Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Staff Recommendations: A Successful Story Time With a Good Book

Cossitt Branch Manager, Jamie Griffin, talks about a recent outreach experience and the Halloween-themed book that made it special. 

Scary, Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting
It was the night before Christmas. Oops. Wrong season? 

When it’s not the time for cheer, but the time for fear, Eve Bunting is the right choice for a little Halloween read for children.

Scary, Scary Halloween was published back in 1986, but is like the Charlie Brown television specials, timeless.

Bunting’s offerings is beautifully illustrated thanks to pictures by Jan Brett.  Although the story line is engaging, it’s the images that really help pace the work.

It is complete with skeletons, pumpkins, witches, ghost, and all the scary imagery of All Hallow’s Eve. A vampire and werewolf also make a cameo appearances. But have no fear parents, the book will not have your child waking up in fear at night. The language is very mild, and pictures tamed.


The suggested targeted audience is children age 3-8.  Perhaps to the delight of children, Scary is written with the use of rhyming couplets. Children of reading age should find it entertaining, and for those needing it read to them may find it even more of a treat, because the pictures allow for creative storytelling opportunities.

I read to a group of 3-4 year olds at New Glory Preparatory Learning in Memphis, and the book was well received.

Spoiler alert, the Grinch returns the gifts. Oops. Wrong book?  

Jamie, Cossitt Branch


Remember Scary, Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting  for next year's Halloween story time. 

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