Our Top 10 Picks for Halloween!

I am officially in the Halloween mood today! So I thought I would share a list of what Ms Patty and I consider some of the very best choices for Halloween that we have at RML. Maybe after this, you will be in the Halloween mood too! (You know the kiddies already are!)

1. Janet Schulman's cute counting book is perfect for us in storytime, and who can resist the adorable circle-headed trick or treaters?

2. I have a soft spot in my heart for anything Ed Emberley ever did or will do. This is a favorite. Check out his website for some Halloween fun:

Ed Emberley's Website

3. We both love Scaredy Squirrel. Here's his newest offering - more of a safety guide than a story, but fun to share with the kids or just let them pour over. Check out the link below for a video of Scaredy and his Halloween Safety Public Service Announcement. 

Just to be safe.

Scaredy's Halloween Safety PSA

4. I am also a big fan of Wendell Minor, and Pumpkin Heads! is always perfect for the season. This is one I own at home and must break out with the girls every October. (FYI -There's a great Christmas tree one too!) Really beautiful illustrations.

5. hist whist is a poem by e.e. cummings that I LOVE for Halloween. Unfortunately, our picture book copy at RML has either disappeared or fallen apart over the years, and is no longer in print. However, you can check out our friend Mary Jo Maichack's CD, Howlarious Halloween, and listen to her read the eerily fabulous poem. Or go here to listen:

cdbaby

6. When I asked Ms Patty for her recommendations over the phone, she practically read me this whole book. I think she really likes it! It has lyrical writing and beautiful illustrations and was originally written in 1949. Good stuff stands the test of time.

7. I try to read this one in storytime every year. It's got goblins and creepies that try to grab your tootsies! Got the willies yet?

8. This one isn't necessarily a Halloween story, but I always think of it this time of year. It's super cute for really little ones because it's just 2 girls at their costume birthday party who happen to look almost exactly alike. A Pat Hutchins classic.

9. What can I say? I'm a child of the 70s.
Here's a link to some interesting facts about the animated TV special:
7 Things You Don't Know About the Peanuts Special 

10. If you don't read or hear these stories as a child, your parents and librarians are doing you a grave disservice. Really. Ms Patty made me stop telling the Jennie with the Green Ribbon story because I told it too much. THIS is Halloween, people.

And there you have it. Up for discussion, but these are some of our very favorite Halloween stories. What are yours?