Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY — If you have kids or grandkids at your house, then Halloween is not complete without the reading of spooky, fun picture books. This list includes books with just the right amount of "creepy," healthy doses of humor, and guaranteed entertainment for kids and adults. Pick up a few and bring the scary magic of the season to life.
1.“Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody” by Michael Rex
We all know and love the classic bedtime book, "Goodnight Moon," but what if the story was full of scary monsters and creepy creatures? That’s exactly what this book is, and it’s one of the best Halloween picture books out there. Also available as a board book.
2. “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt; illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi
“‘Will you walk into my parlor,’ said the spider to the fly …” These iconic words set the stage for this fabulous book, illustrated by award-winning artist Tony DiTerlizzi, in the style of old Hollywood films from the '20s and '30s. Glamorous and creepy.
3. “Piggie Pie” by Margie Palatini; illustrated by Howard Fine
Gritch the Witch wakes up terribly hungry. There is only one dish that will satisfy her ravenous hunger: piggy pie. She needs eight fat piggies, so off she goes to old MacDonald’s farm. But these piggies are too clever for Gritch. Both the text and illustrations in this book are hilarious.
4. “Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich” by Adam Rex
This clever and must-read Halloween book is a collection of 19 poems that reveal the secret rituals and habits of famous monsters. Full of humor and great illustrations, it’s a fun choice for older kids and one that adults will be happy to read.
5. “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson
One night a witch and her cat take a ride on her broom. Suddenly, a big gust of wind carries away her hat, wand and bow. Luckily, a few animals are there to help, but all want a ride in return. Will they all fit on the broom and can they band together to fight a dragon? This is a classic story and lots of fun.
6. “A Job for Wittilda” by Caralyn Buehner; illustrated by Mark Buehner
Wittilda desperately needs a job if she’s going to be able to feed her 47 cats. After perusing the want ads, the witch takes a job delivering pizzas, flying from house to house on her broom. No one has ever delivered pizza like this. A cute read with the Buehner team’s classic wit and playful illustrations.
7. “Ghosts in the House!” by Kazuno Kohara
A little witch lives in a haunted house, but it’s not a problem for her. She catches the white ghosts and washes them, dries them and uses them for sofa covers, tablecloths and even bed sheets. This sweetly spooky book, drawn in vibrant orange, black and white, is perfect for tiny trick-or-treaters. Also available as a board book.
8. “Go Away, Big Green Monster” by Ed Emberley
Worried about the monsters under the bed? Then read this cool book by Caldecott-winning artist Ed Emberley, in which a die-cut monster grows big and then disappears, all with the turn of the pages.
9. “On a Dark, Dark Night” by Jean M. Cochran; illustrated by Jennifer Morris
What is making so much noise on this dark, dark night? A little boy and his dog are not scared of all the spooky creaks, knocks and squeaks — at least, not too scared. Beautiful illustrations, fun rhyming text and a sweet surprise ending make this book a delight to read at Halloween.
10. “Bats at the Ballgame” by Brian Lies
“Hurry up! Come one. Come all! We’re off to watch the bats play ball.” Little sports fan will love this story of a bunch of bats getting together to play baseball. Playful illustrations and an entertaining story.
What’s your favorite Halloween picture book? Share with me and other readers on my Facebook page.
For some spooky grown-up fun, check out my scary story, “The Wheel of Wasted Souls,” written for the Jolly Fish Press Creative Frighting Contest. If you vote for it you could win a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble.
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*Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a biweekly column for ksl.com and also contributes book-related segments to Studio 5. Her debut novel, "Blood Moon," comes out June 22, 2013. Find her online at teriharman.com.**
