Halloween

Holidays, Festivals, & Celebrations

by Ann Heinrichs, Teri Weidner (Illustrator)

Legends of ghosts, goblins, and ghouls fill the air, and excited trick-or-treaters scurry from house to house hoping to fill their bags with sweet goodies. Halloween is among America's most treasured childhood holidays. This book traces the origins of Halloween and explains the old and new traditions associated with October 31.

Genres: Childrens

Library Binding

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Ann Heinrichs is the author of more than 200 books for children and young adults. They cover U.S. and world history and culture, science and nature, and English grammar. Ann has also enjoyed careers as a children’s book editor and an advertising copywriter. An avid traveler, she has toured Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, she now lives in Chicago. She enjoys biking, kayaking, and flying kites.

Reviews

[Felicia]

As part of my effort with the Read Aloud program, I try to switch between fiction and non-fiction each week that I go into a classroom to read. This was my first non-fiction selection this year, chosen for our current month and the activities and traditions surrounding the holiday.

This book worked well. The pages are informational without being too long or dry. It highlights several of the cultures that celebrate during the modern month of October, and the origins of the traditions from each location. The books ends with poetry selections and some crafting ideas.

The kids each claimed to have learned something new from this selection, but there was very little chatter or comments when I was finished.

[Pamela Powell]

Good information for children. Some fun facts that aren't always mentioned.

[Kelly]

A great Halloween primer!