My family does not celebrate Halloween (unless you count buying the
candy for 75% off the day after “celebrating”), but all the costumes and
decorations are already being displayed and it is hard to avoid. In another
week children’s television shows will already be airing their Halloween
episodes and that is really when I start to feel the fall season in full swing
(even if we are still wearing short sleeves). I am really excited about the new
Halloween books out this season which range from baby to big kid which I urge
you to check out and even though my kids won’t be carving pumpkins or dressing
up like many of the characters in these stories, I love sharing with them the
spirit of the season by making pumpkin cookies (here’s our favorite recipe: http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/soft-batch-frosted-pumpkin-cookies/http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/soft-batch-frosted-pumpkin-cookies/
).
Disney Tails: Figaro’s Halloween
Surprise
This is an adorable touch and feel book starring Minnie’s pet cat.
Figaro decides to create a “spooktacular surprise” for his friend Cleo and
young readers will be able to feel the crisp leaves, ripe pumpkins, soft noses
and costumes. This brightly illustrated story brings the colors and spirit of
the Halloween season to life.
Seven Orange Pumpkins – Stephen Savage
This Halloween counting book incorporates everyone’s favorite spooky
aspects of this holiday. Count down with skeletons, pirates, owls, mummies,
witches, black cats and spiders. The nighttime illustrations set the tone
beautifully and with the vibrant rhyming text this is sure to be a counting
book read all year round.
Mickey’s Halloween – A Lift the
Flap Book
I love a lift the flap book. I especially love this particular one
because it caters to children who are old enough NOT to rip the flaps. With a
rhyme and look and find on every page, this book is really perfect for a three
to five year old who will appreciate lifting the flaps to find their favorite characters
dressed in costume, help to collect treats and spot familiar shapes and animals
on every page.
Peter Rabbit – The Great Pumpkin
The lovable Peter Rabbit (from the hit television series on Nick Jr.)
is celebrating Pumpkin Day with his family and friends. Obviously, he needs a
giant pumpkin from Mr. McGregor’s garden and runs into trouble in the process
of getting it. Luckily, Peter and his friends always come up with a plan and
celebrate the holiday in style. The graphics are so vivid and the story is not
specifically Halloween and can be used for any fall themed story time. The last
pages have instructions to carve your own pumpkin and a certificate for
completing your lantern creation.
Room on the Broom Big Activity
Book – Julia Donaldson and Axel
Scheffler
Your source for all Halloween and fall activities lies in the book.
Perfect to keep any young child busy for hours with fun, this book is filled
with games – dot to dot, complete the scene with stickers, matching, look and
find, word searches, mazes, crosswords, and more. There are a ton of stickers,
coloring and drawing opportunities and recipes to cook festive Halloween snacks
(I am all about the Star Cookies). The book has an answer key in the back for
each activity and is filled with seasonal characters and themes including
witches, brooms, magic spells, and dragons. You can also check out the website for printable activities. You will love playing games with this witch! http://roomonthebroom.com/activities/
