Alternative Halloween and Fall Harvest Celebrations

Scaring Up Halloween 
& Fall Reading
Evelyn Smith

Halloween presents a special challenge for parents, educators, and librarians who strive to select fantasy and suspense books and resources that don’t emotionally scar youngsters, psychologically traumatize them, or glamorize the occult.  While older elementary school children, tweens, and teens sometimes turn to menacing novels and movies to come to grips with adolescent angst, separation anxiety, and death, preschoolers and pupils in the early elementary grades are easily frightened by intensely scary tales and movies.  Thus, well-meaning adults try to balance the idea that some stories are simply too frightening for younger children against the “right and need to be scared” as part of the growing-up process (Jarrett, 2009, p. 999).  Empirical research, however, shows that below the age of six or seven, children are more likely to believe in imaginary beings they have heard stories about, such as ghosts (Harris, 2006, p. 80).  Hence, Halloween needs to become a kinder, gentler day or else change to a fall harvest festival.

A growing number of devout Christian, Jewish, and Muslim parents of older elementary and middle school students balk at novels and films that make witches, werewolves, or vampires the protagonists of novels.  Thus, even though Halloween can be “a day to celebrate the imagination”, adherents of these faiths might shun anything that might tempt young readers to embrace occult beliefs and practices (Rearick, 2000, p. 79)—never mind the sins of gluttony and greed. 

 Going back to original sources, both the Old Testament, or Torah, and the New Testament condemn witchcraft (Exodus 22:17; Deuteronomy 18:9-12, Acts 13:9-11, and Revelations 21:8 (Taylor, 2013, para. 1-7; Witchcraft & Judaism, 2013, para.9), so observant Jewish and Christians parents might not want their children reading novels where the heroes are witches, werewolves, or vampires.  As for Muslims, both witchcraft and Halloween are haram, or forbidden:  “Avoid it, it's a night of evil. Shaytan (Satan) is our open enemy and we do not play with evil” (Halloween Haram, 2011, para. 10). 

While admittedly good triumphs over evil in YA novels featuring supernatural characters, Christian and Jewish texts also point out that witchcraft and divination oppose God’s will and point to Genesis 6: 1-4 as a reason to keep tweens and teens from reading novels emphasizing Nephilim, or the sons and daughter of fallen angels,  whose novels have become the newest trend in YA literature: 

 "And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. . .There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown".

Thus, to answer the needs of a growing audience of faith-based readers, fantasy novels featuring time travelers, Arthurian medieval-style romance, or mystery--provided the protagonist isn’t supernatural--offer an alternative to novels featuring paranormal characters just as Halloween parties are increasing morphing into fall festivals.  Since parents can’t necessarily control what their older elementary school children and tweens read or watch, however, it’s important that they keep up with their children’s leisure reading and Web surfing and are able to freely discuss the novels their older children read and the movies they see until that time they can rationally make decisions for themselves.

References

Christian Halloween—all hocus pocus.  (2013).  All About God.  Retrieved from http://www.allaboutgod.com/christian-halloween.htm

Halloween Haram? Yes or no? (2011, November 10).  Islam Newsroom.  Retrieved from http://www.islamnewsroom.com/news-we-need/1046-halloween-haram

Harris, Paul, et al. (2006, January).  Germs and angels: The role of testimony in younger children’s ontology.  Developmental science. 9(1), 76-96.  doi: 1-.1111/j.1467-7687.2005.00465

Jarrett, Christian. (2009, December). Forum. Web chat. Psychologist. 22(12), 999.

Jewish Halloween.   (n. d.). Retrieved from  http://www.beingjewish.com/faqs/halloween.html

Rearick, Anderson M. (2000, October 2).  Matters of Opinion: Hallowing Halloween.  Christianity Today.  44(11), 79.

