For the Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten)

BETTY BUNNY LOVES CHOCOLATE CAKE
Written by Michael B. Kaplan, illustrated by Stéphanie Jorisch (Dial)
Betty Bunny is definitely an independent thinker. Her parents tell her she is a handful, but Betty thinks that is a good thing because she knows they love her. This story takes on another layer of funny antics when picky eater Betty discovers she likes chocolate cake.

WHAT AM I? HALLOWEEN
Written by Anne Margaret Lewis, illustrated by Tom Mills (Albert Whitman & Co.)
This interactive lift-the-flap book is a great way to introduce young people to the many images and sounds associated with Halloween. The format includes a brief description, what am I questions, and the answer under the flap.

STARS
Written by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Marla Frazee (Beach Lane Books)
It has been said that fall is the best time to observe the stars in the night sky, but you need not wait to catch the stars in our lives. Reading this endearing book first will make stargazing and your search for stars even more special.

For Readers (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade)

HAUNTED HOUSE, HAUNTED MOUSE
Written by Judy Cox, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler (Holiday House)
Little Mouse’s first Halloween adventure happened through a quick decision to hitchhike in a trick-or-treat bag. He may have encountered more than he bargained for, but the reward of found treasures made it worth the risk.

THE HAUNTED HAMBURGER AND OTHER GHOSTLY STORIES
Written by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Paul Meisel (Dutton)
If you are looking for a funny read-aloud book this Halloween, this one would be a good choice. Three illustrated short stories will likely result in both smiles and moans. 

BONE DOG
Written and illustrated by Eric Rohmann (Roaring Book Press)
Gus and his dog Ella were inseparable. Unfortunately Ella grew older and finally passed. Trick-or-treating for the first time without Ella proved to be an unexpected adventure—and a forgotten promise to his beloved Ella fulfilled.

NIGHT OF THE PUMPKINHEADS
Written by Michael J. Rosen, pumpkin carvings by Hugh McMahon (Dian)
This is one of the best Halloween books this year. Incredible carved pumpkin characters and step-by-step instructions for creating your own amazing jack-o-lantern are included. Parent supervision recommended.

For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade) 

MYSTERY MATH: A FIRST BOOK OF ALGEBRA
Written by David A. Adler, illustrated by Edward Miller (Holiday House)
Use this Halloween book for a perfect opportunity to work in some math skills. The haunted house setting provides multiple ideas to turn math into a less than spooky adventure. 

PIRATES
Written by Peter Chrisp (Kingfisher)
Pirates have gained in popularity with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, but there has always been a fascination for these swashbuckling characters among imaginative children and adults. This adventurous look at legendary and fictional pirates over time is sure to inspire a few pirate costumes this Halloween.  

ZOMBIE IN LOVE
Written by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Scott Campbell (Atheneum)
Finding the right romantic match in life gets a new twist in this hilarious book. Halloween or Valentine’s Day, this rollicking monster adventure will have you laughing one minute and feeling empathetic the next.

Book reviews provided by BSU professor Stan Steiner, the Bookman. For more suggestions and reviews, visit his web page at http://education.boisestate.edu/stansteiner.