Halloween is the time for sweet treats, spooky traditions, and plenty of adventure. Middle-graders get to dream up costumes, collect candy, and share scary stories. It’s also a fun time to feed their curiosity about how other neighborhoods and countries celebrate this season. In some places, people light candles to remember loved ones. Others build […]
Halloween is the perfect excuse to step into the pages of a favorite book! The good news? Some of the most memorable book-character costumes start with clothes you already have in your closet. Add a few creative accessories, a little imagination, and you’re ready for Halloween. If you love the nighttime adventures of John and […]
Halloween is one of those rare nights when imagination rules the neighborhood. Costumes come alive, flashlights flicker down sidewalks, and laughter echoes from block to block. For parents of middle graders, though, this magical night can come with a mix of excitement and nerves. Kids want independence, but we still want to keep them safe. […]
Autumn has a way of filling the calendar with familiar fun: apple picking, pumpkin carving, hayrides, and bonfires that glow late into the night. These traditions feel timeless, but most of them actually started centuries ago (and some for reasons you’d never guess!). From games once played for good luck to lanterns meant to chase […]
It’s the time of year when ghosts, goblins, zombies, and ghouls roam the streets asking for candy. While many kids find it fun to be part of the tricks and treats, others may be overwhelmed or scared. That was the case for author Sands Hetherington when he was raising his son, John. In 2019, Sands […]
What will you be for Halloween? You might find you already have the makings for a book-inspired costume. Go on a scavenger hunt around the house and see if you can find (or easily make) the items needed for these five costumes. 1. Find a set of pink or tan sweats (top and bottoms), and […]
The door slowly creaks open. In the dim light, we see walls covered with cobwebs and bookshelves. It’s clear no one has ventured over the threshold since last year. We take a deep breath to gather our courage and enter the room. We are more than ready to pull the dusty tomes from the shelves […]
As hard as it may be to believe…Halloween 2020 is almost upon us! While we might not be out trick-or-treating this year, a fun way to still get in the Halloween spirit is by spending the night reading some spooky, fun books! Here are some recommendations for you AND your kids: For the kids Big […]
Figuring out what to be for Halloween is one of life’s greatest pleasures, especially as a literary fanatic! Impress all your bookish friends this year with these fun and creative literary-inspired Halloween costume ideas. Nancy Drew Become your favorite heroine with just a few fun pieces—a magnifying glass, a plaid skirt, and a Nancy Drew […]