Media Matters

 Picture book by Aaron Reynolds. The illustrations and text create a spooky atmosphere to what might otherwise seem silly. There is a message about the satisfaction of doing something yourself, even if it’s not done perfectly, that I really liked. This would be a great read aloud for Halloween for ages 8-12.

 Book series by Maryrose Wood. I listened to these as audiobooks and found them incredibly fun and engaging. The narrator is top notch. My only complaint is the lack of closure between books; you will want to go straight into the next one, so check them all out at once.  This is a series that would be enjoyed by children and adults together! Books in order: 1. The Mysterious Howling 2. The Hidden Gallery 3. The Unseen Guest 4. The Interrupted Tale 5. The Unmapped Sea 6. The Long-Lost Home

 Movie (2023) This was a fabulous feel-good movie musical! It is a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and it captures Roald Dahl’s style and tone well. The villains are over-the-top, and evil is overcome by love. Note: there is a scene where an evil oaf tries to flirt by wearing short shorts and wiggling his behind.

 Book by George MacDonald The story itself was good, and actually lends itself to a great deal of spiritual symbolism that could be discussed. Unfortunately, because this book was written 150 years ago, the idiomatic and syntactic aspects of the language do feel outdated. I would love for a revised edition to come out that keeps the beautiful writing while changing the wording just enough to be more understandable to modern children. A few quotes: “her hands were hard and chapped and large, but it was with work for them; and therefore in the sight of the angels her hands were so much the more beautiful.” “that is the way fear serves us: it always takes the side of the thing that we are afraid of.” “Seeing is not believing—it is only seeing.” “We are all very anxious to be understood, and it is very hard not to be. But there is one thing much more necessary.” “What is that, Grandmother?” “To understand other people.”

 Board book by Tad Hills.. I’m not a fan of most of the Duck and Goose books, but this one is funny, and my granddaughter loves to shake her head NO at all the wrong places they look for a pumpkin.

 Book by Sachiko Kashiwaba. This is an intriguing story within a story. I really enjoyed the characters. It is a non-spooky ghost story set in modern day Japan that reminded me a bit of a Studio Ghibli movie. 

 Board book by Sandra Boynton. An adorable board book that explains to some nervous chickens why they are seeing lots of strange creatures (children in costumes) on Halloween. Perfect rhymes as usual with this author!

 Book by Jonathan Auxier. This Victorian ghost story is fantastic! Just the right amount of spookiness and real threat, plus surprising thematic depth. An amazing cautionary tale about being wary of someone or something that gives you what you want and tells you what you want to hear rather than giving you what you need and telling you what you need to hear. Makes you consider who or what in your life leaves you empty and feeling like you’re never enough, and who or what leaves you better and feeling more content and confident? Are any of the things you want costing you a piece of your soul? The biblical allusion to the tree branches being snakelike adds an additional, spiritual dimension of meaning. Recommended for age 10+, depending on the level of spookiness your child is comfortable with. Three unlikeable side characters die with very little description of the deaths.

 Book by Kelly Barnhill. This was a fun read, with clever writing, interesting characters, and important ideas to discuss: Do we believe what the word says about us? (ie. the label “The Wrong Boy”) How do we deal with grief? What voices are we listening to? (The voices of the magic could certainly be equated with the voice of the natural man or temptations to be selfish.) How do we resist temptation? (Have a firm will, mind, and heart) How much control do we have over ourselves? Forgiveness, redemption, coming to yourself The satisfaction of hard work, growth, problem-solving, and self-reliance. The power of words and voices The danger of seeking power, influence, etc The magic-bearer as a type of Christ, an intercessor who vicariously experiences the pain of others The word “yet” can either be hopeful or fear-inducing, depending on what you are focusing on. Recognizing that choices have Consequences. Note: there are a few mild swears and instances of taking the Lord’s name in vain...

 Book by Thomas Taylor. A solid middle-grade mystery with just a hint of spookiness, perfect for 9-12 yr olds. I loved the idea of the book dispensary that magically writes you a prescription for the book you need at that moment. 

Halloween may be the most difficult holiday when it comes to finding movies and books that support your values. Everyone has different ideas of what is or isn’t appropriate. I try to stay away from anything that glorifies violence, celebrates evil, or generally causes the Spirit to leave. Here are some ideas: *Dia de los muertos is the day after Halloween, a holiday that is all about celebrating ancestors who are dead. The animated movie “Coco” revolves around this holiday. You could even throw a party with this theme. Decorate with old photos of loved ones. Read stories of your family’s history! Visit a cemetery. Have reverence for those who have come before. *Harry Potter has enough fantastical creatures and suspense to work as Halloween stories or movies, and hosting a Harry Potter themed Halloween party could be a fun family tradition! *The classic Scooby Doo cartoons are fun mysteries where the supernatural elements always end up being not so scary after all. *There is a 20 minute...

 This is a series of three novels by Neal Shusterman. Books in the series: Everlost  Everwild Everfound  This is one of the best trilogies I have read in a long time. It hits that sweet spot of being both utterly engrossing AND causing you to think deeply about the various themes, such as remembering who you are, not allowing others to define you, the role of agency in growth, the ability to use your talents for good or evil, the role of belief and strength of will in affecting your reality, the ability to change and find redemption, acting with purpose each day rather than getting stuck in a mindless rut, the role of humility in leadership, the promise of a glorious afterlife… Honestly, I could go on and on. There is so much good stuff to unpack here. My only caveat to recommending this series to everyone is that there is some dark and violent evil being portrayed that younger or more sensitive readers might not be ready for. But the evil is portrayed as evil, and the ov...

 Picture book by Jonathan Fenske This is a funny, slightly spooky tale of squid artists sneaking into your house in the middle of the night to draw on your walls. Great rhyming text and atmospheric illustrations! Activity idea: Create some “squid ink” art, but use paper instead of the walls!

 Nonfiction picture book by Blair Thornburgh. This was one of those rare informational books that is genuinely interesting and fun to read! If you have a child who is scared of skulls, or doesn’t want to wear a bike helmet, read this book!

 Picture book by Jon Stone. My kids loved this funny story with the unexpected ending!