Pumpkins, and goblins, and witches, oh my! Here are 10 fun reads for guys and ghouls of all ages to enjoy!
Room on the Broom-by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
As author of such classics as The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, Julia Donaldson has quickly become my favorite children’s book author. Her books are always witty, engaging, and set to a pleasing rhythm. In this book, Donaldson tells the tale of a witch and her cat who encounter many new friends. With each new acquaintance, the witch makes room for her new friends to ride on her broom. Will the witch’s new friends help her when she is the one in need? This story (along with most of Donaldson’s other books) was made into a short film which is available on Amazon.
The Legend of Spookley, The Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano
Follow a Spookley the pumpkin, the only square-shaped pumpkin in the patch. Watch him learn the lesson that being different isn’t always a bad thing. There’s even a short film based on the book on Netflix.
That Monster on the Block by Sue Ganz-Schmitt
Grumpy Frankenstein is dismayed when the unthinkable happens…a clown moves in next door. Frank HATES clowns. Slowly but surely the clown wins over his neighbors with all kinds of funny antics.
Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe
Told from the perspective of the family dog, Harold, this story follows Chester, the cat, and a Bunnicula, the family rabbit. Is Bunnicula really a vampire? Only Bunnicula knows.
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown
This story is about Jasper, a rabbit who really loves carrots. He eats them morning, noon, and night. They are always around. Is it because Jasper loves them or are the carrots following him?
The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
A little old lady lives alone in the woods. She encounters lots of weird sights and spooky sounds. This little old lady is in for the scare of her life! This book is also great to have kids do motions and sounds (ex. Have them clap their hands when the book says, “clap”)
I Need My Monster! By Amanda Noll
This story is about a little boy who is upset when the monster under his bed goes on vacation. He interviews replacement monsters only to find that there’s no one like his monster. This book is wonderfully read by the incomparable Rita Moreno. I would, however, stay away from this book if your child has any inkling of a monster fear. There are two other books in this series, How I Met My Monster and Hey, That’s My Monster! Both of these books are also available on Storyline Online.
Itsy Bitsy Pumpkin by Sonali Fry
Based on the children’s rhyme, “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” this story follows a little pumpkin as it rolls through town. Perfect for toddlers who love to sing along.
Halloweiner by Dav Pilkey
This story is about a little dachshund who is picked on by other dogs his age. Watch him overcome his fears to become a hero.
Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies! by Megan and Jorge Lacera
This book is about a little zombie who loves vegetables much to the horror of his parents. Watch them learn to accept and support their child’s differences. This book is available in Spanish and English. You can find it read in either language on Storyline Online read by Jaime Camil.
