Halloween invites us all to hear a good story: ghost stories, mysteries and more spooky tales. Here are a few suggestions for the children as they snack on their candies this holiday. The scariest of kinds, but also the sweetest of innocent stories filled with mystery and joy on each page. We rounded up a few of those kinds of stories to keep the fun in scar this Halloween season. Happy Halloween!!!
The Mysterious Affair At Styles
By Marci Kay Monson and illustrated by Greg Paprocki
Usher young readers into the worlds of mystery and thrillers through the lens of a writer who could arguably be considered the mother of modern mystery, Agatha Christie. Set at the time of World War I, readers accompany the detective Hercule Poirot in England.
In the telling of this who-done-it story, readers meet characters that are mysterious and also can tease given how much information is given to the reader. In this children’s edition of the same story, it invites children to become fans of the genre and the author, as Monson breaks it down for them to enjoy and understand. The book also has puzzles, activities, and games with the intention of keeping the children engaged with the book throughout the story. If detectives are born out of this book, you’ve been warned. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
M is for Monsters
Words and Illustrations by Greg Paprock
A new school year means a new class and that can sometimes mean new students to make friends with. For Danny Keegan, a kid in search for a little more excitement than what he’s had in the past, that is exactly what he’s seeking this year. He’s entering the fifth grade and has met a group of students who share a common trait of standing out from others. The quartet of students includes C.D. Biteksy, known for sharp fangs and a pet bat named Spike, Howie Wolfner who is notoriously hairy whenever rain comes, and the sibling duo of Elisa and Frankie Stein who wear metal shafts known as braces due to a car accident. This unique bunch is so hard to miss that Danny’s older sister Barbara would prefer it if they were never around. Danny doesn’t mind their quirks, he just hopes that the fun doesn’t end in this school year, it’s all he asks for as he starts a new school year at P.S. 13. Recommended for ages 7 to 12.
DAY OF THE DEAD: A Celebration of Life
By Polo Orozco and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega
DÃa de Muertos is an opportunity to both celebrate life and acknowledge those who have passed in a meaningful way. In this book, readers are taught about the Mexican holiday and traditions like ofrendas and sugar skulls. Recommended for ages 2 to 5.
Trick or Treat on Scary Street
by Lance Bass and illustrated by Roland Garrigue
This story follows a group of 13 neighborhood kids exploring their local street known for its unique name, Scary Street. How appropriate for the spooky holiday known as Halloween! Trick or treaters may encounter a vampire’s lair, a snack by a witch or even the eerie residence that is now vacant. How the story starts and ends depends on whether or not the group is the same coming off that street as it was when it entered into it. Are you ready to explore the spooky surprises along Scary Street? Only one way to find out: pick it up and turn the pages to see how it all turns out. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
For more book ideas, check out our October roundup.
