There are so many choices of great books to read this time of year. The change in the weather beckons us to use our imagination through literature. These are some of our favorite books for this time of year.
For Older Children:
“The Widows Broom” by Chris Van Allsburg -This is my very favorite! I was introduced to this book in college. I was awed by the story and its wonderful message and Van Allsburgs incredible pencil drawings. He is one talented author/illustrator.
“The Witch of Blackbird Pond” by Elizabeth Speare: This book very deservedly won the Newbery Medal. I can still remember not being able to put it down in the fifth grade.
“The Worst Halloween Ever” by Barbara Robinson: Those Herdmans are still up to no good. This book will give the reader a good chuckle.
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving: I really like the Scholastic version of this tale. My children were skeptical but ended up loving it. How many children today have any clue that the headless horseman has something to do with a book.
“The Witches” by Roald Dahl: It is typical Roald Dahl, great storytelling with a dash of darkness.
“Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve” by Mary Pope Osborne: This is part of the Magic Tree House Series. It is always popular with those who are Jack and Annie fans.
For Younger Children:
“Arthur’s Halloween” by Marc Brown: I love the Arthur books. The illustrations so beautifully capture childhood. This is a great story with a great lesson. Marc Brown always hides his children’s names in his illustrations. Be on the lookout for Eliza and Tolan.
“Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson: Sure to give you a laugh. This is such a cute story.
“Five Little Pumpkins” by Dan Yaccarino: This is wonderful if you have a preschooler. It is fabulous for Halloween counting fun.
“The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree” by Stan and Jan Berenstain: A classic Berenstain bears book.
“Clifford’s Halloween” by Norman Birdwell: Clifford the Big Red Dog is a favorite of most preschoolers. I love how Emily Elizabeth always has such a positive outlook.
“The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” by Linda Williams: This book you must read once thru before you read it with kids. Using props and making sound effects will take this book to a new level.
“Can You See What I See on a Scary Scary Night” by Walter Wick: Eye Spy books are hot commodities in the classroom. They can also work wonderful in cooperative groups. Kids love to work in groups to find the little objects.
“Bats at the Beach” by Brian Lies: This is a great story with great illustrations.
“Eloise’s Rawther Unusual Halloween”: This is a DVD not a book. I have loved Eloise since I was six years old. After all the trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and parties it is never a bad idea to have a movie on stand by.