5 Storybooks to Read with your Kids on Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner and what better way to make the occasion special than by reading some stories with your kids? After all, reading to your child (even if she can already read by herself) is one of the best parent-child bonding activities. In fact, parents should never neglect the importance of reading. Even babies and toddlers would benefit a lot if their parents would take the time to develop their love for reading!

Before we tackle the books though, you may also want to know a bit of trivia about the history of Halloween:

“Halloween is considered by most in the United States as a fun holiday, mostly for children, but it has roots in ancient religions and folklore, including paganism, ancient Roman religions, early Catholic Christianity, Irish folklore, and even British politics! Children and adults alike enjoy this holiday today, with funny costumes, candy, and parties, while some countries observe this time as a remembrance of departed loved ones and religious saints.”
    
For us in the Philippines, discerning parents have learned to combine the “Western” elements of Halloween (“trick or treat,” Halloween parties, etc) with our traditional Christian roots of remembering our deceased family members and relatives, and of also celebrating the richness of All Saints’ Day.

In case you’re choosing to celebrate the “Eve of All Hallows” or Halloween with a storytelling/read-aloud time with your kids, here are five of our recommended titles:


It’s Pumpkin Time by Zoe Hall
Illustrated by Shari Halpern (available on Amazon)

This wonderfully-illustrated book veers from the ghoulish side of Halloween and focuses instead on the story of a little girl and a little boy who prepare for the holiday by growing their own pumpkins. Besides enjoying the colorful artwork, kids may even pick up a Science lesson or two about how pumpkins grow from seeds.

 

 

Ang Kaibigan ng Dilim by Rene O. Villanueva
Illustrated by Joanne de León (available at National Bookstore)

This short story book is perfect for little kids who are afraid of the dark. It features Anton, a little boy who eventually learns to overcome his fear of the dark, and discovers that the dark can be his “friend.” The entire text is in Filipino but has an English translation on the inner first and last pages of the book. Reading this book with your kids on a dark Halloween evening may even become a springboard for a healthy discussion about conquering one’s fears.

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Ghosts in the House!
Written and illustrated by Kazuno Kohara (available at Book Sale)

One of the most striking things about this book is probably its simple yet delightfully creative orange, black and white illustrations. The story features a little girl who encounters ghosts in their home. Since she is a witch though, she knows how to “handle” the ghouls, along with her faithful “sidekick,” her pet cat. The story is told in simple language, in a rather cheerful way, and helps kids (and even adults!) see that most of the things people fear are not so scary after all.

 

 

Ang Tatlong Maria Mumu
Adapted from Wansapanataym by Sally Eugenio (available at National Bookstore)

This story and activity book was published by LG&M Corporation, an imprint of Vibal Publishing House, Inc. under license from ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. It is illustrated in black and white so that kids are free to color each page as they wish. The moral of the story of the three ghosts, Maria Maui, Maria Mau-Mau and Maria Meri, who are sisters, is simple but profound - doing good deeds is important if we wish to go to heaven.

 

 

Where The Wild Things Are
Written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak (available at Fully Booked)

This classic children’s picture book was first published in 1963 and remains to be a favorite among kids and grown-ups alike today. The book tells the story of Max, who is punished by his mother because of his mischief-making. Sent to his room, Max uses his imagination to sail to the land of the “Wild Things” i.e. scary-looking monsters who end up crowning Max as their king. Max has a great time but realizes that he misses home, so he returns to his room and is surprised to find his dinner waiting for him. This book shows the amazing power of using one’s imagination. It also drives home the reality that there is really no place like home, especially one where parents show unconditional, forgiving love.