This board book shows the daily activities of children and animals, with playful comparisons.

Finn is a ghost, one who just so happens to be afraid of almost everything: tree branches, flying, even the color orange. But after yet another Halloween without being able to enjoy his favorite candy, he decides it’s finally time to overcome his fears. A spectacular read for spooky season, The Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything is an inspiring tale of conquering what scares you, even if you’re a ghost.

Parnassus shop dogs are friends…except when treats are involved…then it’s who can get there first! This is a book about friends, pretend dog friends, who have their own ideas but find a way to make friendship more important. Maybe that is more important than treats.

My all-time favorite picture book gets a sequel! The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake is the perfect addition to the world Devin Elle Kurtz has created. I feel like I grew up with The Bakery Dragon because of its nostalgic whimsy and heart-touching allure! I wish I could live inside these pages!

Some say that the Night Giant isn’t real, but if he only enters the village when everyone is sound asleep, how can anyone be sure? For those who know where to look, there are signs of his presence all around. Free from watching eyes, the mischievous Night Giant can do whatever he wants. Read this book to find out what the curious, playful, friendly Night Giant does while we’re all sleeping.

I dare you to say “Penny Penguin” out loud and not giggle!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sing at the Grand Ole Opry? This delightful picture book takes readers backstage and into the famous circle onstage. There are beautiful illustrations and archival photos throughout.

Meet Piccolo, the cheerful shrew who sips espresso and zips around picture-perfect Italy on his scooter. He’s on his way to get his favorite gelato, but keeps running into friends asking for his help. I’m obsessed with this sweet story about community, kindness, and how nice it would be to just be a little shrew wearing a scarf and a tweed hat.

Tiny T-Rex makes blunders, dropping things and falling over, but he’s fine and all is well! Love the latest installment of little dinosaur’s adventures at school.

It was a dark and stormy night….when 2 brothers are woken by a scary sound! This delightful read a loud has few illustrations and instead uses graphically designed words to help little imaginations run wild. The creaks and groans will keep little ones guessing to determine if it’s a monster….or something else making all that racket!

Vibrant, graphic-style illustrations and rhythmic text both jump (ollie?) off the pages in this poetic ode to the joy of skateboarding.

A delightful follow-up to Strictly No Elephants, this is a sweet story about being truly welcoming to all. This would be a great readaloud for children of all ages.

Also loved by Aly & Rachel!

This sweeping adventure story takes readers from Ancient China to New York’s Chinatown in the 1930s. Han Yu’s 1,000 mile journey to save his family’s livelihood and Luli’s determination to save her family’s home with the help of her friends are intertwined on a parallel path. This story shines with heart and determination.

Stella and Marigold are back at it again with all the humor, warmth, mischief, and imagination of the first book. When the sisters are gifted notebooks to make lists of all of their “besties,” they brainstorm plans to make as many best friends as possible. What could go wrong?

Also loved by Abigail!

Anyone who bakes knows and loves King Arthur- and now they have a very fun book for young bakers! Whether you have never picked up a rubber spatula before or want to try out a new recipe, this has something for everyone. Perfect for kids who are independent but might need some adult supervision to help with things like using a shredder or taking hot pans out of the oven.

A shoemaker finds tiny Evangeline in the toe of an old boot. Their lives are full of joy, until the shoemaker’s wife sends Evangeline away. Her perilous journey to reunite with her adopted father requires bravery and the help of a marmalade cat and another new friend. There is a satisfying conclusion in this magical fairy tale by Kate DiCamillo with delightful illustrations by Sophie Blackall.

Also loved by Cheryl & Hannah P.!

Story of a rescued octopus by a boy who has just moved to the island. It helps him meet new friends, one being a vet’s daughter who had raised a chimpanzee. Filled with octopus characteristics, it also addresses the fact that wild animals are hard to keep.

Luna and her family have moved into yet another house to flip, but this time the ghosts may be real? Toeing the line of being just spooky enough, A Little Too Haunted is a heartfelt novel about fitting in while standing up for what you believe in. I really loved the representation in this novel!

Every kid (or kid at heart!) should read Howl’s Moving Castle at least once! A beloved classic that stands apart from the (also fabulous) Studio Ghibli movie adaptation, this book is wonderfully whimsy and sure to get young readers hooked in no time.

Crazy story of a 12 year old boy who has been raised since birth by his grandfather in a retirement community. With new ownership, the boy and his grandfather could be evicted because of the rent increase. He helps a retired mobster escape to make money and has the scariest and the most fun of his life.

In the fall of 1888, two teenage Salvation Army volunteers in Manhattan’s Bowery cross paths with Jack the Ripper after his escape to America. A Medusa unleashes her vengeance upon the evil ones terrorizing the city. This is a true crime story crossed with mythical beings that only Julie Berry could tell!

Kieran’s boyfriend wants to take a break, so a flustered Kieran accidentally curses said boyfriend. In order to prove himself to the Council and keep his magic, he swears to find a Cure-All for every sort of curse and heads off with his sister, her girlfriend, and a swoony crewmate named Sebastion. Filled with misadventures and found family!

Hold on tight, spider monkeys, it’s the 20th anniversary of Twilight! Fall unconditionally and irrevocably in love with Stephanie Meyer’s debut novel that changed the lives of fangirls everywhere.

Sprout Book Club: October Selection

Spark Book Club: October Selection

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