We have put together a list of the Best Children’s Halloween books. Especially for kids under the age of 12 and parents to enjoy. These Halloween books for kids range from playfully spooky (for the little ones) to downright chilling (for the older kids) and are sure to get your little trick-or-treater into the Halloween spirit. So, break out your flashlight and your witch’s hat it’s time to cuddle under the blankets with your little reader and one of these absolutely spectacular Halloween books for kids! 1. Where Is Baby’s Pumpkin? by Karen KatzKaren Katz’s distinctive style of an adorable baby searches throughout the house for her pumpkin. Is the pumpkin under the leaves, behind the curtain, under the bed? NO! But Baby finds many other surprises as a ghost, a witch’s hat, cute as button bats, and candy apples are found under each flap. Finally, after the Baby finds her pumpkin, she is ready to go trick or treating and the ending flap reveals a Halloween extravaganza! 2. Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie PaceThis is a challenge for any little girl, but even more so if you appear to be a vampire-like Vampirina. First of all, you need to find a class that gathers at night. Then you have to find out how to perfect your form when you cannot see yourself in the mirror? And then there is wearing pink and that nagging urge to take a little nip out of the other dancers. And worst of all… STAGE FRIGHT!!! 3. Ladybug Girl and the Dress-up Dilemma by Jacky Davis, one of the Best Children’s books on halloweenIt’s Halloween and Lulu must decide on a costume. Should she be Ladybug Girl or something she has never been before? She tries many different costumes, but nothing seems perfect. Maybe she will think of the right costume as she enjoys the autumn day with her family by pumpkin picking and going on a hayride. But it’s not until Lulu and Bingo help a little girl who is lost that Lulu discovers who she was meant to be for Halloween, Ladybug Girl, of course! After all, she is Ladybug Girl and it is important to be true to yourself. 4. Junie B. Jones by Barbara ParkBarbara Park’s New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favourite and has been keeping kids laughing and reading for more than twenty-five years. Over 70 million copies in print and now with a better new look for the new generation! Meet the World’s Funniest First Grader Junie B. Jones! It’s Halloween! But Junie B. is afraid to go trick or treating. ’what if witches and monsters are really real? And what if pumpkins with sharp teeth come to eat your feet? And don’t even get her started on the candy corn problem. So how is Junie B. supposed to enjoy this scary holiday? 5. Double Down by Jeff KinneyThe pressure is piling up on Greg Heffley because his mom thinks video games are turning his brain to mush, so she wanted her son to put down the controller and explore his creativity. As if that is wasn’t scary enough, Halloween is just closely approaching and the frights are coming at Greg from every corner. When Greg discovers a bag of gummy worms, it sparks an idea. Can he get his mom off his back by making a movie…and will he become rich and famous in the process? Or will doubling down on this plan just double Greg’s troubles? 6. Halfway in our Best Children’s Halloween books; Halloween Party by R.L. StineThe invitation appeared in a black-bordered envelope and was delivered by the beautiful and mysterious transfer student. The inside showed a coffin with the inscription “Reserved for You”, perfect for an all-night Halloween party in an old house on Fear Street. The party is well under way when the lights go out. That’s to be expected at the Halloween party. But when the lights return, a boy is on the floor with a knife in his back. Just a Halloween prank? Maybe. Maybe not. Now the guests’ trick or treating has turned to terror. And it seems like someone is idea of a party game is murder! ![]() 7. Room on the Broom by Julia DonaldsonThe witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow, and then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the lost items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. But is there space on the broom for so many friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon? Definitely one of the more exciting and best children’s books on Halloween out there right now. 8. The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan Berenstain and Jan BerenstainCome for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s a Halloween that Brother and Sister cannot wait to go trick or treating with all of their friends, but when someone in the group encourages the kids to play a trick, things may not go as planned. This amazing story is a perfect way to celebrate Halloween, all the while teaching children about the difference between good and bad. 9. The Halloween Kid by Rhode MontijoFrom the illustrator of the Melvin Beederman, Superhero series tells a story of a masked hero and his trusty steed. Together they save Halloween from ruthless toilet paper-tossing mummies and pumpkin-sucking vampires. With a rootin’ tootin’ Halloween monster-Shootin’ text and retro-modern illustrations, The Halloween Kid will lasso in readers both young and old. Because who does not love a hero who defends the right to trick or treat? 10. Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa MontesFollow los monstruos and los esqueletos to the Halloween party in this bilingual poem written by Marisa Montes, with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales Under October’s luna, full and bright, the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. Las brujas come on their broomsticks. Los muertos rise from their coffins to join in the fun. Los esqueletos rattle their bones as they dance through the door. And the scariest creatures of all aren’t even there yet! This lively bilingual Halloween poem introduces young readers to a spooky array of Spanish words that will open their ojos to the chilling delights of the season. The post 10 Best Children’s Books on Halloween for kids under the age of 12 appeared first on Morningside Books. Source: https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/top-10/best-childrens-books-halloween/ The post 10 Best Children’s Books on Halloween for kids under the age of 12 appeared first on Morningside Books. Source: https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/uncategorized/10-best-childrens-books-on-halloween-for-kids-under-the-age-of-12/ The post 10 Best Children’s Books on Halloween for kids under the age of 12 appeared first on Morningside Books. Source: https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/uncategorized/10-best-childrens-books-on-halloween-for-kids-under-the-age-of-12-2/ The post 10 Best Children’s Books on Halloween for kids under the age of 12 appeared first on Morningside Books. from https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/uncategorized/10-best-childrens-books-on-halloween-for-kids-under-the-age-of-12-3/
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We have put together a list of the Best Children’s Halloween books. Especially for kids under the age of 12 and parents to enjoy. These Halloween books for kids range from playfully spooky (for the little ones) to downright chilling (for the older kids) and are sure to get your little trick-or-treater into the Halloween spirit. So, break out your flashlight and your witch’s hat it’s time to cuddle under the blankets with your little reader and one of these absolutely spectacular Halloween books for kids! 1. Where Is Baby’s Pumpkin? by Karen KatzKaren Katz’s distinctive style of an adorable baby searches throughout the house for her pumpkin. Is the pumpkin under the leaves, behind the curtain, under the bed? NO! But Baby finds many other surprises as a ghost, a witch’s hat, cute as button bats, and candy apples are found under each flap. Finally, after the Baby finds her pumpkin, she is ready to go trick or treating and the ending flap reveals a Halloween extravaganza! 2. Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie PaceThis is a challenge for any little girl, but even more so if you appear to be a vampire-like Vampirina. First of all, you need to find a class that gathers at night. Then you have to find out how to perfect your form when you cannot see yourself in the mirror? And then there is wearing pink and that nagging urge to take a little nip out of the other dancers. And worst of all… STAGE FRIGHT!!! 3. Ladybug Girl and the Dress-up Dilemma by Jacky Davis, one of the Best Children’s books on halloweenIt’s Halloween and Lulu must decide on a costume. Should she be Ladybug Girl or something she has never been before? She tries many different costumes, but nothing seems perfect. Maybe she will think of the right costume as she enjoys the autumn day with her family by pumpkin picking and going on a hayride. But it’s not until Lulu and Bingo help a little girl who is lost that Lulu discovers who she was meant to be for Halloween, Ladybug Girl, of course! After all, she is Ladybug Girl and it is important to be true to yourself. 4. Junie B. Jones by Barbara ParkBarbara Park’s New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favourite and has been keeping kids laughing and reading for more than twenty-five years. Over 70 million copies in print and now with a better new look for the new generation! Meet the World’s Funniest First Grader Junie B. Jones! It’s Halloween! But Junie B. is afraid to go trick or treating. ’what if witches and monsters are really real? And what if pumpkins with sharp teeth come to eat your feet? And don’t even get her started on the candy corn problem. So how is Junie B. supposed to enjoy this scary holiday? 5. Double Down by Jeff KinneyThe pressure is piling up on Greg Heffley because his mom thinks video games are turning his brain to mush, so she wanted her son to put down the controller and explore his creativity. As if that is wasn’t scary enough, Halloween is just closely approaching and the frights are coming at Greg from every corner. When Greg discovers a bag of gummy worms, it sparks an idea. Can he get his mom off his back by making a movie…and will he become rich and famous in the process? Or will doubling down on this plan just double Greg’s troubles? 