Unspooking Halloween

Families have different ideas regarding Halloween, ghosts, and scary things. The book and activities below are intended to gently introduce the concept of ghosts and Halloween. Young children can be scared by spooky costumes and decorations. Prepare your child for trick-or-treating by using these activities to talk about the make-believe of Halloween.

Read: Lu and the Swamp Ghost, by James Carville, is depression-era story of a girl who befriends a swamp ghost. Great illustrations will lead to discussion about the story and characters. Was the swamp ghost spooky? Explain how your family feels about the idea of ghosts, Halloween, and scary things.

Snack: For a ghost-snack, gather canned pears (whole halves), raisins, and Maraschino cherries. Cut a jagged or wavy line from the base of the pear so that it resembles a ghost shape. Let your toddler add raisin eyes and a Maraschino cherry sliver smile.

Play: Practice making ghost sounds with your child. What animals sound like a ghost might? Owls, howling dogs, doves?