Taylor, Paul S. (2013).  THE OCCULT—What does the Bible say about it?  Christian Answers.net.  Retrieved from http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-occult.html

Just WHO are these giants in Genesis 6:4?  (n. d.). Biblebeliever.org. Retrieved from  http://www.biblebeliever.org/difficult/sonsofGod.htm

Witchcraft and Judaism. (2013).  Aish.com.  Retrieved from http://www.aish.com/sp/ph/48938547.html

 

Counting Activities

for Halloween 
& Fall 

Preschoolers will enjoy the following counting Websites and activity books that can be used either as part of a Halloween or fall theme:

Davis, Rebecca F. (2006).  Footballs and Falling Leaves:  A Fall Counting Book.  North Mankato, Minnesota: Capstone Press.

Photos help children age three to five learn to count while also teaching them about the fall season.

Fall math topics. (2007). Mathwire.com. Retrieved from

http://www.mathwire.com/seasonal/fall07.html

This Webpage introduces kindergarten and early elementary school pupils to several math concepts using seasonal themes that depending on how to teacher treats them don’t scream Halloween.

Five Little Pumpkins. (2013). Things that go boo. Audie.com. Retrieved from http://www.thingsthatgoboo.com/scarypoems/dpfivelittlepumpkins.htm

The anonymous poem “Five Little Pumpkins” just begs to be a flannel board counting activity.  Its Website also contains a collection of other Halloween poems.  Moreover, the lyrics might allow it to be used for fall festival events instead of Halloween activities.

Yaccarino, Dan (Illustrator).  (2008). Five Little Pumpkins.  New York:  Harper Growing Tree.

Yaccarino provides a board book of brightly colored pictures that should make this finger-play, counting game easy for preschoolers to memorize.

Teaching Rhyming,
 Come October

Halloween parties and fall festival time present a unique opportunity to teach kindergarteners and first graders about rhyming fun.

Halloween rhymes.  (2013). Education.com.  Retrieved from

http://www.education.com/worksheet/article/halloween-rhymes/

While the chart pictured on the Website works well, children can match Halloween or fall-themed rhyming words printed on post it notes as well.

Rhyming activities for children.   (2013, April 18).  Fun-a-day.com. Retrieved from http://fun-a-day.com/rhyming-activities-for-children/

As a variation of this rhyming theme, affix a different rhyming word to each child’s shirt, so he or she can find a partner with a matching rhyming word; for example, cat/hat, ghost/toast, witch/itch, fall/ball, pumpkin/bumpkin.   Fun-a-day.com suggests a “rhyming race”, but perhaps this is best left to the discretion of the adult supervising this activity.

  

Memorizing Short Poems

 for Treats

Fear Not, Good Friend 

We aren’t ghouls or spirits unseen
just kids disguised on Halloween.
Tis not our wish to trick or cheat
but instead to recite for a little treat.

When Scottish and Irish immigrants brought trick or treating customs or “guising” with them across the Atlantic, the idea of having children recite a poem or tell a joke or riddle in return for a sweet treat failed to make the trip.  However, children everywhere will enjoy learning short poems and riddles to recite in return for wrapped candy, or if checked for safety by mom or dad, a candied apple or popcorn ball.

Halloween poems for kids.  (n. d.).  Family Fun.  Retrieved from

http://www.familyfun.ie/halloween-poems/

The Family Fun Website brings to this day a host of not-too-scary Halloween poems that children in the early elementary grades might enjoy reciting for grandparents, neighbors, and family friends in return for a treat. 

Halloween witch poem.  (2009). Poetry4kids.  Retrieved from

http://poetry4kids.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/witch-poem-halloween-witch-poems/

“Thanks a ton, skeleton”--If a child is wearing a skeleton costume for trick or treating, this is the poem to learn. 

Lewis, J. Patrick. (1990). Snake song.  Poetry Foundation.  Retrieved from http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/242186

What kid intrigue by spiders, amphibians, and snakes can resist learning this poem?

Prelutsky, Jack. (1996). It’s Halloween.  Hafner, Marylin (Illustrator). New York: Greenwillow Books.

This collection of 13 read-aloud poems should stick in the minds of its readers.

 

Reciting Poems That

 Celebrate Fall

As an alternative to poems that celebrate Halloween, children might also learn to recite poetry that celebrates the natural beauty of the fall season:

 Poems about: Autumn.  Poem Hunter. Retrieved from http://www.poemhunter.com/poems/autumn/page-4/

This sampling of verses provides kids with poems that are both short and memorable.

