I’ve been hoping to do a review of a children’s book for some time and I thought Halloween might be a fun time to start! I paid a little visit to the bookstore the other night and had fun browsing the kids section. It’s always fun to pop over there around a holiday because there are so many fun books on display. The bookstore did not disappoint (does it ever?), and to my delight, I found a beautiful display filled with spooky stories for little ones. I will share here two new stories (new to me at least!) which caught my eye and one classic that I think every kid should experience while they are young and enjoying the fun of Halloween.
Goodnight Goon A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex
This one caught my eye immediately! If you or your child have ever read the classic Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, then you must pick up Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex! It is an adorably spooky take on the classic. Instead of starting out, “In the great green room,” the Goodnight Goon story starts out, “In the cold gray tomb.” Instead of, “three little bears sitting on chairs,” you’ll find, “three little mummies rubbing their tummies.” And that is just the tip of the iceberg! The original story is parodied line by line in this fun, creative Halloween version. This would be a great gift for book collectors, kids, teachers, and anyone who has ever enjoyed Goodnight Moon.
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll caught my attention with its title and creative cover art. This story was published in 2009 but I had never heard of it before. It turned out to be a very creative story! It is told from the point of view of Ethan, a little boy who finds upon getting ready for bed one night that his monster, Gabe, has gone fishing for a week! Unable to go to sleep without a monster under his bed, Ethan does what any little boy would do – he knocks on the floorboards and waits for a new monster to appear. Only the new monster isn’t exactly what he had in mind. He then proceeds to go through “monster auditions” if you will, trying to find the perfect monster to be his new bedtime companion. It is a very cute story and not necessarily a Halloween story as monsters under the bed seem to be a year-round theme with little ones! The publisher’s recommended age group is 5-7 years old.
In September 2016, a new monster story was published in which Gabe leaves a new note for Ethan stating that, once again, he must leave. Only this time, he hasn’t gone fishing. He’s gone to Ethan’s little sister’s room. Hey, That’s MY Monster! is available now!
It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz
And of course, no Halloween collection would be complete without It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown by Mr. Charles M. Schulz. This is a classic, and yes, I realize that most kids probably just watch the special on TV. Hey, nothing wrong with that! I did it too (and still do!) But there is just something different about reading the book. It’s a different experience for kids to get to sit with their parents, grandparents, or siblings as they turn the pages and point out familiar Peanuts characters. It’s fun for kids to read aloud or have the story read to them. This story is one that makes me, and likely several others, feel nostalgic for a simpler time. So, curl up with your kiddos, turn off the TV and your cell phones, and for a few minutes, let life be simple again.
Do you and your kids have a favorite spooky story? If so, please feel free to share it in the comments! I hope everyone has a safe, fun, and happy Halloween!
Kaitlin Scirri