✰✰✰✰ Big Sister Bernadette always has the best Halloween costumes. Everyone thinks so. That's why little sister Angela decides to wear Bernadette's costume from the previous year. Unfortunately, being a costume copycat doesn't make Angela a star. After several years of being a costume copycat, Angela decides to maker her own costume. She's in for a pleasant surprise when the neighbors see her handmade costume.
The Bottom Line: Sometimes it's better to be yourself than to follow in someone else's footsteps. This is a cute tale of sibling rivalry. Charming watercolor and ink illustrations by Wilsdorf bring the text to life. Enthusiastically recommended for kids in grades Pre-K - 1. This picture book would be great for storytime too.
Details: The Costume Copycat written by Maryann Macdonald & illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf. Hardcover picture book published by Dial Books for Young Readers in 2006. 32 p. ISBN: 9780803729292
✰✰✰½ The Spook and Spirit Club is sponsoring a Make a Monster contest for Halloween. All the ghosts in the teeny tiny classroom are excited except for one, the teeny tiny ghost. For the teeny tiny ghost, making a monster is too scary. As the other ghosts draw their monsters and make fun of him, the teeny tiny ghost finds inspiration in an unexpected place. With the help of his two teeny tiny black cats, the teeny tiny ghost just might have a chance of entering the contest after all.
The Bottom Line: This story is for any child who has been picked on and bullied. It can be read to a class, to open up a conversation about bullying. Best for kids in grades 1 and 2.
Details: The Teeny Tiny Ghost and the Monster written by Kay Winters & illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Hardcover picture book published by HarperCollins in 2004. 32 p. ISBN: 0-06-028885-X
✰✰✰✰ One late spring day, Cat wonders how pumpkins grow. Cat's friend, Mouse, decides to show her by helping her plant pumpkin seeds. As the days and months pass, the seeds grow into plants. With time and attention, flowers appear followed by little pumpkins. By the time Halloween rolls around, Mouse has a wonderful surprise for Cat.
The Bottom Line: This gentle story is perfect for any time of the year. It's a charming tale of friendship and gardening. Mortimer's beautiful illustrations are soft and colorful. This picture book will appeal to little ones and their parents. Teachers for grades K - 2 will find the "Instructions for Growing Pumpkins" at the back of the book useful as well.
Details: Pumpkin Cat written & illustrated by Anne Mortimer. Hardcover picture book published by Katherine Tegen Books in 2011. 24 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-187485-7
