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Issue # 2 For the Love of Reading

Looking for some fantastic Halloween reads for your little ones? Here are my top picks for kids aged 5-8. These books are perfect for spooky storytime, filled with laughter, and not too scary—just right for Halloween fun!

Spooky & Fun! Best Halloween Books for Kids (Ages 5-8)

🎃 The Crayons Trick-or-Treat

​Our favorite crayons are back! This time, they’re trying to figure out how to go trick-or-treating. It’s a cute, funny story that will have your kids giggling as the crayons attempt to use their words to get more candy!

💀 Skeleton for Dinner

Uh-oh! Skeleton thinks she’s the dinner guest on the menu—but it’s all a misunderstanding. Your kids will love the humor and the silly antics in this story.

🎃 I Need My Monster​

Meet Ethan, a boy who needs his monster Gabe to fall asleep—but Gabe’s gone fishing! This sweet, slightly spooky story shows how important our little nighttime monsters can be.

👻 Somethin' Pumpkin'

A delightful story that shows all the creative ways to use a pumpkin. After reading, this book is perfect for pairing with a fun hands-on pumpkin activity—carving, painting, or creating!

👵🏻 The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything

An old classic! This story of a brave old lady who thinks she’s not scared of anything will have your kids begging for fun voices and sound effects. It’s always a hit!

👻 Little Ghost Makes a Friend

A sweet story about a ghost trying to make friends with a new neighbor. This one’s more adorable than spooky, making it perfect for little readers.

The Reading Spark

Create a Spooky Storytime Routine!​
Set the mood by dimming the lights, using flashlights or candles (battery-operated for safety!), and adding some fun sound effects. Let your kids or students act out parts of the story, using different voices for the characters—especially in books like The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything. This interactive approach makes storytime even more engaging and memorable while boosting comprehension and creativity!

I do have a fun Makerspace extension activity that goes with some of these books. These activities highlight the problems and have children determine solutions. This helps encourage reading and creativity!

​You can grab the extension here.

Sneak Peek: Chapter 1 of Your Child's Reading Journey!

In February, I’ll be hosting a special workshop, "For the Love of Reading," created with you in mind! It’s packed with simple, effective strategies to help turn reading from a struggle into a joy for your child. Whether it’s finding the right books or making reading time fun, I’m here to guide you through it all. I’d love to hear from you—what challenges are you facing with reading? Let’s tackle them together! 💬

Feel free to message me on Instagram- @trina_deboree or write me back. Let’s make reading magical!

Your Turn: Share the Joy!

Share the Joy of Spooky Stories!

If you loved these Halloween book recommendations, why not share the fun with fellow parents and teachers? 🎃📚 Spread the word by forwarding this newsletter or sharing your favorite spooky reads with others. Let's inspire a love of reading together this Halloween season!

Until We Read Again...

Happy reading, and let's keep the spooky spirit alive!

Trina