It’s the most spooktacular time of the year! And what better way to celebrate than with spooky, ooky books?
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight created the Halloween Book Covers Tag, and since I happen to adore all things autumnal, here’s my take on it! And of course, given that I’m a children’s librarian and picture book author, there’s definitely going to be a kidlit theme going on here today, perfect for all the little boils and ghouls!
Skull/Skeleton/Bones
Skeleton Cat has already had nine lives, and he’s back for his tenth. This time around this groovy cat has got big dreams – to be a drummer in a band! So off he heads into town to find his fellow musicians, with hilarious results!
Pumpkin
Follow along with best friends Duck and Goose as they hunt for the perfect pumpkin!
Blood
I had to think a little outside the box to find a children’s book with blood on the cover, but I did it! This nonfiction graphic novel is a fun, humorous introduction to the workings of the circulatory system.
Spider, Bats, or other Creepy Creatures
A little girl is the sole hold-out in a family that’s obsessed with snakes! As her family try to change her mind with all sorts of fascinating snake facts, readers will build a greater appreciation for these often-maligned creatures.
Something witchy
Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are back with another rousing rhyming tale, this time about a witch who drops her magic wand, and the delightful chaos that ensues!
Severed body part
OK, again I’m going a bit outside the box for this one. These hands aren’t exactly severed, but since you can’t see the rest of the bodies that own them, they might be! Anyway, this is a great book about occupations for young readers.
Full moon
When kitten sees her first full moon, she’s convinced it’s a giant bowl of milk! But how can she get it? An utterly charming picture book that’s been delighting children for decades.
Cemetery
After his family is murdered, a toddler wanders into a graveyard, where he is adopted and raised by the regions unusual, and undead, residents, in one of Neil Gaiman’s most beloved books.
Haunted house
This mostly-sweet picture book is perfect for the littlest of Halloweeners who might not be ready for anything too scary but still want to get into the Halloween spirit.
Ghost
When Leo’s attempts to welcome a new family into his haunted house don’t quite go as planned, Leo decides to set off into the world to find a friend of his very own. Of course, that’s not as easy as it might sound, seeing as Leo is an invisible ghost!
Classic monster (vampire, werewolf, mummy, frankenstein, monster, etc)
Being a classic monster isn’t all fun and games, you know. Sometimes vampires have to deal with something stuck in their teeth, creatures from the black lagoon have to listen to their mothers, and when the phantom of the opera gets an earworm stuck in his head? Watch out! This collection of poems, paired with Rex’s highly detailed illustrations, is absolutely fantastic, and hilarious.
Candy
Mmmmm, just look at that delicious cover! When four very different and very unique children are selected to compete to create the world’s most delicious candy, whose confectionery dream will reign supreme?
Someone in a costume/mask
Did anyone else grow up with stories about everyone’s favourite big red dog? I sure did love Clifford! Now, where did they find a sheet big enough for Clifford’s ghost costume?
Orange and black
Words cannot adequately describe my love for Sandra Boynton. Her adorable characters and quirky sense of humour have entertained young readers for decades! In this Halloween story, little Pookie must decide what costume to wear, and it’s no easy choice!
Something creepy
Ugh, that face! *shudder* This picture book, written by famed novelist Stephen King under a pseudonym, ties into his Dark Tower series. It’s also creepy as all anything. Just look at that smile, or better yet, look away!
Happy Halloween, boils and ghouls!
These are so cute! Except that last one. I think I might have nightmares from that, haha.