On this last Friday in October, I am bringing you a fun Halloween read! Are you prepared to be scared???
On a Windy Night
Written by Nancy Raines Day
Illustrated by George Bates
Abrams Books 2010
Ages 4-8
Themes: Holidays, Rhyme
Synopsis: (from Goodreads) On a windy Halloween night, as a little boy makes his way home after trick-or-treating, he hears a voice: “Cracklety-clack, bones in a sack. They could be yours if you look back.” As his heart flip-flops with fear, the boy dashes through woods and fields that seem full of haunting shapes owls, ghosts, skeletons, and more. The detailed illustrations are packed with visual tricks for children to discover. Are those skeletons or cornstalks? Ghostly hands or tree branches? The playful tone of the text makes this a perfect, not-too-scary read-aloud, with an enjoyable surprise ending.
Opening: On a windy night, on a winding road,
A boy walks home with a heavy load.
On this winding road, on this windy night,
Clouds hide the moon—
and in creeps fright.
Resources: Nancy Raines Day has Extra For Educators on her website. Click HERE and scroll down to On a Windy Night for excellent activities to use along with her book.
Why I Like This Book: Not to sound repetitious, BUT I love rhyming picture books. I know you’ve heard this from me many times. It’s just that I’m so delighted when I find a great one that I have to share it on Perfect Picture Book Friday. I found this one a while back but wanted to save it for review until right before Halloween. Speaking of Halloween, that’s one big reason I like this book. It is a wonderful read aloud to get everyone in spooky spirits. It has enough suspense to bring on a bit of the shivers, but also a toe-tappin’ rhythm that keeps the pages turning to the delightfully playful ending. And I must mention the pen-and-ink drawings which lend the perfect mood to the text. Click on the cover above to a better look.
To find more perfect picture books, head on over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and check out all the fantastic selections! Each book is reviewed by a picture book -lovin’ reviewer, AND includes activities to go along with the book. You will find a handy list right HERE.
This is very cool Reminds me of Christopher Cheng’s “Sounds Spooky” Happy Halloween, Penny.
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Parfait! (I’m trying out my French 🙂 ) This sounds like my kind of PB. 🙂 I’m going to check out the activities!
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Nice French!!!!
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Merci! 😀
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I wish I could fly my broom to the library! Wouldn’t that be fun? Hope you had a nice flight…but WAIT… if you really do have a broomstick, I’ll bet you have a wand…why not conjure up a book spell? Poof! The book is in your hands!
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Rhyming is not my forté, so I have great respect for anyone who can do it well!
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It is hard to do right. I love to try 🙂 Thanks for coming by, Jarm.
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This really is an ideal pick for Halloween! I love the rhyme and the imagination. Reminds me a bit of “The Ghost Eye Tree.”
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The Ghost Eye Tree??? I must find that one and read it. I hadn’t heard of it. Thanks for coming by 🙂
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Great rhythm and rhyme! Very cool choice!
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Thanks! I’m hoping to read more of her books!
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Great pick – love the spooky feel to the illos.
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I figured you’d like the illustrations! They really lend to the mood.
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Toe tappin’ Rhythm! That’s all I need to hear. I’ll be looking for this one! Thanks!
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Ha! Rhythm for Rhythm!
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This sounds wonderful! There are so many Halloween books at the store, it’s hard to know which ones to pick… so thanks! The spookier the better….
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I know what you mean. I was looking at Halloween picture books the other day and wanted to buy them all!
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I think I’d have to pre-read this one before I read it aloud so I’m not too scared myself! The bag o’bones ran a shiver down my spine. (but then I’m a scaredy-cat)
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Good idea, Wendy. It may be too scary for the really young ones. I love scary stuff so I was loving it!
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Another great Halloween book! I didn’t know there were so many. Now I know where to go — Susanna’s PPBF page! Thanks for adding this one, Penny!
I shared it on my facebook page. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing on your page! I had no idea there were so many good ones either. Most are checked out at my library right now, but, Hey! November will be great for reading all the suggestions we’ve had for PPBF!
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HA! Yes, indeed it will.
WE’ll all be busy reviewing books for Thanksgiving then, too. 🙂
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Great review, Penny! Spooky rhymes are so fun. Happy halloween!
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Happy Halloween to you, too! Yes…I love spooky rhymes. Last year I reviewed I’m Not Afraid of This Haunted House. It is another great one. Here is the link: http://wp.me/p22d5X-rS
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The synopsis creeped me out. Cool! And though I’ve never heard of this author, her rhyme is so natural and skillful. ‘Can’t wait to check it out. Thanks!
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Maybe you should read it before dark. Bwahhahaha!
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This sounds so good, Penny! I think we can all relate to our imaginations playing tricks on us. I love the spooky rhymes. Fun!
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Perfect description! Aren’t we glad our imaginations play tricks? That’s where we get some great ideas!!! Thanks for coming over 🙂
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Yikes! I’m terrified already! Happy Halloween Penny.
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Sorry to scare you so early in the day!!! Happy Halloween!
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This is Penny perfect! I’ve got to find this before Halloween (gets broomstick out)
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