Interesting, and perhaps slightly scary books for Halloween and beyond!
Broom For Two by Jennifer Maruno, with art by Scot Ritchie, is a funny story about a Little Witch has is learning how to fly her broomstick. She always flies in circles and lands with a bump. The other witches laugh at her because her broomstick looks tattered and scratched. And when Little Witch goes for her flying test, she does not pass because her broomstick dips and doodles. But one night, when lightning strikes, Little Witch is the only one who hears Ramshackle Rat’s cries for help when his house is struck. And as she rescues him to bring him to her own home, her broomstick runs smooth as can be. The extra weight of a friend is just what she needed. A fun story for little readers, but also for those about to get their learner’s permit! ISBN 978-1-77278-320-9, Pajama Press
Zoom in on Zombies by Kari-Lynn Winters and Catherine Rondina is a deliciously gross book that will appeal to elementary school readers. From explanations of our fascination with the walking dead, to unusual facts about animals, this book is chock full of stinky information. It even has lots of zombie jokes. The book looks at zombie behaviour of cockroaches and sloths. But it also has survival tips and fascinating tidbits about ecosystems. A good book to use around Halloween! ISBN 978-1554556083, Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Eli and the Real, Live, Dead Mummy, written by Sam Fisher, illustrated by Judy Hilgemann, is a great story for kids who are collectors, dreamers or mummy scientists. Even better, it is based on a true event. Eli loves to explore. He climbs mountains and digs for treasure. But one day he has a bad fall and is taken to the hospital for x-rays. And there, to his utter surprise, he spots of real, live, dead mummy. But no one else sees it and no one believes Eli until the doctor brings him in for his x-ray and there is the mummy from the Royal Ontario’s Egyptian Display. It is also in for x-rays. And the kind doctor even gives Eli and x-ray image to keep. ISBN 978-0889957-305, Red Deer Press
Margriet Ruurs is the Canadian author of over 40 books for children. Her next title is Celebrations Around The World, Kids Can Press. Book her for author visits to your school, here: