My Spooky Shelfie for 2019

Spooky Shelfie 2019
 
 
 
This is the first year that I've really gotten into collecting Halloween-inspired stories. Though I grew up adoring magical tales, waited patiently for my Hogwarts letter (I'm still waiting), and have a best friend who loves every scary film and horror story going, it was the wonders of 'Bookstagram' that really sparked my interests this year... and boy have we found some great stories!
 
Here are my 'Top 3' books for this year:
 
1. 'The Right One' by Violeta Noy (Published by Templar books).

This story is about sweet little Roderic, the smallest ghost in his ghost family. Until now, every ghost has chosen to wear a 'white sheet' to cover their 'ectoplasm' (green stuff - think 'Ghostbusters') because that is just what these ghosts have always done. However, this doesn't feel quite right for Roderic. It's just not his style!
In a determined bid to reflect his own personality through his 'ensemble', Roderic tries on a bold poncho, a range of hats, some dangly scarves, a stripey rug and even a handbag... but it's no use. Will he ever find 'The Right One'? He certainly has his work cut out for him! I absolutely adore this cute little ghost and his need to be himself. Even when 'older and wiser' ghosts try to steer him back onto their traditional path, Roderic sticks to his plan with gusto because why would you want to feel uncomfortable in your own sheet?!

 
2. 'I Am Bat' by Morag Hood (Published by Two Hoots Books - an imprint of Macmillan Kids Books).
 
This is Bat. Bat is very fond of cherries and not particularly keen on sharing. He's gathered quite the collection of cherries now but unfortunately for everyone else, they are just for him. Bat warns us all (yes, including the readers!) to stay away from his cherries. Despite this, they quickly seem to disappear... Who was daring enough to just take Bat's cherries?!
He's not quite sure how to feel about this and seems to go from sad, to angry, to confused very swiftly. Why would anyone take his cherries when he specifically told them not to? Would it help if he learned to share? Morag Hood's superb illustrations have led to some fantastic discussions about Bat and how he is feeling - I'd highly recommend any of her books for a masterclass in presenting emotions through drawn/printed facial expressions.
 

3. 'Pick a Pumpkin' by Patricia Toht & Jarvis (Published by Walker Books - sent by the publisher for review).

This book is a great story to read in the lead-up to Halloween because it celebrates the Autumn wonders that surround us at this time of year... From picking your pumpkin to carving it into a Jack'o'lantern, and from making your own spooky costume to celebrating this seasonal day with your friends and family, everything that you might hope to do over the Halloween period is illustrated in this beautiful rhyming story. It certainly feels like the kind of book that will be revisited every year because it reflects the family fun that a lot of children enjoy getting wrapped up in when October rolls around! Much like the last book created by this fab duo - Pick a Pine Tree - I think we have a modern classic here...


And there we have it! My 'Top 3' Halloweeny' books that we read for the first time this year but will all be enjoyed for many Halloween's to come :) I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating it in whichever way you and your family choose to! (I spent my Halloween the same way I do every year - with my best friend, watching spooky films and eating delicious treats!) Until next time...

Happy Reading!

Maxine x 
 
 
Disclaimer: Of the books featured in my Spooky Shelfie & 'Top 3', 'Pick a Pumpkin' was sent by the publisher for review, and 'Nevermoor' by Jessica Townsend was won in a 'Halloween book bundle giveaway' last year. The remaining books were all bought by me. 


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