Old Tom, Man of Mystery
by Leigh Hobbs

Overworked, Angela decides that it’s time for her mangy cat Old Tom to help out a bit around the house. But Old Tom has other ideas. So while Angela is busy dusting and scrubbing, Old Tom gets busy too…changing into the Man of Mystery! Angela bakes some cakes and notices fur on her freshly scrubbed floor. Later she finds crumbs on the carpet that has just been swept. And when Angela is awakened by strange footsteps, she decides it is time to investigate. Soon she is off on her own adventure, shadowing the Man of Mystery!

Trick or Treat on Monster Street
Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Matt Faulkner

A boy’s dread of things that go bump in the night fills his head with monstrous thoughts. So when he is separated from his older brothers on Halloween night and finds himself alone on Monster Street, he fears the worst! Lightning flashes. Bats flap overhead. Doors squeak open. Hairy arms and tentacles drop spiders into his sack. The boy is relieved when he finally meets up with another trick-or-treater. That is, until his new friend removes his mask…

Children will love the surprising twists and turns in this ghoulishly entertaining story, especially how the young hero conquers his fears…with a little help from his new fiendish friends.

The Monster Who Ate My Peas
Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Matt Faulkner

What do you dread eating the most? For the young boy in this story, it’s peas. He thinks he’s discovered a way to avoid eating his peas—he makes a bargain with a fiendishly funny monster. First the deal is simple: the monster will eat the boy’s peas in exchange for his soccer ball. But with each new encounter, the monster’s demands escalate. Eventually, our hero faces a daunting decision—can he conquer his loathing for peas or will he lose his most prized possession?

Readers who enjoy monster stories (and maybe don’t enjoy certain foods) will find the imaginatively disgusting monster in this humorous rhyming tale delightful.

The Monster Who Did My Math
Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Bill Mayer

A math-phobic boy faces another dreaded evening of multiplication when a monster suddenly appears in his room and offers him a deal he cannot refuse. After a quick signature on a contract, the boy’s problems are solved, and his homework is ready to turn in the next day. At first, everything adds up perfectly. But when the boy’s math knowledge is tested at school, his troubles begin to multiply. What did the fine print on that contract read?

Author Danny Schnitzlein brings another monster to life in this hilarious cautionary tale about taking responsibility.

13 Monsters Who Should Be Avoided
Written by Kevin Shortsleeve
Illustrated by Michael Austin

Come along with Professor LeGrand as he warns readers about the outrageous habits and appalling behavior of thirteen mischievous monsters whom the creature teacher hopes the readers never have to meet. There’s the Scarce Sissyfoos, Mess Monsters, and the Hedge-Standing Snit, just to name a few! This laugh-out-loud picture book includes entertaining rhymes, creative monster names, and amusing and colorful illustrations that can get any reader in the mood for trick-or-treating.

Clatter Bash!
by Richard Keep

At dusk on the holiday known as Day of the Dead, a Mexican family has set out fiesta offerings in the graveyard in hopes that departed loved ones may return to visit. Graveyard skeletons shake, rattle, and roll in this spirited Day of the Dead celebration. Author-illustrator Richard Keep’s rollicking rhyme―sprinkled with Spanish words―captures the bone-rattling sounds and fun of the evening. An illustrated  afterword gives information about the customs associated with el Día de los Muertos, a Mexican celebration of honoring relatives who have passed on.

Claude in the Spotlight
by Alex T. Smith

Claude and Sir Bobblysock join a dance troupe and head to the theater to perform their act. But being backstage gives them the heebie-jeebies! It’s so dark and spooky…could the legend of the theater ghost be true? This quirky book from the delightful Claude series is great for readers looking for a hilarious thrill with a hint of mystery—and maybe even a ghost!

Charlie Bumpers vs. the Squeaking Skull
Written by Bill Harley
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Charlie and Tommy have big plans for Halloween. They’re going to trick-or-treat and sleep over at Alex’s house. But when Charlie finds out that the entertainment at the party will be the “Scariest Horror Movies Ever,” he is struck by panic. Charlie loves candy, he loves sleepovers with his friends, but he absolutely hates horror movies. Can Charlie face his fear of horror movies and enjoy Halloween?

The Candy Mafia
Written by Lavie Tidhar
Illustrated by Daniel Duncan

When notorious candy gangster Eddie de Menthe asks for her help to find a missing teddy bear, Nelle Faulkner is on the case. But as soon as the teddy turns up, Eddie himself goes missing! As a seemingly innocent investigation unravels into something more sinister, Nelle and her friends quickly find themselves swept up in a shady underworld of sweets smugglers, back alley deals, and storefront firebombs. If Nelle has any hope of tracking down her missing client, first she’ll have to unmask the true faces behind the smuggling ring. Can Nelle and her friends find a way to take the cake? Or will they come to a sticky end…?

Whatever kind of fall mood your readers are in, we’ve got the perfect recommendations! Learn more about the autumn season, tap into your spooky, witchy side, or embrace the warmth and love (and stress) that comes with Thanksgiving with these great books to enjoy these next few months!

