Monthly Archives: October 2012

A Halloweensie Contest: Sneak-a-Sweet

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It’s the Halloweensie Contest over at Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog!

It’s scary!
It’s hairy!
You’d better be wary!
Why?

Because!!!! We could only use 100 words! And we had to use the word witch! And bat! And trick-or-treat! And it has to be for the littlest of goblins! See??? Scary! But, I conjured up a little something called Sneak-a-Treat. And to make sure you have the best Halloween ever…be sure to read the other scary entries HERE.

Sneak-a-Sweet
by Penny Klostermann

There was a little witch
who kept a little bat
high upon the top
of her little pointy hat.

Every Halloween
when she would trick-or-treat,
the little bat would swoop right down
and grab an extra sweet.

The bat knew this was sneaky,
impolite and , yes, uncouth—
But when your home’s a witch‘s hat
you MUST tend her sweet tooth!

Perfect Picture Book Friday-I’m Not Afraid of This Haunted House

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Seems I’m going backward in time, since the last two weeks I reviewed Thanksgiving books and today I’m reviewing a Halloween book! This book wasn’t at the library when I wanted it, but now I have my hands on it just in time for Halloween.

I’m Not Afraid of This Haunted House

Written by Laurie Friedman

Illustrated by Teresa Murfin

Carolrhoda Books 2005

Ages 4-8

Themes: Halloween, Holidays, Fears

Synopsis: (from publisher’s website) It’s Halloween, and Simon Lester Henry Strauss and his friends make their way through a haunted house filled with creepy creatures. Although his friends are running scared at every turn, brave Simon Lester is not afraid of anything. He handles the Vampire’s Feast, a one-eyed monster, and the Treacherous Tower with tremendous bravado. That is, until he finds himself taken by surprise.

Opening:
I’m Simon Lester Henry Strauss
and I’m not afraid of this haunted house.
A fortune teller says, “Come inside.”
Her crystal ball says, “You can’t hide.”
My friends are scared of what they’ll see.
But I just tell them, “Follow me!
I’m Simon Lester Henry Strauss,
and I’m not afraid of this haunted house.”
I’m not afraid of the witch at the door.
I’m not afraid of the creaky old floor.
When a ghost swoops down and hollers, “BOO!”
I shout back, “I’m not scared of you!.”

Resources: This page (HERE) is full of craft ideas for making haunted houses. I have singled out a couple of links, but there are several more. The ads are annoying, but the seeing the ideas made it worth putting up with the ads.

HERE are instructions for a Haunted House Pop-up Cards.

HERE are instructions for a Paper Bag Haunted House.

This book would be a nice lead into discussing fears.

Why I Like This Book: Combine Halloween, humor, and rhyming text, and you  have me hooked. This illustrations are delightfully creepy and perfectly paired with the playful text and the repeated boast of Simon Lester Henry Strauss—“I’m Simon Lester Henry Strauss and I’m not afraid of this haunted house.” Throw in the fun surprise at the end and you have a book that begs to be read during the month of October…and, most likely, every other month of the year!

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.

Perfect Picture Book Friday-Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy

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I know this is my second week to do a Thanksgiving book and it’s not even Halloween. Well, I didn’t get to the library quickly enough to grab my favorite Halloween books for review. I like to have the book in my hands while I do my review. It’s just more fun that way! So, I’m giving you a jump on the Thanksgiving books so you can get them early! I actually read this book this summer due to my love for Lisa Wheeler’s talent. She is a master rhymer and story teller. If you read my blog regularly, you know I love rhyming picture books. Well, this book is not rhyming like a lot of hers, but it is so darn cute!

Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy

Written by Lisa Wheeler

Illustrated by Frank Ansley

Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2005

Ages 4-8

Themes: Holidays, Thanksgiving

Synopsis: (School Library Journal) Turk is “the biggest, strongest, and most graceful bird on Wishbone Farm.” His younger brother, “Runt,” has figured out why people come to the farm in November, but no one wants to listen.

Opening: Turk’s parents were so proud of him. He was the biggest, strongest, and most graceful bird on Wishbone Farm. “He’s a dancer,” says his mother. “He’s an athlete,” says his father. “He’s a goner,” says his little brother, Runt. But no one ever listened to Runt.

Resources: Lisa Wheeler has this excellent Activity Guide available on her website. And I’m including the Thanksgiving activities I had on my review last week for One Is A Feast For Mouse, another awesome Thanksgiving book. Draw your favorite food activity on pages 24-25 of this activity guide. HERE is a link to some Thanksgiving activities.

Why I Like This Book: This book is hilarious. Kids will love how little Runt, who no one ever listens to, seems to be the only one facing the reality that folks are coming to Wishbone Farm to chose a turkey…not to recruit Turk for his dancing and football skills. Runt comes up with crazy antics trying to save the Turk from being Thanksgiving dinner.  His family finally sees the light and has to use antics of their own to help little Runt….before his “goose is cooked”!

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.

Perfect Picture Book Friday-The Three Ninja Pigs

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Kiya!
I am taking time out between punches and  kicks
for my favorite time of the week.
I bought a new book and
knew you’d want a look
So I’m happy to give you a peek.

The Three Ninja Pigs

Written by Corey Rosen Schwartz

Illustrated by Dan Santat

G. P. Putnam’s Sons 2012

Ages: 5-10

Theme: Fractured Fairy Tale

Synopsis: (From Corey Rosen Schwartz’s website) When the big bad wolf threatens their village, three pigs sign up for different martial arts lessons to prepare to take him down. Pig One and Pig Two don’t stick with their training, though, and are no match for their foe. But after practice and dedication, Pig Three becomes great at karate (including perfecting the perfect pork chop!) and saves the day.

Opening: Once upon a dangerous time,
a wolf loved to huff and to puff.
He’d go around town
and blow houses down
till three little pigs cried,
ENOUGH!

We’ve got to get rid of that bully!”
“We’re tired of letting him rule.”
“We must put an end
to this terrible trend.”
“Let’s train at that new
Ninja school!”

Resources: Corey Rosen Schwartz has an excellent Teacher’s Guide on her website HERE. It includes several activities. Read, Write, Think has this great tool for writing fractured fairy tales, HERE.

Why I Like This Book: If you read my reviews, you know I love rhyming picture books. This is perfect rhyme! Spectacular rhythm and meter. Corey Rosen Schwartz has taken a familiar tale and made it new in the cleverest of ways. It’s full of humor and action which will make it a favorite among children. Dan Santat’s illustrations will blow your house down! Just awesome!

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.