A Cozy Halloween Read: Discovering Spooky Pookie
As a mom navigating the delightful chaos of raising young children, I always cherish those quiet moments snuggled up for storytime. Recently, I found myself in one of those evening bedtime battles—a blur of giggles and wiggles—as my two little ones clamored for a tale that would match their excitement as Halloween approached. This quest led me to Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton, and let me tell you, it was like finding a hidden gem in our bookshelf.
In this adorable board book, we meet Little Pookie, who is in the midst of the ultimate Halloween dilemma: what to be for Halloween? He tries on various costumes, from a ghost to a dinosaur, but can’t quite find the perfect fit. With Boynton’s signature charm and rhythmic prose, this story draws little ones into Pookie’s culinary adventure of costume changes, and boy, does it pack a delightful surprise at the end!
The reactions from my kids were priceless. My four-year-old’s eyes sparkled with intrigue as Pookie threw on layers of costumes, each prompting a chorus of “What’s that, Mommy?” You can imagine the giggles when we reached the part where Pookie finally decides on a costume that makes everyone happy. It sparked a wonderful conversation about our own Halloween plans, what they might want to dress up as, and who they would want to visit for trick-or-treating—overall, a little improvisation for a cozy family discussion.
The illustrations are brilliantly colorful, filled with whimsical details that kept my two-year-old mesmerized. He loved pointing out all the different animals and giggling at Pookie’s goofy expressions. The writing flows effortlessly, making it a pleasure to read aloud, and I found myself getting immersed in the rhythm of the words. One of our favorite lines was when Pookie finally exclaims, “Boo!”—my kids loved that so much, it became our little nightly chant!
I think Sandra Boynton has a unique way of capturing young hearts, and this book is no exception. Because it’s a board book, it’s not only durable for little hands but also perfect for those "let’s-read-eight-books-before-bed" evenings! I treasure this book as a new family favorite, and it has become our go-to for October evenings.
For any parents looking for a charming story to share with their toddlers, I wholeheartedly recommend Spooky Pookie. It’s especially perfect for little ones aged one to four who are just beginning to understand the fun and silliness of Halloween. It brings out the giggles, ideas, and the love of reading in our home.
As we approach the spookiest season of the year, I’m grateful for books that help us bond over the joys of dressing up and celebrating together, creating memories that I hope will last a lifetime. Now, if only Pookie could help us decide what treats to gather this year! 🎃📚
