Spooky, Silly, Not-so-Scary Halloween Flashback Friday Spotlight- Gus and the Baby Ghost

     For this "Flashback Friday" spotlight, it's time to re-visit a classic tale that I feel is perfectly fitting to include with my recent "Spooky, Silly, Not-so-Scary Halloween" series. Let's take a look back at Jane Thayer's Gus and the Baby Ghost.

     The first time that I came across this utterly charming tale was not exactly under the best of circumstances.  Well, let me rephrase that.... it was a horribly horrific day, according to my then almost six year-old self.  It dealt with my annual August visit to Dr. Doris Sullivan, our family's longtime doctor, and the apprehensive feelings going through my veins and sending my tiny insides into a sea of knots that this sojourn would once again end with tears due to the dreaded four letter word..... shot.
      My mother and I were the only people in her waiting room on this dark, humid, misty morning.  As we sat down, my stomach turned, and my head began to pound as all I could do was think of one thing, and one thing only.... the shot.  My mother tried as best as she could to calm my nerves, but it just wasn't working.  Warm tears started to flow out of my eyes and quickly down my cheeks.  Just then, Dr. Sullivan walked into the waiting room and looked into my eyes.  She smiled warmly and reached into the second shelf in one of the two large bookshelves up against the wall.  Her hands moved across several titles until she settled on one and pulled it out.  "We just got this story in the mail the other day from Readers Digest.  I think you might like this one."  The cover illustrations of a slightly chubby, yet kind looking ghost feeding a little baby ghost bundled up in a white blanket in a rocking chair, while a tiny black cat sat and watched made me smile.  Ghosts?  Feeding Baby Ghosts?  This, I thought, I had to read. So, I carried the book into the exam room, and managed to read through it, and it helped ease my nerves, even right up to when that cringe worthy time came for my shot.  My mother held the book open and as I looked towards the happy illustrations of Gus cradling the little baby ghost, instead of looking at the silver needle heading straight into my upper right arm.  Yes, it still hurt, but not as much, thanks to Gus (and yes, Dr. Sullivan).
     And from that visit forward, at every annual appointment, I made sure that I found that comforting tale and read it through to take away my apprehensive feelings.
     Years later, several months after the untimely passing of Dr. Sullivan, her family had a large yard sale at her home, which also served as her office.  My mother and I decided to take a drive over so we could pay our respects to her daughter.  While looking around at all of the items that were placed on the tables on the driveway, I came across a plastic milk carton container filled with numerous children's book, many of which I read so many years ago, that once lined the mahogany bookshelves in her waiting room.  And there, behind a worn book about baby ducks, it was.  The site of the familiar purple cover, now faded though the course of time, brought an instant smile to my face, and I was overcome with emotion, thinking back to how this simple book, placed into my hands by Dr. Sullivan, could lift my anxiety and take away my fears.  Her daughter, after seeing my reaction to finding the book, told me to take it, that it obviously held some special place in my heart.
     She was absolutely correct in her observation, as it was a beautiful reminder of how her gentle mother was blessed with an innate gift to know exactly what to do that could bring comfort to a frightened child.  For this child, it was the adventures of a kind, caring ghost.  

     As our tale begins, Gus, the Ghost, Cora, the black cat, a mouse whose simply called Mouse, and old Mr. Frizzle all live together in the Historical Museum.  Mr. Frizzle runs the museum by day, and Gus, Cora and Mouse watch over the museum at night.  Amazingly, they all get along quite well with one another, and life at the museum is going smoothly until Cora alerts Gus to an unexpected surprise that's right outside. Gus opens the door and spots a tiny baby ghost peacefully sleeping  in a little basket on the front doorstep.  Gus takes the little baby Ghost.  Gus tries very hard to keep Mr. Frizzle from noticing the baby, but is not successful, and Mr. Frizzle isn't very happy at first about the new addition.  But, when Gus promises to make sure that the baby ghost doesn't disturb the visitors to the museum, Mr. Frizzle grumpily and reluctantly agrees.  And, as soon as he sees the delighted reaction from the visitors to the sounds of the ghostly, albeit sweet "Coos", his stance on the new addition quickly changes, and he takes turns taking care of the little baby ghost with his friend, Gus.
     
