October is not just for pumpkin spice lattes. That crisp, cool air reminds us that the earth is getting ready to slumber for the winter. That means that autumn has arrived, and with it comes one of our favorite holidays: Halloween! So get ready for some great Halloween recommendations because it’s time to get spooky.
Learning About Childhood Fear
During their early formative years, children start having fears about the unknown. In particular, they worry about things happening to their family, strange noises and shadows, monsters and more. A great deal of this has to do with their overactive imaginations, and it’s completely normal. Identifying and facing fears is part of a child’s development.
Culturally, Halloween is a built-in method of healthy exposure to fear. Children dress up in costumes, tell spooky stories, and get to laugh and scream along with everyone else at that which scares them. Introducing fear through books and other methods that are fun helps keep a child’s fears from turning into something unhealthy.
So, let’s look at some recommendations for some great spooky books for your students.
Spooky Book Recommendations
Moonlight: The Halloween Cat
Join Moonlight as this feline strolls around on Halloween enjoying all the costumes, lights and other things in the neighborhood. A completely spooky-free introduction to Halloween.
Room on the Broom
No need to be scared of this witch! She’s just looking for some things she lost with her friends. Read the rhyming book version of the animation currently on Netflix.
What Was I Scared Of?
Dr. Seuss to the rescue once again. This classic focuses on how we often misunderstand situations and other people involved….even if the “other person” happens to be an empty pair of pants.
Halloween Night: Twenty-One Spooktacular Poems
Like rhymes? These poems are bound to get the rhythm flowing as you learn all about different Halloween experiences.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything
This little old lady isn’t scared of noises in the dark and strange sights. Enjoy the repetitions as she shows you how she deals with fear.
Spooky Friends
Learn about sharing and cooperation from two monsters who never see eye to eye. These friends are bound to agree on something!
Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead
Dia de Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” takes place the days of and after Halloween. This picture book gives us a look into a holiday celebrated by many cultures around the world.
The Notebook of Doom #1: Rise of the Balloon Goons
Part one of a series from Scholastic early chapter book line “Branches” for beginning independent reading. Go along with Alexander as he learns all about monsters in his “Notebook of DOOM.”
Be sure to check our “Recommended Books” page for more suggestions. Whatever choices you decide on for your students, remember that spooky stories should also be fun!