Hi everyone, I hope you're all doing well.  This October weather is the best! It’s a nip in the air, the leaves are falling, I’ve pulled out my Fall attire and I’m all smiles. I can’t believe October is almost over, there are only two more months in the year!

The holidays are quickly approaching, and I thought maybe it would be helpful to give you a list of my favorite “Preschool Picks” of the month. I will also throw in a couple helpful websites, activities and songs I have done that the children will absolutely love.


1) Crankenstein, by Samantha Berger
He may appear to be an ordinary boy but when he’s faced with a rainy day, melting popsicle, and mom telling him it’s bedtime he turns into CRANKENSTEIN! Mumbling and grumbling at it’s best until he meets his match…. will this duo be disastrous or will they be just what each other needs to have a brighter day? This book will definitely turn a preschooler’s crankiness into giggles and laughs.


2) There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat, by Lucille Colandro
This spooky twist on “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,” is perfect for reading this time of year. This old lady swallows a bat, cat, goblin, some bones and even a wizard!  With rhyming words, sequencing and repetition, the kids will follow along, memorize and guess their way to a surprise ending.


3) The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, by Linda Williams
This energetic little lady heads out for an evening walk when she encounters a hat, shirt, pants, shoes, and pair of white gloves without a body! In the dark forest, she is starting to get frightened especially when she runs up on a PUMPKIN HEAD! This is the perfect book for children that face fears, showing them fears can be turned into a wonderful surprise.


4) Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson
The children are all ears as you tell the story of the witch and her cat that take a broom ride when the wind picks up and blows off her hat, her bow then her wand. Luckily some friends want to help out but in turn want a ride on the witch’s broom. But is there room on the broom for them all? We hope so, because she may need the friends when the hungry dragon strikes! I love asking the children after each animal jumps on, if they think there’s room for one more. With repetition, sequencing and rich vocabulary, this favorite of mine is definitely a must read for your fall book list. 


5) We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt, by Steve Metzger
These friends enjoy their adventure through the forest and hiking over the mountains to find the bright colorful leaves.  The children don’t only chant along as you read aloud but it’s great for taking the kids on an actual leaf hunt or nature walk. You can identify and discuss the different types of leaves you find and what would be a better ending than gathering the leaves in a pile and jumping in them! This is one of my favorite fall books for interaction, rhyming words and fun sound effects.

Check out these and other wonderful fall/holiday books at our library through the Institutional Express Books link: https://iredell.lib.nc.us/FormCenter/Express-Books-13/Express-Books-for-Institutions-69   It’s easy to fill out and only takes a few minutes to complete.

I know in the midst of a pandemic everyone is wondering what to do or not to do for Halloween. Here are some pandemic friendly ideas of activities you could pass on to parents looking for ideas.

Link 1 | Link 2

I hope the booklist and the links are helpful, and as always please let me know if you have any questions, concerns or ideas.

Ms. Shannon