Boo!

How scary is Halloween for young readers and their still younger siblings? Peek-A-Boo is fun, but familiar voices coming from behind monster masks may be something else. Here are two more books to ease the way into a night of frights. These could be enjoyed for days after, every time the candy bag is rattled.

FRANKIE STEIN by Lola M.Schaeffer works on several levels, as all good picture books do. Even after Halloween, Frankie could be invited over to play. He plays "nice."

BATS AT THE LIBRARY by Brian Lies will have your youngsters looking for bats while you look for books to take home.

What Halloween picture book was most helpful at your house?

For Tiny Trick or Treaters

Halloween can be spooky for first-timers. Here are a couple of books to ease the trauma of all those green faced goblins ringing the doorbell.

BOO TO YOU by Lois Ehlert
Ehlert's colorful collage illustrations manage to set a spooky mood gentle enough for the youngest among us. A nice touch is the introduction of Halloween traditions like pumpkin carving and roasting pumpkin seeds. No tricks anywhere!

CAN YOU MAKE A SCARY FACE? by Jan Thomas
Thomas has created a wiggly, giggly interactive book that older siblings will enjoy reading to little brothers and sisters or the preschoolers next door. A treat for everyone!

What's your favorite scary book?