Did Somebody Say Monsters?!

October is here, which means that my favorite holiday, Halloween, is almost upon us. For one night, kids get to dress up as ghouls, ghosts and goblins, trying to scare the daylights out of each other while carrying pillow cases full of candy from strangers. Kids always know which houses to visit first before all the best stuff is gone. Then, there is that glorious moment when you get home and trade and barter your booty. Brothers and sisters will argue about whether or not they got a fair trade, as there are always discrepancies about whether a Kit Kat Bar is really equal to a Krackle Bar. In the end, there is the joy of crashing into bed with your face still covered in chocolate and plastic vampire fangs in your pocket.


I don't know about your kiddo, but if they are anything like me, they are impatient, monster starved children that can't wait for October 31st and the fabulous frights and candy rush that come along with it. What is a parent to do with that much Monster Madness for a whole month?

READ.

There are so many amazing monster books out there that are wonderful the whole year round. Some of my favorite Peachtree monster books are by author Danny Schnitzlein. I like to think of them as monster books for any occasion. Your kid won't eat his veggies? No problem! Sit him down with The Monster Who Ate My Peas. Having trouble with math home work? Easy! The Monster Who Did My Math has the answers for you. Maybe you simply want a fun book for Halloween. Trick or Treat on Monster Street is just what you need. Besides, what is more hilarious than a Halloween book about monsters "Trick-or-Trouting" dressed as humans?!

Once you've read the books, you can always do fun activities like have your kids draw their own monster, let them write their own monster story, or even help them make a Halloween costume inspired by the books.  These are also particularly great read-aloud books, with fun rhymes and excellent words like gruesome, tentacle, and writhe. Enjoyment of a book doesn't end when you close it, so keep looking for ways to explore books more deeply through language and activities.

What other fun activities do you like to do for Halloween? Do you have a favorite Halloween book? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Other fun Links:

• Read along with Atlanta Falcons player Ovie Mughelli as he reads Trick or Treat on Monster Street.
• Check out the teachers guide for The Monster Who Ate My Peas.