Gus and the Baby Ghost
Written by Jane Thayer & Illustrated by Seymour Fleishman
Publisher:  William Morrow & Co (1972)
ISBN: 978-0688213695

 

I Need Space

     When my son was small, trips to our local playground was, quite like most children, the best part of his day (and mine). While these playful times may start out with good intensions, it can regrettably also be a time where conflict, overwhelming situations and shy social behavior can turn a lighthearted time into a stressful one.

     Our brain plays a vital role in regulating our emotions.  The prefrontal cortex is responsible for our decision making and impulse control, which in turn, helps us to manage our emotional responses. According to The Kids Mental Health Foundation, a child's ability to be able to understand, express and manage their emotions is a skill that develops over the course of their childhood.  Some little ones are adept at mastering these skills earlier than others who may struggle.  

     Helping to guide your little ones to regulate their emotions can be difficult for families and caregivers.  The American Psychological Association, based in Washington, D.C., states that children's ability to manage their feelings depends upon a variety of factors including, "genetics, their natural temperament, the environment they grow up in, and outside factors, like how tired or hungry they are."  But,we can play a critical role to helping our children to learn how to manage their feelings. One of the best ways that we can provide comfort and reassurance in handling our little ones emotions are through literature.  Stories can provide our children with the vocabulary, coping skills and most importantly, empathy to handle the emotions that playing in a playground can bring. Stories like I Need Space, written by Molly Harris and illustrated by Jon Corby.   

     As our tale begins, Rocco the rocket ship has the most special and unique playground- space!  His playground is filled with so many favorite rides, slides and swings, that it's just so hard for Rocco to name one. This playground can be a total blast for rockets like Rocco, but sometimes, not everyone at the playground knows how to play as nice as Rocco does.  He tries to gently ask them to move and play nice but he gets ignored. 

     Rocco and his friend decide to play in another area when suddenly, a group of meteors known as the "Roughhousers" who love to play loud and rowdy, crashed into Rocco and his friend, knocking poor Rocco into some flying debris. Rocco is exasperated and cries out.  "I NEED SPACE!!!" He blasts into a place at the edge of the solar system that is quiet and dark.  A place that not many "Roughhousers" would likely to be found.  A place that felt exactly what Rocco needed. He takes some breaths, depressurizes and marvels at the sparkly, beautiful universe below him, and finds his strength to return back to the space playground with his friend.  Rocco and his friend realize that there is plenty of room in the space playground for all to play and have a true BLAST!

     Author Molly Harris' tale paired with the lighthearted illustrations of Jon Corby, provides an extremely fitting read aloud for parents and caregivers to give children a pathway to talk about the feelings that may have arised from a recent playground-related issue with a relatable story that will open discussion.  I Need Space will help your little ones to build their confidence and empathy towards other children that they may encounter who are feeling overwhelmed.  An added bonus is the helpful two paged section in the back of the story that gives insightful information about space, the planets, as well as tips for little ones to bring them "back to earth" when a difficult situation occurs.

I Need Space

Written by Molly Harris & Illustrated by Jon Corby

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, a imprint of Simon & Schuster (Due in stores on October 27th, 2026)

For Ages 4 thru 8

Retails for $19.99 (Hardcover)

Spooky, Silly, Not-so-Scary Halloween Spotlight #3- Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show

 Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show

     For starters, I have a love-hate relationship with all things witchy.  Forty-Four years ago, I was a painfully shy little 8-year-old girl facing a tremendous dilemma--- I was cast in the role of Maleficent in my 3rd grade class production of the Walt Disney Classic- Sleeping Beauty.

       I was beyond myself with fear- why, oh why, couldn't I get to be a princess and wear the pretty pink dress with the sparkly crown and smile my way into the hearts of everyone who would be watching!  Instead, the very idea of being placed into a long, black cape dress complete with pointy witch hat, and painted witchy marks on my face left me filled with anxiety and trepidation.  My teacher, Mrs. Flora McCarthy, as I soon realized as I grew older, knew something about casting this awkward, introverted little girl as the heavy that I didn't at that time.  This was her way to help guide and bring me out of my shell.  She saw something in this little girl that needed a gentle yet steady guide to let her confidence grow.  That even an ordinary little girl had something in her that was spectacular after all.  With Mrs. McCarthy's gentle assistance, this ordinary girl tapped into something that even she was astonished she could do. Which is why I was drawn to Diana Murray's delightful tale, Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show.