Children’s fall poems. (2013). Autumn poetry and recitals for kids.  Apple4theteacher. Retrieved from http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/fall/kids-poems-rhymes/

This collection of fall poetry focuses on the changing season.

Cocca-Loffler, Maryann.  (2010). Let it fall.  New York: Cartwheel Press (Scholastic, Inc.).

Rhyming couplets and colored pictures add to a fun read for preschoolers.

Salas, Laura Purdie. (2008). Shrinking Days, Frosty Nights:  Poems about the Fall.  North Mankato, Minnesota: Capstone Press.

This anthology of autumn-themed poetry encompasses a variety of poetic forms and poetic devices.

Trading a Riddle or Joke for a Treat

Telling corny jokes and riddles can take the scary out of Halloween for kindergarten and elementary-age children as well as add fun to the fall.

Grambs, Alison. (2005). Hilarious Halloween Jokes. Harpster, Steve (Illustrator).  Giggle Fit.  New York: Sterling Publishing.

Elementary school students will love repeating these goofy jokes.

Hall, Kathy & Eisenberg, Lisa. (2000). Boo Who?  And Other Wicked Knock-Knock Jokes.  Carpenter, Stephen (Illustrator).  New York: Harper Festival.

This lift-the-flap book follows trick-or-treaters through a haunted house where they meet ghosts and goblins who share their knock-knock jokes.

Jokes and riddles for kids. (2012). Enchanted Learning.  Retrieved from http://www.enchantedlearning.com/jokes/topics/knockknock.shtml

This massive collection of clean and corny jokes includes knock, knock jokes and jokes about Halloween and the fall.

Rib-tickling Halloween jokes. (n. d.).  Spoonful. Disney.  Retrieved from

http://spoonful.com/halloween/halloween-jokes

Most kids enjoy telling jokes, and Spoonful obliges them with silly jokes like this one:

Question: “What do ghosts serve for dessert?”
Answer: “Ice scream”  

Spiritual Treats: 
Reciting Scripture for Sweets 

http://www.fredcrystal.com/clipart.htm

Instead of reciting poems, children might also recite scriptures in return for treats; for example:

• Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from you own flesh and blood. Isaiah 58: 7 (NIV).

• Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17 (NIV).

•  If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but I have not love, I gain nothing.  I Corintihians 13:3 (NIV)

• I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 1: 4 (NIV).

 
Enchanting Readers with 

Halloween & Fall Books

Discovering Halloween 

  Picture Books

Bunting, Eve. (1988). Scary, Scary Halloween.  Brett, Jan (Illustrator). Boston: HMH Books for Young Readers.

Pictures of children in Halloween costumes combined with repeating rhymes provide just a creepy enough, but not too frightening a tale, to treat preschool children to a wickedly good read.

Murray, Marjorie Dennis. (Rpt. 2013).  Halloween Night. Dorman, Brandon (Illustrator). New York: Greenwillow (Harper Collins Publishers).

Kindergarteners and early elementary-school students will want to hear and see the transformation of “The Night before Christmas” into a Halloween story.

O’Connor, Jane. (2009). Fancy Nancy: Halloween or Bust.  Glasser, Preiss (Illustrator).  New York: Harper Festival.

As Fancy Nancy explains, “Halloween is so much fun . . . because it is all about dressing up.”   Not only can readers dress Nancy in her sticker outfits at the end of the book, but a photocopied, enlarged, and flannel-backed Nancy and her costumes can easily go on a story board.

Rylant, Cynthia. (2009). Sweet, Melissa (Illustrator). Moonlight: The Halloween Cat.  New York: Harper Collins.

Moonlight’s night-time adventures, told in a rhyming text and illustrated by vibrant pictures, will charm the nursery school and kindergarten audience.

http://www.letsread.com.au/Families/Download-your-free-reading-pack!

Falling for Picture Books

Ehlert, Lois. (2005). The Leaf Man.  Boston: HMH Books for Young Readers.

With a body made of autumn leaves and acorns for eyes, the leaf man has to go where the wind takes him in this imaginative ALA Notable Book.

