Looking for a great idea for your little pumpkins this Halloween that does not include candy or sweets? Candlewick Press has great titles for you to choose from this Halloween season. No matter what the age of your child or children you will be sure to find something that they will love!
Ghost in the House: A Lift-the-Flap Boo – Written and illustrated by Ammi-Joan Paquette, Ages 3-7
More delightful than frightful, this lift-the-flap cumulative counting book follows a little ghost as he slip-slides through a dark and creaky house. At every turn a new ghoulish friend surprises the ghost, then joins him on his trek. The best surprise is saved for last: who do you think is the spookiest creature of all?
Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise
By Sean Taylor, illustrated by Jean Jullien, Ages 3-7
Hoot Owl is no ordinary owl. He is a master of disguise! In the blackness of night, he’s preparing to swoop on his prey before it can realize his dastardly tricks. Look there—a tasty rabbit for him to eat! Hoot Owl readies his costume, disguising himself as . . . a carrot! Then he waits. The rabbit runs off. Never mind! Surely his next juicy target will cower against such a clever and dangerous creature as he! Kids will hoot at Sean Taylor’s deliciously tongue-in-beak narration, belied by the brilliantly comical illustrations of Jean Jullien.
By Marnie Edwards, illustrated by Leigh Hodgkinson, Ages 7-10
Glitter at the ready, this book needs YOU! Emerald the Witch is off to Spell Summer Camp, and asks her best friend, Princess Sapphire, to come along too! Magical fun and chaos ensue as the reader helps the story by drawing and coloring in the book.
Scream Street: Secret of the Changeling
By Tommy Donbavand, Ages 8-12
Scream Street toddler named Poppy has been replaced by a changeling, and the real Poppy is being held captive in the fairy realm. Luke, Resus, and Cleo plan to rescue the child, but the fairy realm holds plenty of surprises, most of them bad. And when Resus becomes tempted to change sides, things get a whole lot more complicated!
Wild Boy and the Black Terror
By Rob Lloyd Jones, Ages 10+
London, 1842. Wild Boy, master detective and former freak-show performer, and Clarissa, circus acrobat and troublemaker, are the secret last hope of a city beset by horror. A poisoner stalks the streets, leaving victims mad with terror—and then dead. Can the Black Terror be traced to a demon called Malphas? With their partnership threatened by rules and regulations, can Wild Boy and Clarissa uncover a cure in time to save the queen and the city?
Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon (Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Two)
By Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, Ages 6-9
Francine Poulet is the greatest animal control officer in Gizzford County. She hails from a long line of Animal Control Officers. She’s battled snakes, outwitted squirrels, and stared down a bear. “The genuine article,” Francine’s dad always called her. She is never scared—until, that is, she’s faced with a screaming raccoon that may or may not be a ghost. Maybe Francine isn’t cut out to be an animal control officer after all! But the raccoon is still on the loose, and the folks on Deckawoo Drive need Francine back. Can she face her fears, round up the raccoon, and return to the ranks of Animal Control? Join a cast of familiar characters—Frank, Stella, Mrs. Watson, and Mercy the porcine wonder—for some riotous raccoon wrangling on Deckawoo Drive.
The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star
Written and illustrated by Jill Murphy, Ages 8-12
Mildred Hubble may be the clumsiest witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy, but as a senior student she’s been assigned the important task of lighting lanterns and candelabras each evening. Inspired by this responsibility, Mildred tries to stay out of trouble. But there are many opportunities for mayhem when a wish on a star leads to a lovable stray pup who, unlike Mildred’s timid tabby, loves to fly on a broomstick. Can Mildred keep Star a secret and avoid setting fire to the school despite an impending talent competition, the disapproving Miss Hardbroom, and her ever-spiteful classmate Ethel Hallow?
Disclaimer: I received product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and yours mat vary.