This is Halloween (Monday Poem)

by Dorothy Brown Thompson


Goblins on the doorstep,
Phantoms in the air,
Owls on witches' gateposts
Giving stare for stare,
Cats on flying broomsticks,
Bats against the moon,
Stirrings round of fate-cakes
With a solemn spoon,
Whirling apple parings,
Figures draped in sheets
Dodging, disappearing,
Up and down the streets,
Jack-o'-lanterns grinning,
Shadows on a screen,
Shrieks and starts and laughter---
This is Halloween!


From Time for Poetry: A Teacher's Anthology
edited by May Hill Arbuthnot
1951, Scott Foresman

Invitation (Monday Poem)

by Eileen Spinelli


Behind the King's roses
The Queen is a bee
And honey's for children
To stir in their tea
And biscuits are cookies
And jam is a treat
That butterflies taste
On their flutter-by feet.
The kettle is cozied
By lemony sun.
Requesting your presence ---
Come join in the fun.



from Tea Party Today: Poems to Sip and Savor 
by Eileen Spinelli
1999, Boyds Mills Press

Tea for One (Monday Poem)

by Eileen Spinelli


A cup of tea
A quiet nook
A cookie and
A picture book
A lump of sugar
On my spoon ---
Now that's a
Perfect afternoon.


from Tea Party Today: Poems to Sip and Savor 
by Eileen Spinelli
1999, Boyds Mills Press

Happy Haunted Holidays (FAMILY magazine Reviews)

Off we go, into autumn, with nearly everyone’s favorite dress-up holiday approaching. It’s time to explore different personalities, try on costumes, practice a new accent, and watch out for surprises as our friends and family members investigate their own possibilities. Inspect these smart but simple stories that want to stick in your mind even when you’re no longer reading them. Beware! Kids will want to re-read! (But, even better? So will you!) 


The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything 

by Linda Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd

            For the youngest children who want to be scared at Halloween, but not too much, this is a perfect read-aloud book for even the most active to interact with. The little old lady of the title leaves home, walking in the forest “to collect herbs and spices, nuts and seeds.”

As it gets dark and she starts home, suddenly right in the middle of the path she meets up with a spooky pair of big shoes. “And the shoes went CLOMP, CLOMP.” Further along are a creepy pair of pants, a shirt, gloves, and a hat. Each makes a sound or a movement which children can join the reader in making.

The Little Old Lady warns each of them to “Get out of my way! . . . I’m not afraid of you!” However, she walks a bit faster, and still behind her she can

hear . . .  Finally, what she meets up with is scariest! and she runs! Once inside her cottage with the door locked, she rocks in her chair. Until . . . KNOCK, KNOCK!

            The conclusion of the story is very satisfying and ends the next morning after she whistles her way to bedtime. This book has won many awards over the years and remains a delightfully shivery story to share.

HarperCollins, $6.99 (paperback) $16.99 (hardcover)

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2 


Minnie and Moo and the Haunted Sweater 

by Denys Cazet

            From the I-Can-Read series about two crazy cows, this time as they plan their gifts to the farmer for his birthday. Minnie decides to give him her last cream puff. Moo has a bright idea after the chickens and sheep crash into each other. She helps them untangle by using her knitting needles to knit the farmer a new wool sweater as a birthday present.

But, Elvis the rooster is missing!  And, the sweater doesn’t look right – it has a big lump and one sleeve is longer than the other! What they do to try to shrink it will make readers laugh. Kids reading alone also will know that the sweater is not haunted, and why - making them giggle more as they realize they have figured out what the story never says.

            Cazet’s cartoon-like ink and watercolor illustrations show the craziness of the story in a clever pairing with easy-to-read text.

                                                

HarperCollins, $16.99

Interest Level: Grades 1 - 2  


Dog and Bear: Tricks and Treats 

by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

               The fantastic friends are back for three more exploits as they prepare for the spookiest holiday. Bear and Dog’s adventures - choosing costumes, answering the front doorbell, and going out on their own trick or treat tour - show an eager, warmhearted accepting friendship between the two individuals.

               Seeger’s merry stories demonstrate the bonding friendship the two share; even when they come to the same wrong conclusion looking in the mirror. The bright acrylic and India ink illustrations with uncomplicated white backgrounds lend immediacy to the stories by focusing attention on the actions, expressions, and body language of the characters.

               This is a great read-aloud treat for the youngest set, who are just learning to understand simple tricks. Also, with its conversational dialog, it is exactly right for early readers as a much-sought after more fun/less fright Halloween choice.  

Roaring Brook Press, $14.99 

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2

              

 

The Perfect Name (Monday Poem)

by Peggy Archer


You can name some dogs for how they look
or what they like to eat.
You can name them for the way they act
when walking down the street.

You can name some dogs for flowers, or
for famous movie stars.
You can name them for the friends you like,
or for your favorite cars.

You can name them for their talents, or
their wiggy-waggy tails.
You can name them for the way they bark,
or go to fetch the mail.

With all the ways to name your dog,
when all is said and done,
whatever name you give your dog
will be the perfect one.


from Name That Dog! Puppy Poems from A-Z
by Peggy Archer
2010, Dial

Whiskers (Monday Poem)

by Peggy Archer


My dog has lots of whiskers
growing on his face.
Like a broom they sweep the floor
cleaning up the place.

You'll never find a scrap of food.
He does his very best.
He eats what he can find, and then
his whiskers catch the rest.



from Name That Dog! Puppy Poems from A-Z
by Peggy Archer
2010, Dial