Friday, October 22, 2010

Two Tales of Halloween

Today I have two tales of Halloween for you and your kids to learn all about Halloween's origins and history. I've shared how we love to unit study on topics and with that I love a blend of fun reads as well as educational ones. Since it's almost Halloween we've been busy reading up on that.


First up is Gail Gibbons' book Halloween Is.... It covers such traditions as Halloween costumes, the jack-o-lantern and of course trick or treating. It is a simple book which is geared towards younger children (4-8), though it covers lots of information. Think about pairing it with Gail Gibbons' The Pumpkin Book for even more holiday fun and learning.



For kids ages 8 and up I would recommend The Story of Halloween by Carol Greene and illustrated by Linda Bronson. Longer text and dreamy illustrations take readers back over 2000 years to the origins of Halloween with the Celts' celebration of Samhain, meaning summer's end on October 31st. As you read through these old traditions and beliefs you will see how many have changed throughout time but how many are still with us today in our traditions and celebration of this fall holiday.



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8 comments:

  1. Southern Fried GalOctober 22, 2010 at 9:30 AM

    Awesome! Thanks for the Halloween picks! That second book sounds quite interesting. Happy Friday!

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  2. DawnOctober 22, 2010 at 9:43 AM

    My 7 yr old will love the Gail Gibbons book-she loves nonfiction and finding out about new stuff-I know she'd love reading about Halloween.

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  3. FrouFrouBritchesOctober 22, 2010 at 2:44 PM

    Thanks for the suggestions Michelle! I looove books about old traditions of holidays, etc. I'll have to check the library for these!

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  4. Cranberry MorningOctober 22, 2010 at 5:29 PM

    When I homeschooled I always loved both the fun books and the educational ones, just as you said. Kids like knowing about that stuff, i.e. origins of holidays, traditions, etc.

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  5. Amanda @ Serenity NowOctober 22, 2010 at 8:25 PM

    I think my girls would enjoy the "Halloween Is" book. They love jack-o-lanterns! Thanks for linking up with me. :)

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  6. Deb ChitwoodOctober 22, 2010 at 11:16 PM

    We always loved Gail Gibbons books when my children were growing up! The one by Carol Greene looks wonderful as well! Halloween and other holidays are even better with a combination of educational books and fun books like you use.
    http://LivingMontessoriNow.com

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  7. DebbieOctober 23, 2010 at 9:58 AM

    Those sound great. I'll have to look into them for my nephews.

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  8. Jenna@Breathe BeautyOctober 24, 2010 at 2:47 PM

    My boys would be in the Halloween is category. But, I think the second read would even be good for adults with a short attention span. lol

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