The classic
Funny Bones by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Can we even compile a list of best children’s books without including the formidable duo that was the Ahlbergs? We think not. Having published over 100 children’s books, we are Ahlberg fans.
In this beloved first book about the Funnybones’ we meet skeletons Big Funnybone, Little Funnybone and These Bones (their dog) as they. go on an adventure that starts on a dark, dark hill…you know the rest!
THE ONE ABOUT TRADITIONS
Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Tout, Illustrated by Jarvis
This beautifully retro-style, illustrated book sees once again the perfect pairing of Toht and Jarvis (after festive fave Pick a Pine Tree) for a warm, autumnal and a rhythmic read-aloud text that captures all the excitement of Halloween.
Once the decoration are hung, the costumes are on its time to …pick a pumpkin! This book takes readers on a familial trip from pumpkin patch to a glowing jack-o’-lantern.
THE ONE ABOUT UNUSUAL FRIENDSHIPS
How to Make Friends With a Ghost by Rebecca Green
A delightful picture book come manual on… how to make friend with a ghost! A sweet and tender storyline that gently tells the story of friendship, caring for others and the circle of life – and, how a ghost can be the perfect companion for rest of your life and beyond.
With a beautiful, retro-inspired illustrations and stylish colour palette this book offer plenty of funny little details for young readers to find.
THE PAGE-TURNER
Theres a Ghost in This House by Oliver Jeffers
We’re always excited to see a new Oliver Jeffers book on our desk – as you never know what you might get from the world-renowned artist and children’s author. Case in point There’s a Ghost in this House a captivating new picture book with interactive, mixed media illusions and transparent pages.
Enter the house and turn the transparent pages to help the young girl of the story on an entertaining ghost hunt, from behind the sofa, right up to the attic and to the surprise ending.
THE ONE ABOUT SHARING
Bone Soup by Cambria Evans
An adorable and child friendly rendition of ‘Stone Soup’ (Stone Soup is a European folk story in which hungry strangers convince the people of a town to each share a small amount of their food in order to make a meal that everyone enjoys, and exists as a moral regarding the value of sharing). The story centres on Finnigan, who is known across the land for his infamous appetite, his eating stool, his eating spoon, and his gigantic eating mouth.
But when he finds himself in a new town on Halloween, he hopes to join an enormous feast with the creatures who live there. But not a body or soul will share any of their food with the ever- famished Finnigin. So what’s a hungry skeleton to do? Read to find out….
THE GENTLE GHOST STORY
No Such Thing: A Halloween Pictur Book by Ella Bailey
This book had us at the retro-style illustrations, featuring muted pink, blue and golds – so beautiful. Kids will love this super-cute story of Georgia who has noticed objects moving around the house on cool day in October. Follow her and find the friendly ghosts on each page who make mischief in this creative and gentle ghost story.
THE ONE ABOUT BEING TRUE TO YOURSELF
Gilbert the Ghost by Guido Van Genechten
This charming picture book that will appeal to children about being different, fitting in and being true to ones-self. Ghost Gilbert is a very special ghost, ever since he was little. When he goes to Ghost school, he quickly makes a lot of new friends. Gilbert always cheerfully takes part in everything.
But when the Principal wants him to call “Boooooooh” just like a real ghost, all Gilbert can do is whisper a soft “Bahoo”. Will Gilbert ever become a real ghost? Destined to become a halloween favourite.
THE ONE ABOUT FRIENDSHIP
Ghoulia by Barbara Cantini
The first book in the Ghoulia series by Cantini that centres on a little zombie girl who lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and spends most of her time playing with Tragedy, her beloved albino greyhound – when all she really wants is a real friend.
Follow her as she ventures past the manor walls to meet the other children in the town; As she hatches a plan to ‘fit in’ when Halloween comes, as everyone will be dressed up like monsters, so they will not spot her pale green skin or the deep purple circles under her eyes. Or, will they uncover the real Ghoulia and realise she is (almost) just like them and that friendship can come in many forms?