Fall season

Autumn Babies

Spirited, rhyming text and colorful, graphic art reveal an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful fall day. Featuring diverse characters and highlighting early concepts like shapes and repetition, this board book encourages an appreciation of nature and outdoor imaginative play.

By playing, fishing, toasting, and listening to music by the firelight, one boy and his father enjoy the great outdoors. It’s a well-crafted introduction to the fun of being in the woods, exploring the many things to do outside, and enjoying nature’s beauty. Soft colors and beautiful scenery will excite the explorer in every child!

In the Woods is a charming board book about a boy and his father camping together. Each page brings a new rhyme and a new sight for any child to enjoy. A perfect addition to your family’s reading experience!

This wonderful story captures the love between Big Bear and Little One. Beginning with the first buds of spring, Big Bear teaches Little One all about life in the forest. The two enjoy eating, playing, and swimming as the seasons change from one to another. As winter returns, Big Bear and Little One also return home, where they can wait for the next spring.

Young readers will love exploring alongside Little One and connecting their own experiences with one who is also seeing the world for the first time. Cuddle up and enjoy reading such a heartwarming picture book with your little one!

Chicken likes Scarecrow’s hat and Scarecrow will glad hand it over, but for a walking stick in return. Clever as Chicken is, she embarks on a quest to find a walking stick amongst her farm animal friends. Presented with a fun problem, one chicken seeks a solution that will have children fully engaged!

With bright watercolor pictures and a beautiful setting, children will love joining Chicken in search of a walking stick to swap for Scarecrow’s straw hat! A delightful page-turner that’s sure to be a favorite!

In the vast expanse of Utah, Mary Ann lives with her family and her special friend: a wheat-filled doll named Betty. Mary Ann knows that Betty watches over her while she does her daily tasks; she even listens to all of Mary Ann’s secrets. One day, a storm rolls in and Mary Ann is unable to save Betty from the winds and rain. Determined to find her lost friend, Mary Ann continues to search for Betty even when it seems that Betty is truly gone. Time passes, winter melts into spring, and Mary Ann spots a familiar face growing in the grass!

Set in the 1800s, this classic tale of childhood friendship and devotion shares a beautiful lesson of never giving up. It’s the perfect book to read alongside your child and their favorite toy!

Butterfly Tree

One late afternoon in early September, Jilly sees something. It looks like it’s raining black pepper from a clear blue sky. Then the black rain becomes a wispy mist. And then a shimmering orange cloud. What can it be?

This imaginative description of monarch butterfly migration from author Sandra Markle reminds us that a loving parent can empower a child to discover the mysteries of the natural world—and to enjoy that discovery again and again.

Halloween

Hansel & Gretel

Deep in the forest lives a witch named Willow, a good witch who only uses good magic―until she meets Hansel and Gretel. Willow never used to worry about messy breadcrumb trails. Or entire portions of her gingerbread house being devoured. Or anyone fiddling with her spells and magic books and causing a ruckus. But Hansel and Gretel are two very naughty and very rude children, and they are trying Willow’s patience.

This subversive and deliciously wicked retelling of “Hansel & Gretel” from Bethan Woollvin, as well as her other fractured fairy tales Little Red and Rapunzel, are perfect for Halloween storytimes (and for costume inspiration)!

Old Tom, Man of Mystery

This humorous story with an air of mystery is a great read for the whole family and perfect for Halloween.

Giving Up the Ghost

Davia is afraid of many things, and everything about her elderly great-aunt Mari and her spooky-looking plantation home terrifies her. And when she encounters Emilie, the tortured ghost of a well-to-do adolescent girl from the nineteenth century, she is even more frightened. Davia gradually begins to learn from Aunt Mari secrets about Emilie and about her own family’s past—stories of premature endings and regrets. As Aunt Mari’s health deteriorates, she and Davia become closer. Together, they hope to release Emilie’s spirit from the mansion and the world of the living.

Part psychological realism, part supernatural thriller, this YA novel about living in the present and conquering fear is a great page-turning read for those interested in ghost stories.

Thanksgiving

Charlie Bumpers vs. the Perfect Little Turkey

It’s Thanksgiving in the Bumpers’ household and Charlie has to be the perfect host to his annoying little cousin, Chip. Chip makes everything hard for Charlie—gets him in trouble, ruins his things, and generally makes a nuisance of himself. On top of that, for homework, Mrs. Burke has assigned Charlie the task of writing what a family is to him. How will Charlie be able to see past his “turkey” of a cousin to understand the real meaning of family?

This story really captures the essence of family get-togethers during the Thanksgiving holiday. For some Bumpers-approved activities and crafts to do with the family, check out this blog post!

Find these books and more at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble.

Matt Bumpers here with a Public Service Announcement.

