So, this weekend is Halloween… it’s the traditional unleashing of evil upon the world. (Not that it isn’t pretty stowed out with it already.) However, being a Bookseller I have been ruined for traditional festivals since they begin so much in advance that by the time they actually happen, I’m bored to death. Take Christmas for instance, the dreaded “C” word… how much am I already wishing that the whole thing was over and I never have to look at Santa ever again? I can tell you, infinity times infinity barely scratches the surface…
However, casting aside my cynical side and in the spirit of all things Halloween I thought I would let you know what I have had on my recommend shelves for the last few weeks.
The Ghost Train by Allan Ahlberg.
This picture book is an utter classic. So many mums and dads love it because it reminds them of their childhood. The real joy of the book is that the scary creatures – i.e. the skeletons- are actually the ones to be terrified themselves and end up hiding under the bed! This is a book to be read on Sunday night by the light of a spookily carved pumpkin.
Horrid Henry’s Spooky Surprise
You cannot get more appealing for the 5-8’s age group than Horrid Henry. Both boys and girls love this series of books. They are just the right mix of naughtiness and yukkiness and simply told tales that get kids hooked on books. And what better for All-Hallows-Eve than a Spooky Surprise? Great for bedtime reading… erm… maybe…?
Demons of the Ocean – Vampirates Book 1 by Justin Somper
Okay… Vampires + Pirates = Awesome. Nuff said, I think!
Except to say, I think this is one of the best concepts in 9-12 fiction and highly underrated. Orphaned twins, high seas, pirate adventures… and yet… vampire pirates at that! This is a huge chunk of book that is compelling and exciting and thrilling and just downright… shiver-me timbers!
Scared to Death: Hells Underground 1 by Alan Gibbons
With murder and intrigue and a good kid caught up in a bad situation, this is a taught thriller with tension on every page. This is the first in an incredibly scary series of books for teen readers; tense, gripping and without doubt utterly horrifying. The ultimate in Halloween horror for teens.
So, let’s not even get into the “C” word territory here… I am almost recovering from Halloween and I haven’t even removed the cobwebs, pumpkins and crazy cats yet! However, I am thinking that the next time I bring you a round up of books that I love… I’m probably going to have to use the whole “C” word… *shiver*
Here I thought the C word you were referring to was Candy. You know, trick or treat & all.
I was too wimpy to read about the books in your round-up, but I did like the cover of the Harry Potter you posted.It’s pleasantly lacking all the Hollywood glitz of other Potter covers I’ve seen. Is that a first edition?