Spook-Tacular Books that Still Make Halloween Special

“When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween.” – Unknown

Looking for a spook-tacular read this October with Halloween celebrations being a bit different this year? Don’t fret: get your costume ready and make this the happiest celebration of Halloween – plus, it’s a great time to share a seasonal book with your child!

Some may wonder if there are age-appropriate scary books to read to children, and if we should read them. Reading supernatural fiction gives us a chance to examine what we may be afraid of, talk about our feelings and fears, and shine a light on those emotions. It’s a way to acknowledge that life isn’t always easy, and to learn that it’s normal to feel scared and to talk to someone about it. Reading supernatural fiction as a family allows us to talk about what’s happening in the story, which may help children to then discuss feelings as situations arise.

So, grab a cup of hot apple cider, some kettle popcorn, and one of these books for an adventurous, dare we say boo-tiful evening filled with a supernatural dose of mystery and adventure with your children!

Grades Kinder to Second:
The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano, Illustrated by Susan Banta
The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin is sure to be a hit with any child eager for a trip to the pumpkin patch! Spookley is the only square pumpkin in the entire pumpkin patch and often wished he could be round like the other pumpkins. He is teased for being different, until Spookley proved that being different can save the day. This story delivers a special message of tolerance and kindness, and can help young children understand that it is alright to be different from their classmates.

Grades 3-4
Sherlock Sam and the Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning by A.J. Low
Meet Sherlock Sam, Singapore’s greatest kid detective, and his trustworthy robot, Watson. Sherlock can never resist a good mystery and soon finds himself at one of Singapore’s most-loved historical attractions surrounded by ghostly sounds. The mystery becomes more intriguing as Sherlock proves that ghosts don’t exist…or do they? Part of the Sherlock Sam series of 12 books.

Grades 5-8
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier
Sweep is the story of a girl and her monster. For nearly a century, Victorian London relied on orphans owned by chimney sweeps, known as “climbing boys” to clean chimney flues and protect homes from fire. The work was hard, thankless, and brutally dangerous. Eleven-year-old Nan Sparrow is quite possibly the best climber who ever lived—and a girl. With her wits and will, she’s managed to beat the deadly odds time and time again. When Nan gets stuck in a deadly chimney fire, she fears her time has come until she meets and befriends a mysterious creature-a golem-made from soot and ash. Sweep is a heartrending adventure about the everlasting gifts of friendship and wonder.
So while we may not be out trick-or-treating this year, curling up with a good book is timeless. And if you want to “borrow” some of the kiddo’s candy, while you’re at it, who are we to judge!

Stratford School Altadena, 2046 Allen Avenue, Altadena, (626) 794-1000 or visit www.stratfordschools.com/find-your-campus/altadena