Spooky Halloween Picture Books and more from Candlewick Press!

  *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Candlewick Press for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Halloween is almost here and I thought we'd share some of the books from Candlewick Press we've been enjoying leading up to the spookiest of days:

Ghostology A True Revelation of Spirits, Ghouls, and Hauntings

by  Dugald A. Steer and Lucinda Curtle

illustrated by Anne Yvonne Gilbert, Garry Walton and Doug Sirois

Ages 10 and up

Have you been hearing strange footsteps and knocks, whispers and rattling chains? Perhaps the early-twentieth-century author of this newly discovered tome has some secrets to share. Within the book’s weathered pages you’ll hear of a headless French pirate in search of his missing noggin, a vanishing pair of young trickster twins, a ghostly woman who screams for attention, and other communications from the “fun side.” Readers who wish to plumb the mysteries of the paranormal will find some hands-on challenges to lift their spirits, along with tips on a range of spectral subjects, such as what to pack in a ghostologist’s field kit, how to distinguish the types of ghosts, the best ways to hunt them, and spotting the unfortunate fakes and frauds. Too bad the late author never got to see her guide find its way into the world! But wait—what are those strange and scratchy asides that appear in odd places throughout the book?

This is a fantastic interactive book that has kept us busy and inspired research on some of the haunting stories featured within.  Fun and creepy edu-tainment!

Bears and Boos

by Shirley Parenteau

illustrated by David Walker

 Ages 2-5

Big Brown Bear and the four little bears can’t wait to dress up for Halloween. Everyone grabs their costumes from the costume box, but — oops! — in the rush, Floppy is knocked on her furry behind, and now there are no costumes left for her! Fuzzy says she’s sorry and offers Floppy a golden gown. Then each of the other bears shares an item with Floppy, and soon she’s dressed like a queen — just in time for the parade! Shirley Parenteau and David Walker combine cheerful read-aloud rhyme and irresistibly charming art in another story for the youngest cubs and their big bears.

Perfect for the little ones, fun and teaches about sharing and caring for others!

Where’s Waldo? Spooky Spotlight Search

by Martin Handford

Ages 5-9, but my 12 and 14 year old kiddos still loved it!

Somewhere in the darkness, Waldo is venturing across a swamp toward a looming castle, sneaking down to the dungeon and through a creepy gallery to . . . Hey! We didn’t see that twist coming! In Waldo's second adventure featuring this innovative, all-paper design, readers can slide a spotlight searcher under a series of totally dark scenes, illuminating small sections and stealthily moving the light to seek out Waldo and his friends. Everyone’s favorite vagabond is in costume as himself in this Halloween-worthy challenge for eagle-eyed fans.

Another super fun interactive book that kept us busy for a while!  A unique twist on Where's Waldo? books that seek and find fans are sure to love!

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost

by Flavia Z. Drago

Ages 3-7

Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z. Drago’s vivid illustrations tell a sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere.

Another cute story for the younger crowd that teaches about making friends.  This goodie is available in both English and Spanish!

Rise of ZomBert

by Kara LaReau and illustrated by Ryan Andrews

Agees 8-12

While helping her best friend, Danny, film his latest horror flick, Mellie discovers a scraggly cat behind a dumpster outside the YummCo Foods factory. Mellie names the stray Bert and hides him in her room, knowing her parents won’t let her keep him. But soon Bert has decapitated all her stuffed animals, and before long he is leaving the headless corpses of birds and mice as gifts for her. Danny is convinced the cat is a zombie, living on the brains of his victims. But is that what is really going on? Award-winning author Kara LaReau lets loose a fresh and sharply funny new mystery series, with an irresistible touch of the macabre. Fans of creepy stories and animal lovers alike will devour this fast-moving first episode in one gulp.

A fun chapter book that makes for a great read aloud or independent reading choice!

 Get your kiddos in the spirit this Halloween with spooky stories from Candlewick Press!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.