Spooky, Silly, Not-so-Scary Halloween Way Back Wednesday Spotlight- Click, Clack, Boo!

     

     For this Way Back Wednesday Spotlight, it's time to take a look back to a spooky and silly tale published in 2013- from the award-winning author and illustrator team of Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin of the popular Click, Clack, Moo series comes, Click, Clack, Boo!:  A Tricky Treat, a Halloween adventure, featuring our familiar exasperated Farmer Brown, and his clever group of farm animals.

     As our tale beings, Farmer Brown is just not feeling in the Halloween spirit this year. All the creepy sounds, the ghoulishly eerie decorations... it's all way too spooky for him to handle.  So, he decides to leave a bowl filled to the brim with candy on his front porch and shuts his door with the hopes that the night will quickly pass by.
      But, as we know from being huge fans of Cronin and Lewin's Caldecott Honor Book that started it all, Click, Clack, Moo:  Cows That Type, Farmer Brown's barnyard animals have other things in mind that are destined to make his wishful hopes for a peaceful eve go completely astray!
      Once again, Lewin's watercolor illustrations are vivid and expressively filled with great detail which compliment Cronin's simple, yet cute prose.  Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat has just the right balance of spooky and silly that is sure to delight your little ones and help get them into the spirit!

Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat
Written by Doreen Cronin and Illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (2013)
Retails for $18.99 (Hardcover)
For ages 3 to 7

The Ribbon

 

     Finding the inner courage within us to step into a spotlight can be a difficult task.  For many of us, it can mean trying again and again.  For some, it may mean accepting help from others.  And for others, it can also come from an act of kindness from someone that opens the door to self-confidence.

     When I was small, I gravitated to an old, worn, wooden folk guitar that belonged to my Grandpa Tom. Every time I visited my grandparents, I'd make way to the corner of their living room, where it rested against the wall.  I'd lift it into my lap while I sat on the floor.  I loved the gentle sounds that my beginning attempts to make music with it made. During Christmas of 1984, Grandpa Tom and Granny gifted me with my very own guitar.  There it was, a tan acoustic guitar nestled in a sturdy, red velvet lined case.  I began taking lessons in my hometown music store and became a fast learner under the guidance of my teacher, Jeff.  

     One afternoon at a lesson, Jeff handed me a paper that advertised an upcoming recital for all the music students at the center to show their talents.  I was so nervous and excited at the same time.  I was able to choose the piece of music to play, which was Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz. I happily told my Grandpa and Granny all about it, and Grandpa especially was so delighted. A proud Irishman through and through, he adored music and I knew how proud he was to see that his granddaughter carried a love of music in her heart as he did.

     Around this time, my Grandpa became sick.  Much more so than my family let on as I was young and I could not understand the gravity of it.  A few weeks before my recital in February, my beloved Grandpa Tom passed away.  Heartbroken, his loss left me and the world around me heavy with sadness.  The very idea of picking up my guitar just hurt my wounded soul. My parents, my Granny and my Grandma all tried very hard to convince me to reconsider.

     During my last lesson before the recital, I had a lot of difficulty getting through my chords.  Jeff, sensing my frustration, told me to put my guitar down on the rest next to my stand.  He asked me what was wrong, and I broke down as tears filled my eyes, as I told him that my Grandpa passed away.  I didn't think I could find any courage to play at the recital with him not there.  Jeff told me that even though my Grandpa was not physically here, he still was, in the gift of the very guitar I held.  He explained how that by gifting me the ability to learn about music through the guitar, he was able to share his love of music with me which was a gift that would stay with me forever.

     On a cold Sunday afternoon during the end of February, we arrived at the library where the recital was to be held.  Jeff met me outside the hallway where the music students all lined up in performance order. My eyes stared down at my black patent leather Mary Janes and I can recall shaking.  He smiled warmly and asked me to open my hand.  He reached into his suite jacket and held out a shiny opaque guitar pick. It was the guitar pick that Jeff used during our lessons that I always admired. He said it was about time that someone else used it and to go out there and try my best.

     I was able to get through the song, and I can remember looking for my Granny's eyes in the audience- those shining clear beautiful blue eyes that were welling with tears and a smile. Clutching those most precious gifts both in my hands and deep within my heart, I smiled back with quiet courage.  Quite like the young ballerina in author/illustrator Tessa Blackham's The Ribbon.

 

      As our tale begins, a little ballerina is frightened to go onstage.  A fellow ballerina, sensing the young ballerina's hesitance, gifts her a bright red ribbon as an act of reassurance to try to take away her obvious nervousness. Adding the ribbon to her hair, with a newfound sense of confidence, the little ballerina takes her steps onto the stage. 

     As time goes by, we see that this red ribbon is always kept close to the ballerina- either worn as an accompaniment on a bun in her hair; tied to her left wrist or as an adornment on her dress.  As the ballerina grows up and becomes a young woman, as we see through the lovely, warm illustrations, the ribbon begins to signify the means of connection of one stage of life to the next.  