Esbaum, Jill. (2008). Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin Pie.   Picture the Seasons.  Des Moines, Iowa: National Geographic Children’s Books.

Esbaum conveys the sights and smells of the fall season.

Goldstone, Bruce. (2012). Awesome Autumn.  New York: Henry Holt and Company.

This informative book is chocked full of fall facts, wonderful photographs, and educational and fun ideas about how to celebrate the season.

Raczka, Bob. Fall Mixed Up.  (2011). Cameron, Chad (Illustrator). Minneapolis, Minnesota: Carolrhoda Books.

Strange things happen when a boy mixes up the months of September and October: "Every Septober, Every Octember, Fall fills my senses with scenes to remember."

 Selecting Suspense for Readers

Ages 8 to 12

Funston, Sylvia & Petricic, Duscan. (1996). Toronto: Maple Tree Press (Raincoast Press).

Funston provides the history behind all those scary beings of myth and legend that go bump in the night.

Jinks, Catherine. (2013). The Bogler’s Apprentice. Boston: HMH Books for Young Readers.

Birdie helps her master hunt dreaded monsters in Victorian London. A do-gooder has launched a campaign to use more scientific methods of catching them; but meanwhile, orphans are disappearing.   The New York Times notes that The Bogler’s Apprentice is “part Great Expectations, part Ghostbusters, and a little bit of The Rights of Women”.

Lewis, C. S. (2004). The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  13^th picture book ed. Adapted by Oram, Hiawyn.  New York: Harper Collins.

Based on C. S. Lewis’ allegorical novel, this richly-illustrated picture book summarizes his text, so it can be read aloud in a single session. 

Loflin, Nikki. (2012). The Sinister Sweetness of Splendor Academy.  New York:  Penguin Young Readers Group.

This contemporary retelling of “Hansel and Gretel” has every fairy tale cliché a reader could possibly wish for—a heroine named Lorelei, an evil stepmother, and a witch for a teacher.

Moriartry, Chris. (2011). The Inquisitor’s Apprentice. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

When the New York police discover that a 13-year-old Jewish boy can see witches, they apprentice him to the NYPD since the Inquisitor squad is trying to find out just who is trying to put a murderous spell on Thomas Edison.  Aimed at boys in the upper-elementary grades, Moriatry’s work perhaps is too ambitious, conjuring up a 19^th-century atmosphere while trying to introduce Jewish folklore.  Readers, however, will enjoy the quirky characters.

Schlitz, Laura Amy. (2012). Splendor and Glooms.  Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

Clara’s parents hire a puppeteer to give a puppet show for her 12^th birthday party, and on that night, she disappears. Two orphans, who are the puppet master’s assistants, must find the poor, little rich girl in this suspense-filled novel set in Victorian London.

Opting for Alternative YA Fiction

Page-turning fantasy novels don’t have to rely on main characters who are involved with the occult and magic as these novels prove:

Alexander, Ian. (2011). Once We Were Kings.  Los Gatos, California: Dawn Treader Press (Smashwords, Inc.).

Filled with adventure and symbolism evocative of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, Once We Were Kings takes YA readers on an epic journey.

Buckley-Archer, Linda.  (Rpt. 2007). The Time Travelers.  Originally published as Gideon the Cutpurse. New York: Simon & Schuster.

A time-traveling machine transports two present-day English 12-year-olds back to 1763, and when an arch villain, known as Tar Man, takes off with it, they must trust in a reformed pickpocket named Gideon to help them navigate 18^th-century London and return home.

Harding, Matthew Christian.  (2009). Foundlings.  The Peleg Chronicles. Gloucester, Virginia: Zoe and Sozo Publishing.

           

This page-turning adventure epic set in the days after the flood of Noah treats both YA readers and their parents to knights, princes and princesses, and a never-ending fight of good versus evil of biblical proportions. 

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 100 Great Children's Books/100 Years

100  Great Children's Books/ 100 Years. (2013, September 30).  New York Public Library. Retrieved from http://www.nypl.org/childrens100?hspace=228116

 

The New York Public Library recently named the 100 great children's books of the last century.  How many have you and your family read?