Four Picture Books We Love (Halloween Edition)

Looks like autumn has finally arrived and with it comes the inevitable appearance of Halloween. Although Halloween isn't my favorite holiday, I do enjoy decorating our mantel, scheming up baby costumes, and drinking homemade root beer out of a frothy cauldron. This week we scouted out a few holiday related reads at our local library and now I'm itching to add a few Halloween picture books to our personal collection.  

1.) Pumpkin Moonshine by Tasha Tudor. This wee story is charming not only in its account of a little girl who locates a pumpkin to turn into a moonshine (jack-o-lantern), but also in its overall use of childhood adventure and a small lesson in manners. My favorite line is It frightened the goats! If you are familiar with any of Tasha Tudor's other books you'll love this one just as much.

2.) Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance by Keith Graves. This recommendation comes from a friend I went to library school with and one I think 3-5 year-olds would really enjoy. This quirky read manages to be both funny and a little gross at the same time. The overall message though is Do more of what you love even if nobody is watching.

3.) The Pumpkin Runner by Marsha Diane Arnold. Illustrations by Brad Sneed. Farmer Joshua likes to run. And he gets his energy from regular servings of vitamin fortified pumpkins. He learns of a race from Melbourne to Sydney and decides to give it a try. Inspired by a true story this picture book almost made me want to go for a run. Although it isn't exactly a Halloween book per se, I think it's a seasonally appropriate selection. Because it's a little long I read it to Amelia over a few days time, mainly while she ate her vitamin fortified lunch.

4.) Only a Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee. Illustrations by Taeeun Yoo. Doesn't the illustration on the cover of this book make you think of Bewitched and Kiki's Delivery Service? Not only does the book boast beautiful woodcut prints throughout, it's a story of a young witch who listens to her heart, tries and fails, then tries again. Written in a poetic stanza format this book is heartwarming on many levels.

Other picture book we love.