Dig up good books and other treats

Visions of pillowcases and plastic pumpkins stuffed full of goodies

are beginning to dance in children’s heads. Halloween is fast

approaching.

Visions of spooky stories can also play a part in the festivities

with a trip to the Newport Beach Public Library this month. Books for

the brave, and not so brave, abound with creepy fun.

Choosing a costume is always of prime importance. Mark Todd

explores this weighty issue for the younger set in his book “What

Will You Be for Halloween?” With bold acrylic illustrations and a

jaunty rhyming text, readers are treated to an array of colorful

characters. Older readers looking for ideas and step-by-step

instructions for costumes can turn to Angela Wilkes’ “Dazzling

Disguises and Clever Costumes” for a cauldron full of do-it-yourself

inspiration.

Halloween is never complete without a jack-o’-lantern. For the

littlest readers, It’s “Pumpkin Time” by Zoe Hall is a decidedly

nonspooky treat. With bright painted paper collage artwork and simple

text, the author follows two children as they grow their own pumpkin

from tiny seed to grinning gourd on Halloween night.

In “Big Pumpkin” by Erica Silverman, gouache on colored paper

illustrations depict a frazzled witch who begrudgingly allows a

variety of monsters to help her pluck a stubborn pumpkin from her

garden. Witty text and repeated refrains make this tale a fantastic

read aloud that begs for audience participation.

For those looking for a more hands-on approach, Gail Gibbons’ “The

Pumpkin Book” fits the bill. In addition to discussing different

types of pumpkins, how they grow, and their cultural significance,

Gibbons also provides instructions for carving your own

jack-o’-lantern and for drying pumpkin seeds.

The bold among us may want to skip the pumpkins and go straight to

the monsters. Kathy Ross’ “Make Yourself a Monster: A Book of Creepy

Crafts” will help adventurous boys and ghouls scare up some ghastly

fun. The author includes a variety of gross factor-10 ideas,

including instructions for creating a giant brain out of a pair of

mom’s old pantyhose. Halloween just doesn’t get any better than that,

folks!

For a double dose of fright at your Halloween slumber party, older

readers may also take a peek -- if they dare -- at Alvin Schwartz’s

“Scary Stories” series, a classic trilogy of grim and ghostly tales

collected from folklore. Warning: These tales are creepy. Keep your

flashlight handy and your friends close by if you’re reading them at

night!

Remember, your library is more than just books. If you’re looking

for a fun way to preview your costume and learn more about the

library, Members of the Newport Beach Public Library’s Young Adult

Advisory Council are hosting a Spooky Scavenger Hunt for kids in

grades four through six at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Find out if the library is haunted, and learn about all the great

resources we have to offer while you’re at it. Prizes for best

costumes will be awarded. YAAC scavenger hunts are popular, and

registration is required. Sign up three ways: Come into the Central

Library’s Children’s Desk to sign up in person, call (949) 717-3800

and choose option 5, or e-mail [email protected] beach.ca.us

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Gina Moffitt. All titles may be

reserved via the Internet by accessing the catalog at

https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org.