Guest Post by Jason Phillips - Halloween book hits for kids.

The Halloween holiday is right at the door, and parents have already started picking (or making) outfits for their little ones and decorating their homes. But there’s more to this celebration than meets the eyes, and every child should know that. This season you could surprise your kids with several cool Halloween inspired books. Here are 5 titles that will help them love this costume holiday even more.

1.     “Halloween Is…” Gail Gibbons

Gail Gibbons talks about the origins of the Halloween holiday in his book. It also ties it to Christmas and it tells the story in a very whimsical and alluring way. Beautifully decorated with pumpkins and wee ghosts, “Halloween Is…” will definitely appeal to kids with ages between 4 and 8. All children should know how the Halloween holiday began and where it has its roots. In this book, the funky illustrations will make the lecture even more pleasurable and enticing.

2.     “Scary, Scary Halloween” Eve Bunting

“Scary, Scary Halloween” is one of the most famous Halloween books ever published for children. It packs an ideal amount of scariness for the little ones, so you don’t have to worry that you’ll terrify your toddler if you read it aloud. There are gremlins, witches, werewolves, and vampires spread throughout this fascinating book; so kids will definitely be excited to know more. Readers will be instantly drawn by the plot and adventurous events, not to mention that the pictures will add to the overall experience. Get your children excited about the spooky Halloween holiday, and read this book together. Use voice inflections to make the atmosphere seem mysterious, and they will want you to read it every year on Halloween.

3.     “Tell Me a Scary Story…But Not Too Scary” Carl Reiner

This book is for older kids who want to be scared on Halloween. Carl Reiner, comedy writer and award-winning director, has managed to write a genuine spine chiller. “Tell Me a Scary Story…” offers lots of exciting events that will keep your blood pumping. No avid reader with a passion for mysteries will be able to resist this provoking tale of scary monsters. The book tells the story of Carl, a young boy lured in his basement where he’ll be greeted by fake eyeballs and creaking doors. Of course, there’s a lot more to this than meets the eye, but you’ll just have to read the book uncover all the mysteries.

4.     “Coraline” Neil Gaiman 

Before the famous Coraline movie, there was a book; a New York Times bestseller with the exact same name. The tale is absolutely incredible. Packed with mysterious events and scary places, “Coraline” centers on the story of a little girl who finds a hidden door in her home. She chooses to open it and notices a whole new world, apparently a better world. Will she be able to go back home to her loved ones? You can find that out by reading “Coraline” with your kids for this Halloween. It’s strange but interesting, dark but alluring; a must-read for this festive season.

5.     “A Tale Dark And Grimm” Adam Gidwitz

With unexpected delicacy and disarming good cheer, Gidwitz reveals several of the most unbelievable stories collected by the Grimm Brothers in the famous Hansel and Gretel book. “A Tale Dark And Grimm” is incredibly compelling; but it’s also quite scary, so read it carefully. Funny and scary at the same time, the narrative of the book will instantly appeal to the senses of your kids. Read to them before bedtime and make a statement with voice inflections. This way the story will come alive and your little ones will feel more connected to the storytelling. Spooky but not overly aggressive, this book is an ideal read for this Halloween; so make sure to check it out.

Are your kids ready for Halloween? Let this be a most memorable celebration. Make them the coolest costumes, take them trick-and-treating, and prepare them the most delicious Halloween-inspired dinner. At the end of the night, cuddle up and let the reading begin. The 5 amazing books we mentioned above are truly worth checking out. They’re all packed with mysterious events, spooky characters and fun stories that will keep your kids engaged.

By Jason Phillips and LoveReading.co.uk!