As October draws to a close, we near what most call the spookiest, scariest, most spine-chilling day of the year...Halloween! While many embrace the ghoulish festivities, here at CGPL, we recognize that not everyone loves the creepy crawlies. As Halloween approaches, many parents find themselves navigating the delicate balance of embracing the festive spirit while ensuring their children aren't too spooked by the season's traditions.
This article from The Early Childhood Hub of Lane County lists just a few ways parents can make Halloween fun and exciting for their little ones, instead of scary. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions:
- Talk with your children about how Halloween costumes and decorations are just pretend, and practice trick-or-treating with them before the big day.
- Consider throwing a fun daytime Halloween party instead of going out at night.
And especially:
- Read Halloween-themed books with your children to educate them about some things they might see on Halloween night.
To help with the last point, we have gathered a list of some not-so-scary picture books, perfect for the Halloween season. Whether your child loves friendly ghosts, silly witches, or just eating copious amounts of candy, these books are sure to entertain without any of the fright. Check out these stories that celebrate the fun and festiveness of Halloween while keeping the scaries at bay:
Herbert's First Halloween
Herbert is deeply doubtful about his first Halloween—but with a little help from his dad and a special tiger costume, Herbert might just find confidence on Halloween night. Together, father and son practice roaring, carve a pumpkin, and venture out in search of candy. And by the end of the night, Herbert finds his doubts have melted away. A sweet introduction to Halloween and to being brave, this book is sure to delight the youngest of trick-or-treaters.
Froggy's Halloween
Froggy tries to find just the right costume for Halloween and although his trick-or-treating does not go as he had planned, he enjoys himself anyway.
Click, Clack, Boo!
Will the barnyard animals trick—or treat—Farmer Brown? Find out in this Halloween tale from the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of Click, Clack, Moo.
Farmer Brown does not like Halloween. So he draws the shades, puts on his footy pajamas, and climbs into bed.
But do you think the barnyard animals have any respect for a man in footy pajamas? No, they do not. For them, the Halloween party has just begun. And we all know these critters far prefer tricks over treats.
A Very Brave Witch
On the far side of town in a big dark house lives a brave little witch. She has heard lots and lots about that very human holiday Halloween, and even though she thinks she knows what humans are like, she has never, ever seen Halloween for herself.
Until one very special Halloween comes along . . .
Skeleton Hiccups
Skeleton has the hiccups.
hic, hic, hic
Ghost tries to help.
hic, hic, hic
But nothing works.
hic, hic, hic
Then Ghost gets an idea...
hic, hic, hic...
HOORAY!
Peep and Egg: I'm Not Trick-or-Treating
Peep can't wait to go trick-or-treating with Egg. But Egg is NOT trick-or-treating! No way, no how. With monsters, witches, and mummies out there, it is just too scary. Even when Peep tells Halloween jokes to soothe Egg's fears, Egg is not cracking. How can Peep help Egg realize that trick-or-treating isn't so scary when you have someone you love by your side?
The Most Haunted House in America
A rollicking, spooky-fun trip through the most haunted home in America: the White House!
It was late October, the moon was pale,
late in October when it came by mail:
a letter, a missive, a kind invitation
to drum at THE MOST HAUNTED HOUSE IN THE NATION!
When the Skeleton Drummers receive an invitation from the first lady to perform at the biggest Halloween party of a lifetime—or afterlife—the band must pack their instruments, rise from the earth, and prepare to rock the White House. With gusto and bone-rattling beats, the skeletons
BOOM! BANG! and CLANG! as the crowd of trick-or-treaters dance on the president’s lawn. But when the party moves inside, something’s not quite right: There’s a chill in the air and a prickle of fright. There’s one thing you might not know: The White House is haunted from top to toe!
With rhyming, rhythmic text from Jarrett Dapier and wonderfully macabre illustrations from Lee Gatlin, The Most Haunted House in America is a musical picture book tour of the country’s most famous home, full of spooky surprises at every turn.
Includes a history of ghost sightings at the White House!
Duck & Goose, Honk! Quack! Boo!
It’s Halloween in the meadow, and the beloved, classic, and New York Times bestselling feathered friends Duck & Goose go trick-or-treating! Now an animated series, available to stream on Apple TV+!
Duck is going as a spooky ghost. Goose is going as a brave superhero. And Thistle’s costume . . . well, that's a secret. But what will Duck and Goose do when they hear a very scary swamp monster is looking for them?
Praise for the Duck & Goose series:
“Duck and Goose have taken their places alongside Frog and Toad and George and Martha as fine examples of friendship, curiosity and problem-solving.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Charming, funny, simple, and surprising. . . . Hills is master of the light comic touch.” —The Boston Globe
Snowmen at Halloween
The snowmen are getting their Halloween costumes ready for the latest picture book in this New York Times bestselling series.
Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do when we're not watching?
After an early snowfall, a few kids build some snowmen before going trick-or-treating. And when the kids go off to bed, the snowmen have their own Halloween festival! There's candy and apple-bobbing and costume contests and all sorts of autumn activities. When the kids wake up the next morning, the snowmen are gone... but they've left a very special message behind.
Turkey Trick or Treat
Everyone loves Halloween candy―even Turkey. But how can he and his barnyard friends get any when the farmers give it out only to children? With a costume, of course! As his pals look on, Turkey comes up with one clever costume after the next. Each trick gets better and better...but will Turkey and his friends end up with any treats? This hilarious companion to Turkey Trouble and Turkey Claus is filled to the brim with holiday fun.