Written by Danny Schnitzlein Illustrated by Matt Faulkner 978-1-56145-465-5

A boy’s dread of things that go bump in the night fills his head with monstrous thoughts. So when he is separated from his older brothers on Halloween night and finds himself alone on Monster Street, he fears the worst! Lightning flashes. Bats flap overhead. Doors squeak open. Hairy arms and tentacles drop spiders into his sack. The boy is relieved when he finally meets up with another trick-or-treater. That is, until his new friend removes his mask…

Written by Danny Schnitzlein Illustrated by Matt Faulkner 978-1-56145-216-3

What do you dread eating the most? For the hero of this story, it’s peas. A young boy thinks he’s discovered a way to avoid eating his peas—he makes a bargain with a fiendishly funny monster. First the deal is simple: the monster will eat the boy’s peas in exchange for his soccer ball. But with each new encounter, the monster’s demands escalate. Eventually, our hero faces a daunting decision—can he conquer his loathing for peas or will he lose his most prized possession?

Written and illustrated by Richard Keep 978-1-56145-322-1

At dusk on the holiday known as Day of the Dead, a Mexican family has set out fiesta offerings in the graveyard in hopes that departed loved ones may return to visit. Graveyard skeletons shake, rattle, and roll in this spirited Day of the Dead celebration.

Everything in fourteen-year-old Allie Canarsie’s life has gone wrong until she finds meaning investigating the circumstances behind a young boy’s unexpected death.

Want to grab these spooky titles before All Hallows’ Eve? You can find them at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. Feeling inspired by some of our titles and looking to include some fun crafts in your Halloween plans? 

Via www.babyrabies.com

Via craftsbyamanda.com

You could even create a paper monster for your own little monster to take on his or her trick-or-treating adventures! There are tons of ideas out there, but these examples from Crafts by Amanda look great for parents and children to do together!

Via growingupbilingual.com

Light the pathway to your door with these Glow in the Dark Lanterns to celebrate Día de los Muertos; you only need some glow-in-the-dark sticks, a black marker, some mason jars, and your creativity! Growing up Bilingual also gives more lantern ideas geared towards younger children, like using LED tea lights and plastic cups instead.

https://peachtree-online.com/2014/10/a-halloween-treat-behind-the-scenes-of-recording-an-audiobook/ https://peachtree-online.com/2014/10/a-halloween-treat-behind-the-scenes-of-recording-an-audiobook/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2014 16:27:00 +0000 http://peachtree-online.com/a-halloween-treat-behind-the-scenes-of-recording-an-audiobook/

But I’ll need your help.

1. Tell a scary story.  Tell a little bit every night; make each night’s episode a little more terrifying. With some luck, you’ll have your patient laughing in the ghoulish face of fear by the time Halloween rolls around.
2. Watch a scary movie.  Okay, this one’s kind of the same as the scary story tip. Building up to scarier and scarier movies will eventually have your patient immune to the palest vampires and hairiest werewolves.
3. Change the name of the scary thing.  I have my little sister, Mabel, to thank for this one. Charlie is terrified to watch a movie called The Shrieking Skull. Mabel thought the name was “Squeaking” instead of “Shrieking,” making the movie laughable. Good on you, Mabel. Gold star.
4. Watch something funny right after something scary.  This will help you forget about the scary thing and focus on the funny thing instead. Easy-peasy. 
5. Focus on the funny aspects.  Look, I know scary. Scary stories, scary movies, whatever; they all have something in common. They’re funny! Underneath the ghosts and goblins and blood and guts, there’s always a joke. If you walk into a scary situation prepared to laugh, you will. 
6. Embrace being scared.  C’mon, why do you think people keep making scary movies? They’re fun! They give you the chance to scream, hide under the covers, and freak out your friends. Everyday life can get boring sometimes–getting scared is a great way to break up the monotony. 
7. Pretend you’re not scared.  Basically: fake it ’till you make it. I wish Charlie would at least pretend he wasn’t scared all the time.
8. Be with friends.  Scary story + people to share it with = fun. That’s just basic math.
9. Realize it’s all fake.  You know what Halloween is about right? Getting scared. But at the end of the day, you know the stories, the monsters, and the ghouls aren’t real.

Me, Matthew Bumpers, demonstrating Tip #1

Can you think of anything else?  Comment below if I missed any good tips.

The Story: 

You’ve selected your setting and collected your props; now it’s time for the main event.

Speaking in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking. But just remember: it’s important to seem confident in the story you’re telling. Whatever the story is, it is true. If you believe it, your audience will believe it too.

But how do you pick one?

The best thing to do is to learn a few on your own, improve them, and then swap them with your friends. Pretty soon you’ll have a good collection built up! Here are a few tried and trues to get you started:

• Tommy Knockers
• You Can’t Get Out

• Bloody Mary
• The Headless Horseman
• Yellow Ribbon

(via marydoodles.deviantart.com)

Super Scary/Proceed with Caution:

• Girl in White
• Hairy Toe
• No Trespassing

The Best Original Scary Story Ever:

• The Long Fingered Man

Okay, that last one might be biased, but it is a great spooky story and you can read it (or hear it!) yourself in Bill Harley’s third Charlie Bumpers book, Charlie Bumpers vs. the Squeaking Skull!

Did we miss any of your favorite stories? Have you made up an awesome one that you’d like to share? Do you have any more tips on how to tell them? Leave a comment below!