The Scared Book Halloween story-time and craft

The Scared Book is chock-full of monsters, and what better time to let the monsters out than Halloween? The following is based on a monster author story-time and craft activity I ran at Gordon library last week, in the lead-up to Halloween.
 
Books read:

1. Scary Night by Lesley Gibbes and Stephen Michael King sets a great Halloween mood. It has the perfect blend of suspense, warmth and fun.

2. The Scared Book. Before reading, I like to warm up the crowd by playing Simon says - the book is going to ask them to help it, so it’s good to practice following instructions. After reading, look at all the monsters and discus what makes them monster-like.
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3. Monsters are Knocking by Alison Lester. This is a brilliant flap book that shows children how their imaginations can lead to unfounded fear, but also gets them working their imaginations about the shadow behind the door flap.

​4. Monster Match by Caroline Grey. There are lots of different size, shape and coloured monsters in this warm and friendly monster book.  

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​Craft:
 
Monster masks
 
Use paper plates and over-sized paddle pop sticks as the base of a mask. Allow children to decorate with a variety of craft supplies, like paper patty-pans, pipe-cleaners (velour sticks), Pom poms, balloons, paper, textas and crayons. Help children cut holes for eyes in the paper plates. 
 
See the photo for ideas. The nose is a balloon, lightly inflated, tied, with the knot inserted into a small hole in the paper plate.
 
Alternatively, Kim Siew has made some ready-wear masks from characters in the book. You can download them here and either print them on paper and glue to lightly thicker cardboard, or print them onto thicker paper/card (I used Officeworks).

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​Book mark
 
Make origami book marks in the shape of a bat – watch this video  for instructions. I also keep ideas on this pinterest board where you'll find a bat-shaped bookmark that I used as inspiration for my own bat. 
 
This activity engaged both children and parents alike. 
 
Other resources:
 
Books – any other books with monsters like:
Monsters by Ann Fienberg and illustrated by Kim Gamble and Stephen Axelson
The Dreadful Fluff by Aaron Blabey
 
Craft: See my pinterest board 

Hope you find these ideas helpful to run your own story-time and craft activity. Have FUN!

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