Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

Halloween is next week! Are you ready? If not, you and your loved ones can get into the holiday spirit by checking out a seasonally appropriate title, such as the ones described below. There's nothing like a good ghost story to get you in the mood to suit up, face the chilling fall breeze, and collect some candy. For those of us however who might be easily scared off by even the tamest campfire tale, here's a selection of lighter Halloween fare, which is approrpiate for even the youngest trick-or-treater.  

Did you say ghosts? By Richard Michelson illustrated by Leonard Baskin.            

I love the rhyming text of this cumulative tale. With its humourous scenarios and bone chilling illustrations this is a good pick for an older child who is curious about all the different types of spooky creatures out there. And who knows, perhaps it could even inspire a Halloween costume idea or two.  

 Mommy? Art by Maurice Sendak; scenario by Arthur Yorkins; paper engineering by Matthew Reinhart.

Yes, you read that right – this here book has its very own paper engineer! Now if that’s not indicative of how special an object it is, I don’t know what is. This nearly wordless story (except for the repeating word “Mummy”) tugs at your heart strings, while Sendak’s strange illustrations enthral and Yorkins’ scenarios keep you entertained. This is no ordinary pop-up book (take note, it's got a Mummy who spins on a pole, which actually rotates 180 degrees!). Don’t believe me? You’ll just have to check it out for yourself. 

Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley.  

This classic picture book delivers a fright in the form of a big green monster. The book is like a reverse visual cumulative tale: each page takes away one of the monster's scary features, until there's pretty much nothing left that has any fright value at all. Not only is this a fun and unique title, but it has also been described as being "designed to help a child control nighttime fears of monsters"- now really, who could ask for anything more?

There’s a nightmare in my closet by Mercer Mayer.

This title made the list mostly for its nostalgic qualities. I vividly remember the watercolor illustrations of this wonderful story from my own childhood. The narrative follows a young boy confronting his fears and opening his bedroom closet. What's more ghoulish (and therefore Halloween approrpirate) than monsters inhabiting a closet? This is a great late October read that can help you to put the kids to bed after all the trick-or-treating is done.

Ghosts in the House! By Kazuno Kohara.         

A fresh and fun title, I mostly chose this book for its unique depiction of ghosts. With simple black illustrations set amidst a red background, the transparen't ghosts add a fun pop to the story, one which I’ve never seen before. And who doesn’t love a tale about a clever and inventive young heroine?

Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cyler illustrated by S.D.Schindler.            

From my experience, this title is a hit with preschoolers. To be honest it’s not exactly my type of humour, but they on the other hand seem to appreciate the hilariousness that ensues from a skeleton with hiccups (me, I just feel sorry for the darn guy!).