Halloween is tomorrow and that means that bats, ghosts, monsters, and spiders abound.
The illustrations help to tell the tale in Nightsong by author Ari Berk and artist Loren Long. (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, $17.99) Young Chiro is a bat that must venture out in the wild for the first time without his mother by his side. She advises him to uses his “good sense” and that he does. In doing so, despite the darkness of the adventure, Chiro is aware of the geese that fly above him and the river below. Chiro’s song helps him to find food and return to the safety of his cave and his mother’s love. Computer generated paintings help to sense the vulnerability of the young bat as he ventures on this rite of passage.
Authors Maggie Mille and Michael Leviton decide to take a humorous approach to “things that go bump into the night,” with My First Ghost. (Disney Hyperion Books, $16.99) Treating the apparition as a pet, a young boy explains how to take care of a ghost should you choose to invite one into your home. Stephanie Buscema illustrates the lessons and responsibilities of taking care of ghosts. Be aware that ghosts may be afraid of kids, parents, the dark, and monsters. They do not eat or drink but do invite them to accompany you when you dine. Ghosts are friendly and enjoy playing and if you treat them right, they “will haunt your forever.”
Standing in the corner, takes on a new meaning in Time Out for Monsters by Jean Reidy and Robert Neubecker. (Disney Hyperion Books, $16.99) Deciding that the corner (for punishment) needs embellishment, it becomes a mural for trucks, cupcakes, and lots of monsters. Wonder if Mom will enjoy this new addition to the house?
It is the tenth anniversary for the Caldecott Honor book, “The Spider and the Fly” awarded to illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi. Based on a the classic 1829 poem by Mary Howitt, the black and white illustrations make this the perfect book to enjoy on this Halloween holiday. “Will you walk into my parlor?’ said the Spider to the Fly, ‘T’s the prettiest parlor that ever you did spy; the way to my parlor is up a winding stair, and I have many curious thing to show you when you are there.”
Story Time Blog 