Five Halloween-y Read Alouds That are Not Too Halloween-y

Here are a few of my favorite read alouds for October that are a little bit scary but not actually a Halloween story.



Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown
The carrots that grow in Crackenhopper Field are the fattest and crispiest around and Jasper Rabbit cannot resist pulling some to eat each time he passes by, until he begins hearing and seeing creepy carrots wherever he goes. Black and gray illustrations allude to 50's horror films. I have had a few first graders that were scared of this book but most of them love it.

 
The Dark by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon Klassen
This story is about a boy name Laszlo. He’s afraid of the dark, and the dark lives in the basement. The conflict between dark and light comes center stage in this personified version, and it is the dark itself that helps Laszlo overcome his fear.  



Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Leo is a friendly house ghost--but when a family moves into his house, and tries to get rid of him, he leaves and roams the city looking for a friend. This one is adorable and my students are loving it!

 
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd
Several items of clothing are chasing the little old lady, but she isn't afraid. She eventually finds a clever use for them as well! This one has been around for a while and is another one that is great for story-telling, since there are lots of motions/sound effects.


 The Squeaky Door retold by Margaret Read MacDonald, illustrated by Mary Newell DePalma
When Little Boy is frightened by a squeaky bedroom door, his grandmother brings in animals to help him feel secure enough to sleep. It's great for interactive story-telling since there are lots of sound effects and repetition.