Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

With just a week to go until Halloween I'm getting really excited because this is one of my favourite times of the year. With the nights getting darker it is the perfect time for sharing scary stories. And this year is extra special because 2018 marks the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or as I like to call it, the ultimate scary story!

The idea for Frankenstein was actually conceived in 1816 in a villa in Lake Geneva. It literally was a dark and stormy night when Lord Byron challenged his guests to write a ghost story.  Among those guests was Mary Shelley, who was vacationing with her soon-to-be husband Percy Bysshe Shelley at the time. The monster Mary envisioned in a dream during that fateful vacation came to be Frankenstein, and the rest as they say, is history. To find out more about Mary Shelley and the origins of Frankenstein check out these books:

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey (Ages 8-12)

She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton (Ages 8-12)

Frankenstein by Stephen Krensky (Ages 8-12)

Considered to be the first science fiction book ever written, Frankenstein tells the story of a mad scientist who creates a monster by piecing together human body parts. The original may be a little too scary for our younger readers so try out these kid-friendly Frankenstein-themed picture books instead:

Frankenstein by Nathan Hale (Ages 3-6) *only available in eBook format

Crankenstein by Samantha Berger (Ages 3-6)

Frankenbunny by Jill Esbaum (Ages 3-6)

And don't forget, in honour of the 200th anniversary of Frankenstein's publication Toronto Public Library is hosting free programs for children of all ages at select branches from October 23-31, 2018. From costume parties and games, to movie screenings and crafts there is sure to be something to delight everyone.

Happy Halloween everybody!