Bears in the Night

Posted on November 3, 2016July 4, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Bears in the Night (1971)
by Stan and Jan Berenstain

This is a limited-word picture book that uses repetition and prepositions to tell its story. Seven bear siblings hear a mysterious noise from their bed and decide to go investigate.

I remember this book from when I was a girl, so I do have a bit of nostalgia for it. I enjoy its simplicity and feel like the reader’s approach can either make it into a lesson about placement and positions, a quick bedtime story, or even a spooky Halloween story.

Bears in the Night (1971)

The Teeny Tiny Woman

Posted on November 2, 2016July 4, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Teeny Tiny Woman (1986)
retold by Paul Galdone

This is a folktale ghost story about a teeny tiny woman who finds a teeny tiny bone and takes it back to her teeny tiny house.

Delivery is a huge part of this tale, and while it could be a bit spooky (and a bit odd), the repetition and rhythm of the “teeny tiny” words also make it quite humorous. I love the final, brave and funny, punchline.

I have such fond memories of my dad reading this tale to us as kids, so I picked it up for our daughter when she was born. When she was very little, she wouldn’t sit through it. Now though, she thinks it’s great. A good book for anytime of year, but could definitely be brought out for Halloween or a spooky, preschool-friendly, “ghost” story.

The Teeny Tiny Woman (1986)

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Mrs. McMurphy’s Pumpkin

Mrs. McMurphy’s Pumpkin

Posted on October 31, 2016September 13, 2019 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Mrs. McMurphy’s Pumpkin (2004)
words by Rick Walton, illustrated by Delana Bettoli

As Halloween approaches, Mrs. McMurphy gets daily visits from a mysterious and spooky pumpkin showing up in her house. As the facial features of the pumpkin gradually appear, it promises to eat her once its teeth arrive. Mrs. McMurphy responds to each encounter gently, but firmly by putting the pumpkin in its place, so to speak.

I wasn’t sure how our 3-year old would react to this story, as it has the potential to be a bit scary. But I think that Mrs. McMurphy’s strong character and care-free reactions to the pumpkin keep this story approachable for little ones. I love that it IS a slightly spooky, “campfire” tale that (kid-depending) could be appropriate for a younger crowd.

Mrs. McMurphy’s Pumpkin (2004)

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Halloween Book list

The Monster at the End of This Book

Posted on October 25, 2016July 4, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Monster at the End of This Book (1971)
by Jon Stone, illustrated by Michael Smollin

Lovable, furry old Grover (of Sesame Street fame) is scared. There is a monster at the end of the book, and he is doing everything in his power to stop you, the reader, from turning the pages. He ties pages together, builds walls, all the while begging the reader to Please. Stop. Turning. The. Pages.

This is an interactive book created before they were all the rage. It’s short, simple, funny, and fun.

While obviously not a “Halloween” book, it could easily fit a Halloween theme if need be. This is definitely one of my favorites.

The Monster at the End of This Book (1971)

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Posted on October 25, 2016July 4, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (1971)
by Robert C. O’Brien

Widowed Mrs. Frisby (a mouse) must find a solution to help her young son, Timothy, before the family is forced to move out of their winter home in the field of Mr. Fitzgibbon. She finds unexpected help from a strange group of rats who have a story all their own.

This is such an enjoyable read. In some ways, it reminds me of the movie Ratatouille, as we hear about life from the rats’ point of view. The story is told quite simply, and yet it’s difficult to put down. Children will love this tale, full of adventures, suspense, and kindnesses. It’s one of our daughter’s all-time favorites.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (1971)

Update: After rereading this and reading it out loud to our daughter, I wanted to add a few more things. This book was written in the 70s, and I needed to keep that in mind. There was nothing overtly anti-feminist or anything, but there were a few small moments that stood out a little more to me this reading. (My sensors go into high alert when we’re sharing anything with the kids.) There are a couple instances when Mrs. Frisby is given special treatment, not for her own bravery and work, but because of her husband. There’s a also a meeting for only the men at one point. I was able to accept it all a bit more as the story unfolded, but these may be things you want to discuss. Also, Mrs. Frisby definitely earns her own place and respect for all she does. So, by the end, I wasn’t as troubled by it as I was in the middle of the book. Just something to keep in mind.