     

     As our tale begins, while swooshing around Cobweb Town, little Grimelda comes across a flier advertising an upcoming Spooktacular Pet Show posted on a tree.  She immediately thinks that her cat, Wizzlewarts, would be her ticket to winning first place!  But when she sees her friend Hildegard flying around on her pet dragon, Grimelda worries that the, well ordinary  Wizzlewarts won't be as spooktacular as the other pets.  So, naturally, just as any good witch would do, she seeks out her trusty spellbook to find that just right spell to turn Wizzlewarts into a first prize winner.  But, to her astonishment, she cannot find the book!  Grimelda flies over to the general store, but they're sold out of their stock of spell books.  She then decides that she must find a new pet, but just when you think her search is futile, Grimelda comes across a monster eel in a foggy, spookily dark bog. Will this eel be Grimelda's ticket to winning first prize? Or will he turn out to be more than she can handle and make an even bigger mess for her? And will ordinary Wizzlewarts the cat turn out to be extraordinarily spooktacular after all?

     This adorable follow up to author Diana Murray's Grimelda, The Very Messy Witch, published in 2016, is told not only in rhyming verses but with playful wordplay, which makes this a perfect read aloud with your little ones.  Heather Ross' whimsical illustrations complement this engaging story. 

Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show

Written by Diana Murray & Illustrated by Heather Ross

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2017)

For ages 4 to 8

Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)

Spooky, Silly, Not-So-Scary Halloween Tales Spotlight #2- Good Night, Baddies

     Wicked witches. Big, bad wolves!  Oh my!  By daylight, they are the baddies that we all can recall from those fairy tales read during our childhood- But at dusk, can you believe that these baddies just like to spend a cozy evening at home together, sipping tea while they read a bedtime story!!  Good Night, Baddies is a charming tale filled with humor and heart that author Deborah Underwood so masterfully entwines your little readers into a tale that flips the script on those infamous villains from those classic tales from years past. 

     

     As our tale begins, we find Snow White's evil stepmother, the wolves who hunted The Three Little Pigs, the troll from Three Billy Goats Gruff, the Giant from Jack and the Beanstalk, all heading home to their castle deep in the woods after a day filled with the demands of their villainy. 

    "Baddie buddies meet each other, share their news and greet each other.  Did you get your treasure back? Did you catch that awful Jack?  Baddies sit politely dining, no one throwing food or whining.  All day long they must be vile; now at night they chant and smile."

     Good Night, Baddies is such a clever read to be able to see these baddies in a calming light that shows us that even the giant of baddies can also share the same fears of monsters (albeit in this case, princesses) under the bed; that wolves must also brush their fangs before bed, and dragons enjoy singing a nightly lullaby.  Underwoods rhyming words are both poetic and witty, and when paired with Juli Kangas' whimsical and warm illustrations, this is a wonderful read that shows our little ones that these infamous literary baddies can have the biggest of hearts. 

                                                                              

Good Night, Baddies

Written by Deborah Underwood & Illustrated by Juli Kangas

Publisher:  Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (2016)

For ages 4 to 8

Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)

Spooky, Silly, Not-So-Scary Halloween Tales Spotlight #1- Monster Boogie

 

      Ghosts, goblins and many scary dressed-up creatures both big and small are soon to make their arrival at your front doorsteps.  All of the excitement and anticipation of this special event will soon be upon us!  With a few of these spooky and silly tales we will be spotlighting this month that you can share with your little trick-or-treaters, you are guaranteed to help make this Halloween a boo-tastically giddy time!

 Monster Boogie 

     As our tale begins, a smiling, gigantic creature with ghoulishly green teeth and purple eyes is seen opening a door to find two little one's sound asleep in the darkness of their bedroom.  

