Happy (not terrifying) Halloween from Scholastic!

October 31 can be a bit much for some kids, especially the littles. My three year old is adamant that she wants to stay home (dressed as a tiger/construction worker) while her older sister bravely collects candy for both of them.  Of the many Halloween products out there, it’s a relief to come across one that’s scare-free.  A VERY BRAVE WITCH…AND MORE GREAT HALLOWEEN STORIES FOR KIDS, a new dvd from Scholastic, is just the ticket.  It’s a collection of classic (and sweet) Halloween stories, expertly narrated and groovy on the eyes.  Eight tales in all, the list includes:

A VERY BRAVE WITCH (written by Alison McGee, illustrated by Harry Bliss, narrated by Elle Fanning) –  a little witch decides she’d finally like to see what Halloween is all about, even though she is deathly afraid of humans. As soon as she makes a new friend, she discovers how much fun trick-or-treating with humans can be.

By the Light of the Halloween Moon (written by Caroline Stutson, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, narrated by Sherry Stringfield) –  A brave girl would rather play a trick than be gobbled up as a treat.
A Dark, Dark Tale (written and illustrated by Ruth Brown) –Take a spooky journey up dark stairs and through hidden passages.  Being scared has never been so much fun!
Georgie (Written and illustrated by Robert Bright, narrated by David DeVries) — A friendly ghost looks for a new house to haunt when he feels unwanted by the Whittaker family.
The Witch in the Cherry Tree (written by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Jenny Williams) — David and his mother must find a way to protect their freshly baked cakes from the tricky witch in the cherry tree.
The Three-Legged Cat (Written by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Jonathan Allen) –  Tom, the pegged-legged cat is mistaken for a hat in this hilarious tale of mistaken identity.
The Three Robbers (Written and illustrated by Tomi Ungerer) — A little orphan girl sets three robbers straight, turning their gold to good.
Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain (Written and illustrated by Edward Ardizzone) –  Little Tim finally has the chance to become a sailor and experience life on the high seas.

$12.99 on Amazon!

Why not check out Scholastic’s SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES: TREASURY OF CLASSIC BEDTIME STORIES as well. This new dvd features 28 animated classics, including:
CURIOUS GEORGE RIDES A BIKE, CORDUROY, GOOD NIGHT, GORILLA, HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON, and many, many more.  With celebrity narrators like James Earl Jones, Mia Farrow, Anthony Edwards, Laura Dern, Lynn Whitfield, Pete Seeger and others, the stories as as charming as ever.  And, there’s a very cool read-along function for your budding scholar.

Click here to order ($29.95 for 4.5 hours of storytelling)

I can’t stop.  I’m compelled to also mention the Maurice Sendak Storybook Treasury from Scholastic, which features the first movie adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are!  Also included are IN THE NIGHT KITCHEN and THE NUTSHELL KIDS ( ALLIGATOR’S ALL AROUND, ONE WAS JOHNNY, PIERRE and CHICKEN SOUP WITH RICE).  Love it! However, now that PIERRE is in my head, I’ll be reciting it all day.  $14.95 here!