Perfect Picture Book Friday!
by Catherine Johnson, @CatherinePoet
Halloween written by Harry Behn and illustrated by Greg Couch
North-South Books, August 1st, 2003, Fiction based on a famous poem.
Suitable for: Children 5-7
Opening/Synopsis: (Kirkus Reviews)
“Tonight is the night / when dead leaves fly / like witches on switches / across the sky . . . ” Couch illustrates a brief rhyme from Behn’s first collection of poetry for children with shadowy, atmospheric views of a trio of costumed trick-or-treaters, who grow increasingly spooked as ghouls, witches, and eerily glowing jack-o-lanterns rise about them. Young audiences will respond with delighted shivers as the three fetch up in a misty graveyard, where menacing figures beckon—but turn out to be welcoming the newcomers to a party.
Activities: Halloween pictures and crafts on Pinterest, For the very crafty amongst you there is a make your own tombstone with the Harry Behn poem on.
This is my favorite type of pb because it is poetic and dreamy with beautiful illustrations. If you dare be spooked some more, I’m sure you’ll find lots of Halloween goodies over on Susanna Hill’s picture book list.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Catherine Johnson, children's poetry, Halloween, Halloween books, Harry Behn, Perfect Picture Book Friday, poetry, Stories for children
Love it! WIll have to get for my halloween-obsessed son.
There’s some super Halloween books on PPBF this week too Wendy.
This sounds like such a fun Halloween book! And what an adorable cover!
Lynn the illos throughout are gorgeous and the word choices are sublime.
You know what i miss the most with my boys being teens? Reading a lot of picture books.
This looks so cute.
You’ll have to pretend your a teacher or something, Teresa.
There should be a few thrills running down a few spines with this book. With the friendly poem the shivers shouldn’t turn into shakes of fear but there will be lots of wide eyes at the illustrations.
Delicious read curled up by a roaring fire.
Oh that sounds idyllic, David.
While the PPBF list is up to date, we seem to be a holiday behind. We’ll probably reading Halloween books at Thanksgiving.
Lol. I wonder if there is a spooky Thanksgiving tale that could cover both.
I love the cover and “witches on switches.” This looks like a fun one, Catherine.
It’s pretty ghoulish, Carrie
Anyything Halloween gives my kids nightmares! Best stay away. Xx
Awh, I wouldn’t even read this at night lol. x
I just put this on hold yesterday! Yay!
What a coincidence, can’t wait to hear what you think of it Julie.
sounds perfect. will have to check it out asap.
You’ll love it, Darshana.
So fun!
Are you dressing up for Halloween, Laura. I’m dressed as a witch right now. I just tried to do my first vlog
Ack! I read this last night and thought I commented! I think my brain flew off with the leaves! Love the sound of this “delightfully shivery” book! Thanks for sharing – perfect for Halloween!
That cover art is fabulous! Deliciously, delightfully shivery indeed. And the poems sound as thought they are just the right kind of spooky. Wonderful choice, Catherine!
Looks like a fun one! I hope I can find it at my library in time for Halloween!
What a cool book and the cover photo is precious.
Beautiful book cover and sounds like a real spooky story…. fun for the kids. Halloween isn’t till this coming Wednesday here for us, but so neat looking at all the Halloween stories. Thanks for sharing Catherine.
Thanks everyone, this is a keeper. I never thought of buying it but maybe I should. Beautifully creepy.
Diane, it seems like we celebrate Halloween all month with a small break for Thanksgiving
That’s why October is so good. First Wombat Day, and then Halloween. All the chocolate you could want!
Oh I missed Wombat Day. I was wondering what you would be doing for Halloween.
Poetic and dreamy? I’m sold! And I love the Jack-o-lantern on the cover!
Oh, I need to check our library for this book!