Spooky Tales
Ahhh, October. Time to snuggle up with spooky stories and flashlights and the favorite teddy bear! You can always find seasonal books at your library and bookstore, especially for a favorite series or character. But don't stop there! Here are a few that are worth digging for.
Pumpkin Eye, by Denise Fleming (Henry Holt). Fleming, author and illustrator of The Everything Book, brings Halloween rhymes and images to preschoolers. The syncopated phrase "pounding feet" runs throughout as "Halloween has found our street!" She has the perfect mix of excitement and anticipation without being too scary for little ones. Ages 4 & up.
Los Gatos Black on Halloween, by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Henry Holt). In a lively bi-lingual romp, the traditional images of Halloween and The Day of the Dead come to life for youngsters. No doubt about it, it is spooky! But very informative and appropriate as well. Ages 4-8.
Can You See What I See? On a Scary Scary Night, by Walter Wick (Scholastic). From the author of the I SPY series, Wick has created an amazing visual wonder of search-and-find pages filled with spooky stuff. Double page pictures from the typical haunted house, to a huge tombstone, to a simple full moon, Wick hides both the familiar and the strange that will trick your eye. Ages 4-8.
The Name of This Book is Secret, by Pseudonymous Bosch, illustrated by Gilbert Ford (Little Brown). Part Lemony Snicket, part Jerry Spinelli, this new author "survived the publication of his first book" and dares you to read his book. Good for those who like word games and riddles. Ages 8-12.
Boy of a Thousand Faces, by Brian Selznick (Harper Collins). Selznick is high up on my list, so I'll recommend one of his lesser known books. Alonzo King was born on Halloween with a vivid imagination and an obsession with monsters. A good scary story about The Beast stalking Alonzo's town, right around Halloween. Ages 8 & up.
Escape!: The Story of the Great Houdini, by Sid Fleischman (Collins). Although there are many books available about "the Great Houdini," this book from Fleischman has insights from a friendship with the magician's wife, Bess. No secrets are revealed, but the Newbery author is funny and engaging. Ages 10 & up.
Skeleton Man, by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport (Harper Collins). This one is *really* scary. Based on Native American legend, this story is about Molly, a 6th grader, whose parents mysteriously disappear. A man who calls himself her "great-uncle" comes to claim her. The mix of the current day heroine, along with ancient legend is spine-tingling. Not for the gullible or faint of heart - - which makes it perfect for October! Ages 10 & up.
Julie Hubble stays away from black cats in her Leawood neighborhood.