Best October/Halloween books and films for children

Ok! so Fall is here, my favorite time of year! And of the Fall months, October is my most favorite!

So to get everyone in the Fall spirit (even though it is 96 degrees outside as I type this....hey, it was cool this morning) I have some great October children's books and children's movies for you!  First of all, books, because books are more important (my grandpa had a Ph.D. in Library science and my mother a Master degree in the same, the love runs deep, generations deep.)  These books are more picture books for the 5 and under crowd, however, might I challenge you to think outside the box.  My eleven year old would love me to snuggle up with her at bedtime and offer to read one of these (or three, she would push for 5 like when she was a child and got 5 books a night at bedtime.) In addition, these are great books for older children to read to younger children...or ask the olders which the youngers would like best? Get them involved! Maybe read a book or two to get ready for a family movie night, set the mood.  Or read before dinner for dinner conversation, or if you have a favorite or two......recite from memory as you drive in the car, stopping at points they might just fill in!  or maybe pick a favorite you read every year before going trick-or-treating! OR get a new book every year as a surprise to add to the collection to read for the month.   Let's not be afraid to be a complete goofball in front of the children, when they are young they love it, as they grow maybe they should be a tiny bit embarrassed by our love, always just keepin' it real! so drum roll please....in no particular order:

1. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
This is a great book in so many ways! Fun to read (if ya' tend to get tongue-twisted, a quick read through first might be good...or not, just have fun) It's about friendship and inclusion

2. Monster Trouble by Lane Fredrickson
I love everything about this book and mostly sweet, sassy,  Winifred and her depiction in the drawings! This is another one that can twist your tongue but when you get it down, it's impressive! A great story about not being afraid and problem-solving (and girl power!)


3. Go Away Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley
a great book, I use every year (and not just in October) it builds and wanes and is great fun for kids to chime in, just make sure you are very animated with the "Go Away...."


4. The Little Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams
a complete classic in my book.  Even the most courageous get scared and overcome, and can maybe help someone along the way.  Not to mention, great repetition of motor actions kids can participate in


5. Georgie by Robert Bright (1944 out of print, I found a copy for my kids at a used bookstore, I remembered it from when I was little)
Georgie is a sweet ghost and it's such a sweet story with beautiful illustrations



6. Inside a house that is Haunted by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
This is a rebus read-along! so much repetition for the kids to act out with you, be animated, it's always more fun!



7.  Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O' Connell
make sure to emphasize "OUT"! every time, it's just fun.


8. Little Blue Truck's Halloween by Alice Schertle
This made the list because an awesome eight-year-old recommend it! Little Blue Truck is an amazing book, if your child loves him this is a great addition to your library.


Movies-shows

less fanfare, read the books above.....and sometimes..... we all need 20 minutes to cook the taco meat.... and showing them the show before the book might peak the interest in a child that doesn't love books.  It's a balance, keep trying with the books and give yourself some grace with the screen...

1. It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
this is a classic, its like classic literature, you need to have seen it for reference

2. Room on the Broom
such a fun book and so is this almost half-hour short

3.  Spookley the Square Pumpkin
a cute lil story, even I paid attention to

4.Hotel Transylvania
its a series there are 3, they are cute and actually entertaining for adults

-Lo


** I am going to get some of these books and save them for whenever I have grand kids in the next tens years lol. Also Its the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown we watched every Oct and still do! Its a Classic and I love it! I also love how much you and your family like books. If they ever saw your book collection they would see an actual library. Love, Ro