     "I'm the biggest monster that you've ever seen!" he exclaims as he greets the newly awakened children.  "I'm big and I'm scary, you know what I mean?  And this is what I like to do..."  Reaching out with his long claws, he turns on the radio that on the children's dresser and starts to... BOOGIE! 

     Based on the best-selling award-winning children's recording artist Laurie Berkner's hilarious song, the lyrics come to life in the pages of this lighthearted tale.  The repetition of catchy phrases makes it easy for little ones to read along even if they are still not able to read the words on their own.  The illustrations of this friendly, yet sharp-toothed monster by Ben Clanton work beautifully. And the message of first impressions being deceiving is clear- while the creature sure appears to be scary looking, complete with purple furry hair, yellow eyes and horns, he turns out to be a silly, dance loving monster!

      Laurie Berkner's music played an integral role in my son's childhood, as we would sing and dance along to her songs while watching the children's television channel, Noggin. You can't help but sing along with the words from this story and doing a little boogie yourselves! 

Monster Boogie

Written by Laurie Berkner & Illustrated by Ben Clanton

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

For ages 4 to 8

Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)

***Modest Momma's Note:  For further information about Laurie Berkner, please visit her website at https://laurieberkner.com/ & for further information about Ben Clanton, please visit his website at http://www.benclanton.com/ ***

Fall Into Fall! A Modest Momma's Musings for Little Readers Fall Tales Spotlight #2-Wonderfall

     Full disclosure- I am a person who has truly and unequivocally been in a life-long love affair with fall and all the things that the season brings. Born and raised in the Northeast, I couldn't wait for September to arrive each year. The feel of the change in the air; being able to take out my favorite sweaters from the storage boxes in my bedroom closet and the feel of the coziness that they brought; to watching with awe how the colors in green leaved trees transformed to bold reds, oranges and tans before my eyes; to the sound of the crunch of the leaves underneath my feet when walking to school, there was something just so magical about this time of year.  And even though I no longer live in this part of the country, fall and all the joy that it brings, has never left my soul.  Acclaimed children's picture book author Michael Hall's Wonderfall is a beautiful tale that brings back all of my most precious childhood memories and the wonders that this very season reveals.  Only this time, it's uniquely shown through the eyes of a majestic tree.  

     As our tale begins, a large green leafed, acorn filled tree describes a gentle breeze that is moving through its branches.  The acorns, moved by winds, drop to the ground much to the delight of two grey squirrels. Fall, as the tree explains, is "Peacefall".  The tree then exclaims how "Dutifall" can be, as a yellow school bus arrives nearby, having been gone since last springtime, to bring students back to school. 

     The transformation from the end of the summer season to the beginnings of fall to the onset of winter, and all the changes that the season brings to us will delight your littlest readers. Written in poem-style, Hall enraptures his readers at the turn of each page, as we see 13 more poems that each uniquely celebrates the signs and treasures that the season brings, while also revealing how the tree changes with each poem. 

     A lovely added bonus at the end of our tale is a four-page section that teaches our little ones all about the different animals featured throughout the story, as well as explains all about hibernation, migration, as well as squirrels and their fondness of acorns in simple facts for children to understand.  Parents and educators will appreciate this as it is an excellent way to prompt discussion after this enjoyable read-aloud.

Wonderfall

Written and Illustrated by Michael Hall

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2016)

Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)

Tales to Cure Those Bedtime Blues!

     Getting your little ones to bed on a consistent basis is a battle that has been fought by so many families across the generations.  Between the stalling, "Just one my glass of water" to a whole multitude of issues and excuses that come up on a nightly basis, it seems like the negotiations are never ending. Bedtime problems typically occur in little ones between the ages of three to six years old, but they can also occur at any age.  You can help improve your little one's bedtime behavior AND get them to sleep more quickly, but this can possibly take some time and a lot of patience.

     But don't lose hope, as taking the time to develop a steady bedtime routine is the key that will remove the chaos and ease the stress for both you and your little ones. According to the Sleep Foundation, research over the years has shown that, "children who follow bedtime routines are more likely to go to sleep earlier; take less time falling asleep, sleep longer and wake up less at night."  Additionally, the foundation goes on to state that not only do established bedtime routines improve a child's sleep, but they also lay the groundwork to teach them about self-care, learning memory and cognitive skills.  Most importantly, a regular bedtime routine strengthens the ties that bind. A cozy tale, cuddles, connection and the trust that builds a sense of security are beautiful memories that will be cherished for years to come.  Here are a few sleepy time stories that I believe will be a perfect addition to your family's bedtime routine favorites!

