The Halloween Book of Facts and Fun

Every October 31, children—and even some adults—dress up in costumes. Some go door-to-door looking for a treat, some carve faces into pumpkins, and others tell scary stories about Dracula and Frankenstein. But where do these traditions come from? Wendie Old gets to the bottom of this and other questions in her informative and witty nonfiction picture book. Halloween riddles and ideas for throwing a Halloween party are included. Paige Billin-Frye, who previously teamed up with Wendie Old in The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun, adds her comical and spooky illustrations to the text. “Old and Billin-Frye include everything from religious history and origins of customs from other countries (the original jack-o’-lanterns were turnips or beets) to Frankenstein and Dracula to party-planning suggestions and safety tips.” —School Library Journal “For kids whose curiosity about Halloween goes beyond the burning question of what costume to wear, this brightly illustrated book offers information about the holiday’s history, celebration, and traditions, as well as related matters such as witches, Frankenstein, and Dracula. . . . Appearing on nearly every page, Billin-Frye’s cheery, colorful line-and-watercolor illustrations offer the same clarity and upbeat tone as the text. Throughout the book, illustrated riddles add to the fun. On the last page are lists of adult books, children’s books, and Internet sites. An attractive choice for children looking forward to Halloween.” —Booklist Online “This book provides a well-researched and accessible history of Halloween customs and celebrations, from the ancient Romans and Celts to the modern day. Halloween-themed jokes and riddles are interspersed throughout, and a chapter on party tips and ideas adds to the fun.” —The Horn Book Guide Wendie Old has been a storyteller and children’s librarian for over 30 years. She is the author of seven biographies for middle schoolers and one for early elementary school, as well as three picture books for younger readers.