment of inspiration!
Joyce Wan brings darling to everything she touches. This one’s perfect for the littlest of pumpkins, ages 2 and up.
Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show, written by Diana Murray, illustrated by Heather Ross
published in 2017 by Katherine Tegen Books
We met Grimelda, the very messy witch, previously. Catch that review here. She’s back again — hooray! — attempting to win the pet show with one spooktacular pet.
Of course her cat, Wizzlewarts, is the obvious choice. But has he got the dazzle, the drama, the bewitchment, to be truly spooktacular? Not so much. Tag along with Grimelda as she searches for a more razzamatazz entry for the pet show, a quest brimming with difficulty — even peril! Tremendous fun for ages 3 and up.
The Wompananny Witches Make One Mean Pizza, written and illustrated by Jennie Palmer
published in 2017 by Abrams Books for Young Readers
Anita and Winnifred Wompananny love to cook. They especially love to make pizza. One thing they don’t love though is children. Way. Too. Wild! they agree.
orange marmalade 