This month in October, our Children’s Literature display features a selection of books that are appropriate for teaching children about Halloween! Each novel in this display references diverse themes of celebration, courage, and joy through exploration of identity and new adventures. All ages of children can read these novels, as each book contains illustrations that are vibrant and expressive.
A few of the books that we have featured are:
Behind the Mask (2006) by Yangsook Choi is about a young Korean-American boy named Kimin who struggled to decide what he wanted to be for Halloween. When Kimin’s mother encourages him to explore old trunks of his late grandfather’s belongings, he discovers a wonderful surprise.
Black and Bittern was Night (2013), written by Robert Heidbreder and Illustrated by John Martz is a playful, nonsensical rhyme and picture book that depicts animated skeletons that are trying to scare adults into cancelling Halloween. Thankfully, the children have a plan to save it!
Scaredy Squirrel prepares for Halloween: A Safety Guide for Scaredies (2013) by Mélanie Watt humorously educates children on how they could celebrate and survive spooky Halloween festivities. Ranging from advice surrounding pumpkin carving to house decorating, Scaredy Squirrel becomes the friendly guide who helps children learn how to cope with fearful situations.
Herbert’s First Halloween (2017) by Cynthia Rylant and Illustrated by Steven Henry follows the journey of a pig named Herbert who is uncertain about celebrating Halloween. His father however, loves getting into the spirit of Halloween and helps ease Herbert’s doubts by helping him find confidence as a tiger.
This display is located on the 3rd floor of the OISE Library. Please do not hesitate to check out these books, or ask the Reference and Circulation Desk on the Ground Floor for assistance.
