Elizabeth Recommends~ Spooky Books that are a Real Treat

There’s a Ghost in this House by Oliver Jeffers

I would very much like to introduce you to an eery picture book by Oliver Jeffers, an award-winning author-illustrator. This picture book really sets the tone for Halloween this year and is bound to capture the imagination of all young readers. The front cover draws the reader’s eye to two cut out peepholes, one reveals the illustration of a little girl with striking hair standing in the doorway of a black and white house, the window upstairs reveals… a ghost.

The book is based on a girl who has lived in a haunted house for quite a while but is unable to spot any signs of a ghostly presence. She’s not too sure what she’s looking for as doesn’t really know what ghosts look like, so she decides to go on a quest through the house and the reader is invited to join her.

It has so many wonderful components to it. Not only are the illustrations exquisite at transforming mixed media collage into spooky backdrops for the tale but it also includes the interactive element of tracing sheets which reveal some rather charming looking ghosts who appear in all sorts of places.

This tale is such an enjoyable read and is bound to put a fangtastic smile on the reader’s face as they find the ghosts that reside in this haunted house.

Room on the Broom 20th Anniversary Edition by Julia Donaldson

This eye-catching edition is aimed at children over the age of three. The concept of this fantastic tale is inspired by Julia Donaldson’s curiosity over what would happen if more than one animal popped onto a witch’s broomstick aside from the usual companion associated to witches, a cat.

This edition is very enchanting not only does it reveal Julia Donaldson’s sources of inspiration for her characters including one frightfully hungry dragon, but it also includes a real insight into the various stages of development illustrator Axel Scheffler undertook to create such endearing characters which I think makes a wonderful gift book for children with an artistic eye.

Marney's Pumpkin Mix-Up 2 by Jane Rushmore

Squirrels are inquisitive creatures at the best of times, and they are excellent at digging up the earth to plant their treasured findings.

This picture book is a fantastic humorous tale for this Halloween. Marney finds what he thinks happens to be a very large pumpkin in the park. Bowled over by this discovery Marney sets his sights on a feast but all is not as it seems...

The characterful and autumnal illustrations are great as they captivate the reader into Marney’s mix up. I particularly like that this book encourages children to count the number of pumpkins throughout this book as it becomes a search and find game that children of varying reading abilities can enjoy.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Halloween Trick or Treat by Eric Carle

The last book recommendation I’d like to share is a board book by the late author-illustrator Eric Carle: The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Halloween Trick or Treat.

Similarly, to Oliver Jeffer’s artwork, Eric Carle turned to mixed media to create his world-renowned character, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. His hand-painted collage technique is instantly recognisable, and I feel this book will be a great introduction to Halloween for the youngest of our readers up to the age of three years old.

In this tale, the youngest readers can enjoy this interactive book which contains a fantastic mathematical element as it includes counting from 1 up to the number 10. It also contains a very special fold-out surprise.

Happy Readingween!

Request a copy here.