     One day, the ribbon gets loose from her hair as the ballerina is making her way to her next performance.  As she is getting ready to go on to the stage, she notices that the ribbon is gone.  Tears immediately stream down her face as she desperately looks everywhere for the ribbon. The tears slowly give way, revealing to us the eyes of quiet inner reflection.  Her eyes then turn into a look of determination, and our brave ballerina walks confidently towards the stage. The question arises- does the ballerina really need to have the ribbon anymore?  Does the courage that the ribbon represented to the young ballerina actually has resided inside her all along?

     Tessa Blackham's The Ribbon is a beautifully poignant tale of growing- Growing up while simultaneously growing confidence in oneself. Without many words, the stunning illustrations strongly reiterate how a simple act of kindness, just as the one from my guitar teacher all those years ago, can stay with you for years to come.  The Ribbon is truly a classic story that I know will be shared with generations to come.

The Ribbon

Written & Illustrated by Tessa Blackham

Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers-an imprint of Simon & Schuster (2026)

For Ages 4 to 8

Retails for $19.99 (Hardcover)

Carla's Glasses

     It started out in small but very noticeable ways when I was about four years old.  Whenever my teacher, Mrs. Virginia Madson at the Magic Circle Nursery School gathered us together on the bright red shag rug in our classroom to read a storybook at the end of the school day, I would always make sure to sit right next to her.  Not only because she was one of my favorite people in my world, but mostly so I could see the illustrations in the storybook better. At times, despite sitting right next to her, she would notice that I would be squinting my eyes to get a better view at the pages that were so close to my line of sight.  With growing concern, she spoke to my mother one day at afternoon pickup.  Quite literally the very next day, I was in the backseat of my granny's friend's car for a visit to someone who had a very peculiar name for a 4-year-old to pronounce (Opthalmologist).  The friendly, older man who wore a long white coat jacket with small, shiny silvery wire glasses, somehow managed to ease a scared little girl's nerves and managed to make her very first eye exam a calming experience. 

     According to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, if a child fails a vision screening test that is normally conducted by your pediatrician and/or school, it is most important for them to, "be seen by an eye care provider for a comprehensive eye exam."  This comprehensive exam by a pediatric ophthalmologist will assess the visual acuity, clarity and sharpness of your child's vision. This exam may also check for eye alignment, Strabismus (which is when the eyes cross), depth perception, as well as the overall health of the inside and outside of the eye. 

     While early intervention is key, sometimes, you may find that your little one may need glasses if their vision issues, like mine, start to affect their comfort, learning and/or development.  When it comes to selecting glasses for your little ones, one of the most important things for parents and caregivers alike to remember is to make the experience a positive one.  A gradual approach that is filled with patience and encouragement is the key to helping your children learn to adapt to wearing glasses. Letting them know that it is okay for them to feel strange for a while but with the added reassurance that it will soon become like second nature to wear them.  Also, remember to stay sensitive to the fact that your little ones will most surely feel awkward and out of step with the rest of their non-glasses wearing friends.

     For my lovely, late pre-school teacher Mrs. Virginia Madson, I will always be grateful for her concern and compassion that not only helped to make sure a little girl's vision began on the road to healing, but for her sensitivity to make sure that this little girl felt accepted by her fellow students for being different. Quite like the character of Carla, in Carla's Glasses, the follow up to the award-winning Carla's Sandwich by author Debbie Herman.

     

As our tale begins, Carla cannot contain her excitement after Ms. Pimento announces to the class that there would soon be a Vision Screening Day where the school nurse would be checking all of the student's eyesight. She couldn't wait to be able to wear glasses!  Carla starts arriving at school wearing homemade frames fashioned out of bright purple pipe cleaners, craft sticks and pieces of star-shaped construction paper on her face that she hopes will make her stand out among all the students.   Her best friend Buster, however, is quite the opposite.  Buster just prefers to blend in and not be noticed in a crowd. 

     When exam day arrives, Carla is left very disappointed to hear from the nurse that her vision is fine.  Buster on the other hand, finds out that he will need to have a thorough exam, and he's very sad when his Dad arrives at school to take him to the optometrist. Carla gets her mom's permission to accompany Buster to support her friend to help him feel better. While waiting for Buster, Carla was amazed to see all of the different types of frames on display- vintage wire frames, frames with neon colors, and some even shining with rhinestones! When Buster comes out of the exam room, he greets his best friend with a frown. He will have to wear glasses in order to help his vision become stronger.  

     The ride back home is a quiet one, with Buster lamenting that he doesn't want to be different like Carla.  "Everyone will be looking at me."   Carla's brain and wide-eyed creativity soon begins working in overdrive to help find a way to help her best friend. With a little help from Ms. Pimento and their classmates, Carla makes sure that Buster will see how the power of friendship can change everything.

     Carla's Glasses is a perfect read aloud for home and for the classroom to help little ones dealing with similar situations of standing out and difficulties of fitting in. Sheila Bailey's illustrations warmly highlight the underlying heartwarming message of true friendship, despite being both opposites will also help reinforce these lessons for children.

Carla's Glasses

Written by Debbie Herman & Illustrated by Sheila Bailey

Publisher: Flashlight Press (2024)

For Ages 4 to 8

Retails for $18.95 (Hardcover)

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)