I Forgot How to Sleep 

     As our tale begins, a little girl sits up under the warmth of the covers of her bed in the middle of the night. Her trusted stuffed bear nestled next to her as she looks around with sleepy-eyed confusion.  "I must have forgotten to sleep.  No matter how hard I try, I'm still awake", she exclaims.  Thinking that perhaps that maybe the reason for her forgetfulness is due to her missing a part of her normal bedtime routine, she sets out to repeat each step in the hopes that she will remember how to sleep.  From trying to asking both her Dad, who is out like a light.  She goes downstairs and encounters Milkshake, the family dog, who is snoozing away on the living room couch.  She tries to sleep above Milkshake, but to no avail.

     Desperate to remember, the little girl goes outside for a walk where she encounters a big bear, who, to her great surprise, also cannot sleep.  Suddenly, a light goes on in her brain when she thinks that she knows exactly how to help the big bear gain his slumber.  She runs back home and comes back clutching a book in here arms.  Almost immediate once she starts to read to her new friend, Voila! he falls fast asleep.  Will this same method be the very thing that she can't remember that will help bring an end to her bedtime blues!

     Originally published in Italian in 2025 by Bruno Zocca and translated into English in 2026 by Debbie Bibo, Zocca ensures that his readers of all ages will enjoy this amusing tale.

I Forgot How to Sleep

Written by Bruno Zocca (Translated from Italian by Debbie Bibo)

Publisher:  Enchanted Lion Books (2025). First English language edition published in 2026.

For Ages 4 thru 8

Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)

How to Put Your Parents to Bed 

 

     As our tale begins, we can see from the wide eyes of a little girl that getting ready for bed is very tough!  It's most especially frustrating when everyone around you is trying to tell you that your tired and that's just not so!  But when you look up into the eyes of your parents while they are trying to tuck you in, you notice something very peculiar....THEY look tired!  THEY and not you, need to go to bed! The tables are turned in this very humorous tale that is a delightfully spot on twist on the familiar family struggle.  The little girl in this tale works very hard to get her exhausted parents to bed-- dealing with excuses of sending just one more email or getting that extra load of laundry into the washing machine, to not wanting to brush their teeth while begging to watch one last show on television.

     Your little ones will laugh at the hilarious illustrations by Babette Cole, while reading along at the struggles of a little kid who's just like them, has in getting their Mom and Dad to settle down for sleep!

How to Put Your Parents to Bed

Written by Mylisa Larsen & Illustrated by Babette Cole

Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2016)

For Ages 4 thru 8

Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)

Stop That Yawn!

     As our tale begins, little Gabby Wild has clearly had it up-to-here with her bedtime.  Everyone around her just can't stop yawning, and she can't understand why they won't stay awake like her!  "I'm tired of all these Zs!,", Gabby begs to her Granny.  "Let's go somewhere, a-wake!" So, she decides to take her Granny along with her on a wild adventure through the Never Sleeping City! Jetting across the rooftops in her plane-bed, Granny and Gabby fly high in the sky into they reach the place where, "beds are for bouncing, hushes are shushed, and it's never too late for ice cream." But once they arrive in the city, Granny let's out a yawn, and it's up to Gabby to prevent it from spreading across the town. Will our determined little girl stop the yawn from making the citizens of Never Sleeping City fall under the sleepy spell?

      This delightfully humorous tale by author Caron Levis, (who wrote the lovingly poignant, Ida Always that I spotlighted back in June of this year) is an adventurous trip into a little girl's energetic imagination. The artwork by illustrator LeUyen Pham is bold, bright and uniquely fitting, especially seeing exactly how the 'yawn' effect sweeps through all of the people that Gabby and Granny encounter on their trip to the Never Sleeping City. 

Stop That Yawn!

Written by Caron Levis & Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (2018)

For Ages 4 thru 8

Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)