Bookshelf
Our Children's Bookshelf is updated each month with a curated list of exciting reads, compiled by a trusted librarian from one of Connecticut's invaluable public libraries.
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Children's Bookshelf - October 2020
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Frightening Fiction
by Jane Manners
Autumn brings not just a full palette of fabulous fall colors, but a thrilling reminder that Halloween is right around the corner. As a way to celebrate, Southport’s Pequot Library invites children of all ages to take part in a spooky, safe and socially distanced scavenger hunt. Registration for Pequot Library’s Halloween Scavenger Hunt begins October 1 and runs through October 30. Registration is required. You will be sent instructions on how to play, along with a spooktacular list of things to photograph. When you’re done, just email those photos as attachments to childrens@pequotlibrary.org and you will receive confirmation of your submission. Those who successfully complete the challenge will be notified to pick up their treats at the library on Saturday, October 31 — Halloween! To get in the right mood for Halloween, we recommend some frightening fiction. Read if you dare.
The Stichers (Fright Watch #1)
by Lorian Lawrence
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Take a walk down Goodie Lane, if you dare, where creepy things are happening. For instance, what’s going on with the “Oldies” in the neighborhood who don’t seem to age? The Stitchers is Lawrence’s debut and the first in a series that will be sure to thrill fans of Stranger Things and Goosebumps.
One Halloween Night
by Mark Teague
“Anything can happen on Halloween,” says Wendell. And this holds true for him and his pals, Floyd and Mona. It seems as soon as they put their costumes on, things start happening. Weird things. Teague’s trademark illustrations will be sure to captivate young readers. For ages 4 and up.
Eek! Stories to Make You Shriek
by Jane O'Connor
Three easy-to-read stories that will make your beginning reader squirm just a little bit. There’s a tale about a Halloween monster, a talking doll and a mysterious shaggy dog. For ages 6-8.
The Night Gardener
by Jonathan Auxier
Auxier, a master storyteller, weaves an engrossing and spine-chilling tale of orphaned siblings who come to work as servants at a spooky, old manor house, the Windsor Estate. Atmospheric and mesmerizing. For ages 9-14.
Framed series
by Kenard Pak
This is such a fun book to read to children. As soon as you’re done, they will want you to read it again and again. Emberley’s colorful, clever cutouts tell an empowering tale of creating a monster and then making the monster disappear. A classic. For ages 4-7.
October Programs at Pequot
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Music and Movement for Wigglers. Can’t sit still? This is the program for you! Jump, hop, dance and wiggle to the music. Free and open to the public on Wednesdays in October, 10:30-11 a.m. on Zoom. Registrants will receive a password the day before each class. For ages 0-5.
Crafty Kids Sessions 2 begins Thursday, October 8. Enjoy theme-based stories with a related craft. Registered participants need to pick up their art supplies on the Tuesday or Wednesday before October 8. Registration fee is $6 for four classes. Space is limited. Zoom login and password information will be sent to registrants the day before class. For ages 3-5.
I Survived Book Club. Fans of the I Survived series come together (on Zoom) to talk about some of the most harrowing experiences in history. I Survived: The Shark Attacks of 1916 is the selection for Thursday, October 8, 4:30-5 p.m. Space is limited. Zoom login and password information will be sent to registrants the day before the meeting. For ages 7-10.
Adventures in Reading Book Club. Join us for a lively discussion of some of the best in children’s literature. Adventures in Reading Book Club welcomes families that homeschool their children. Thursday, October 22, 4:30-5 p.m. Registration required. Space is limited. Book selection and Zoom password will be sent to your email. For families with children ages 6-12.
Pop-Up Poetry in October. Shel Silverstein, Nikki Grimes and Francisco X. Alarcon are just a few poets whose work may pop up on Pequot Library’s Facebook page. Lines of rhymes, and symmetry too, could also come, from someone like YOU! That’s right! Pequot Library wants to give young poets a platform on our Facebook page. For information and requirements, contact childrens@pequotlibrary.org. For ages 14 and up.
Save the Date
Cartooning Workshop for Beginners with Rick Stromoski. Learn how to draw cartoon characters and animals with award-winning cartoonist Rick Stromoski on Saturday, November 7, 11 a.m.-noon. Kids will gain an understanding of how to create an infinite number of characters and variety of expressions just by altering a few shapes and/or lines to a drawing. Students will be encouraged to express their vision and interpretation of the exercises. Zoom class. Registration required. Participants must be at least 8 years old and have a stack of paper and their favorite drawing utensils to use during class. Zoom login information will be sent to registrants. For more information, email childrens@pequotlibrary.org.
The Pequot Library is located at 720 Pequot Avenue. For more information, call 203-259-0342 or visit www.pequotlibrary.org. ♥
Jane Manners is the Children’s Librarian at Pequot Library.