Perfect Picture Book Friday-On a Windy Night

Posted on by Penny Parker Klostermann

On this last Friday in October, I am bringing you a fun Halloween read! Are you prepared to be scared???

on a windy night

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.

32 thoughts on “Perfect Picture Book Friday-On a Windy Night”

  1. Pingback: Perfect Picture Book Friday-Way Down Below Deep | ~a penny and her jots~

  4. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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    1. 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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