? I received a sample for this review/feature. Opinions expressed are my own.
Let’s talk about Halloween…my personal favorite holiday. That other December holiday may have the hearts for most kids but as an adult I truly enjoy Halloween and everything from candy and dressing up to all the decorations. My girls love books themed for the holidays and these “not too scary” books are just great for Halloween.
AVA THE MONSTER SLAYER written by Lisa Maggiore and Illustrated by Ross Felten is targeted for ages 3-6. Everyone thinks Ava is “so cute” but when no one can help her get her stuffed piggy out of the scary basement she makes it her mission to slay all the monsters herself to rescue him.
Don?t underestimate Ava just because she’s cute and wears ?adorable glasses?’she’s really a fierce monster slayer. And when her beloved Piggy is left in the dryer in the basement, Ava knows she?ll have to face the ferocious monsters lurking in the dark if she wants to rescue her favorite stuffed animal. So she puts on her brother’s superhero cape, grips his sword tight, puts on her pink rain boots and sparkly princess crown, and creeps downstairs.
Not even the roar of the greenest and hairiest monster is going to stop this spunky girl. Even though she’s scared and the monsters smell terrible, Ava is determined to rescue Piggy. Ross Felten’s brisk, sketch-like illustrations help bring energy and humor to this story of bravery and loyalty. Young readers will relate to Ava’s mission and delight in her victory over the monsters. Ava the Monster Slayer is sure to appeal to children worried about monsters in their own homes and kids devoted to their own stuffed animals.
I WANT TO EAT YOUR BOOKS by Karin Lefranc and Tyler Parker for ages 3?6. This rhyming tale has a zombie kid follow the other kids right into class…and he starts eating the books! The other children are horrified and things only get worse when the class goes to the library! The kids much teach this zombie books fare for reading…not eating.
When a hungry zombie stumbles into a school looking for books to consume, it’s up to the kids to teach him how books are for reading, not eating! This monster book is silly and fun with a strong message about kindness and friendship. The little zombie teaches kids not to jump to conclusions and to give everyone a chance. This is the perfect monster book for little ones who want a thrill but aren?t looking for anything too scary.
THE RUNAWAY PUMPKIN: A HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE STORY written by Anne Margaret Lewis and Illustrated by Aaron Zenz for ages 3?6. An adorable little pumpkin announces to his mother pumpkin that he is ready for Halloween adventures. He wants to dress up and go trick or treating and his mother agrees to help him out in any way possible…for he is her little pumpkin.
Inspired by the beloved children’s classic The Runaway Bunny, The Runaway Pumpkin is the next best Halloween classic. A cute little Halloween pumpkin announces that he is ready for a Halloween adventure. So he prepares to set out on the exploration of a lifetime. However, his ever-watchful and caring mother wants to make sure he’s prepared before he takes that first step outside. A book about a little pumpkin who is ready to tackle the holiday with gusto, this book encourages kids to use their imaginations and to go on adventures. It also teaches kids that having adventures and making memories with someone important to them can be extra fun.
BELLA DONNA: COVEN ROAD written by Ruth Symes and Illustrated by Marion Lindsay. For ages 7?10 as this one is a chapter book. Bella Donna has known since she was very little that she wanted to be a witch. She grew up in a children’s home and always turned away potential parents because she was waiting for the perfect forever family. Her best friend Sam was always waiting for the perfect family too, one that loves animals and dirt. The day finally comes when Bella Donna is taken in by Lilith and Bella just knows she is the perfect forever family. There is something special about her…she is just unsure what it is. This is the first book in the series and we can’t wait to read the next one.
Princesses? Boring! Unlike all of her friends, Bella Donna dreams of becoming a witch. Ever since she was a baby, Bella Donna has suspected she has magical powers. Bella tries keeping her witchy tendencies a secret from her new foster family?and she stays on her best behavior?but when she comes home early one day from school, she stumbles upon something very surprising. Could Coven Road really be a road for witches? The first installment of the sweet, spooky Bella Donna series will captivate young, magic-loving minds. The text is broken up by adorable pen and ink illustrations that make this a good introduction to chapter books for reluctant or struggling readers, and the vocabulary is not too difficult or challenging.
Each of these books offer a fun story and three are accompanied by amazing illustrations that truly engage children. Nothing too scary here, just fun! These will quickly become favorites you pull out each Halloween.
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