THE ONE ABOUT NEVER GIVING UP
The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
No halloween would be complete without a trip to Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches. This much-loved original story of life at a magical boarding school sees trainee Mildred Hubble in her many terms at this school of magic.
The collection of 8-books follows Mildred as she keeps getting her spells wrong, crashing her broomstick and generally making an awful mess of it all. But the real chaos comes when she butts head with the teachers pet, Ethel making her her instant worst enemy…
THE ONE THAT WILL MAKE THEM LAUGH
The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea
This fun, interactive book see the melodramatic ghost narrator talk directly to you the reader. Afraid of the woods outside you will follow this fearful yet, very likeable ghost as he (you) discovers the many delights and surprises ahead by the tiny ‘peek’ you both will take on every page. Will he learn in the end that not all things are as scary as they first seem?
THE SPOOKY ONE
In The Haunted House by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by Susan Meddaugh
This lift-the-flap and touch-and-feel version of the classic In the Haunted House(worth seeking out a vintage copy for additional images that add the the story) will appeal to younger readers.
With an easier to read rhyming text by the prolific and beloved author Eve Bunting and the wickedly tongue-in-cheek illustrations by the wry and witty Susan Meddaugh, this tour of this dark, mysterious house sees glittery ghosts, soft bat wings, and surprises behind every door. the perfect Halloween book.
THE ONE THAT BORE MANY A MOVIE
The Witches by Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Quentin Blake
“One child a week is fifty-two a year. Squish them and squiggle them and make them disappear.” For nearly 40 years this Roald Dahl classic has delighted new and old fans – and spawned a movie or 2! Revealing the truth about witches – that real witches dress in ordinary clothes and look like ordinary women – but they are not ordinary.
They are always plotting and scheming with murderous, bloodthirsty thoughts – and they hate children. And, they are EVERYWHERE. Do read or re-read this delightfully wicked and witty book that follows a boy and his grandmother as they travel from Norway to England to try and stop the Grand High Witch – who hates children most of all – and her plans to make every single one of THEM disappear.
THE ONE ABOUT BEING BRAVE
Ghosts in the House by Kazuno Kohara
We adore the old-fashioned charm of this simple book, that isn’t at all dated and will capture children even today. Follow a clever, little girl who lives on the edge town with a spooky problem: Her house is haunted!
Luckily she is a witch and knows a thing or two about dealing with ghosts. The striking illustrations in dynamic orange, black and white are fresh and really brings the story of a resourceful heroine and these spooky ghosts to life
THE ONE ABOUT BELIEVING IN YOURSELF
The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton
This is the first book written and illustrated by the incomparable visionary that is Tim Burton – the writer and producer of the movie of the same name too. Originating from a poem written by Burton in 1982, The Nightmare before Christmas tells the spooky tale of Jack Skellington is the most important figure in Halloween Town. For years Jack has delighted in organising macabre tricks and frights for this festive occasion, but this year he doesn’t feel right – there must be more to life than scaring people? Thats when Jack stumbles upon a cheerful, colourful place called Christmas Town and he knows what he must do – he will bring Christmas to Halloween!
Children will relate to the underlying message that we have good ideas and intentions but there will always be people that misinterpret them and bring you down but you always have to get back up, keep tying and always do your best. The perfect autumn book that will last way beyond halloween night.
THE ONE ABOUT INCLUSION
Gustavo, The Shy Ghost by Plaza Z. Drago
A sweet, spooky and offbeat story about a ghost called Gustavo who is good at so many paranormal things but with one little problem – he is incredibly shy! This makes it hard for him to do some things and more than anything he wants a friend.
So, plucking up all his courage, he sends a very special letter: “Dear Monsters, I would like to invite you to my violin concert at the Day of the Dead party…”. With detail, humour and stunning illustrations inspired by Dragos’ upbringing Mexico City this is a story of courage, friendship and being true to your quirky self.