6. Halfway in our Best Children’s Halloween books; Halloween Party by R.L. StineThe invitation appeared in a black-bordered envelope and was delivered by the beautiful and mysterious transfer student. The inside showed a coffin with the inscription “Reserved for You”, perfect for an all-night Halloween party in an old house on Fear Street. The party is well under way when the lights go out. That’s to be expected at the Halloween party. But when the lights return, a boy is on the floor with a knife in his back. Just a Halloween prank? Maybe. Maybe not. Now the guests’ trick or treating has turned to terror. And it seems like someone is idea of a party game is murder! ![]() 7. Room on the Broom by Julia DonaldsonThe witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow, and then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the lost items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. But is there space on the broom for so many friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon? Definitely one of the more exciting and best children’s books on Halloween out there right now. 8. The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan Berenstain and Jan BerenstainCome for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s a Halloween that Brother and Sister cannot wait to go trick or treating with all of their friends, but when someone in the group encourages the kids to play a trick, things may not go as planned. This amazing story is a perfect way to celebrate Halloween, all the while teaching children about the difference between good and bad. 9. The Halloween Kid by Rhode MontijoFrom the illustrator of the Melvin Beederman, Superhero series tells a story of a masked hero and his trusty steed. Together they save Halloween from ruthless toilet paper-tossing mummies and pumpkin-sucking vampires. With a rootin’ tootin’ Halloween monster-Shootin’ text and retro-modern illustrations, The Halloween Kid will lasso in readers both young and old. Because who does not love a hero who defends the right to trick or treat? 10. Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa MontesFollow los monstruos and los esqueletos to the Halloween party in this bilingual poem written by Marisa Montes, with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales Under October’s luna, full and bright, the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. Las brujas come on their broomsticks. Los muertos rise from their coffins to join in the fun. Los esqueletos rattle their bones as they dance through the door. And the scariest creatures of all aren’t even there yet! This lively bilingual Halloween poem introduces young readers to a spooky array of Spanish words that will open their ojos to the chilling delights of the season. The post 10 Best Children’s Books on Halloween for kids under the age of 12 appeared first on Morningside Books. Source: https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/top-10/best-childrens-books-halloween/ The post 10 Best Children’s Books on Halloween for kids under the age of 12 appeared first on Morningside Books. Source: https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/uncategorized/10-best-childrens-books-on-halloween-for-kids-under-the-age-of-12/ The post 10 Best Children’s Books on Halloween for kids under the age of 12 appeared first on Morningside Books. from https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/uncategorized/10-best-childrens-books-on-halloween-for-kids-under-the-age-of-12-2/ We have put together a list of the Best Children’s Halloween books. Especially for kids under the age of 12 and parents to enjoy. These Halloween books for kids range from playfully spooky (for the little ones) to downright chilling (for the older kids) and are sure to get your little trick-or-treater into the Halloween spirit. So, break out your flashlight and your witch’s hat it’s time to cuddle under the blankets with your little reader and one of these absolutely spectacular Halloween books for kids! 1. Where Is Baby’s Pumpkin? by Karen KatzKaren Katz’s distinctive style of an adorable baby searches throughout the house for her pumpkin. Is the pumpkin under the leaves, behind the curtain, under the bed? NO! But Baby finds many other surprises as a ghost, a witch’s hat, cute as button bats, and candy apples are found under each flap. Finally, after the Baby finds her pumpkin, she is ready to go trick or treating and the ending flap reveals a Halloween extravaganza! 2. Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie PaceThis is a challenge for any little girl, but even more so if you appear to be a vampire-like Vampirina. First of all, you need to find a class that gathers at night. Then you have to find out how to perfect your form when you cannot see yourself in the mirror? And then there is wearing pink and that nagging urge to take a little nip out of the other dancers. And worst of all… STAGE FRIGHT!!! 3. Ladybug Girl and the Dress-up Dilemma by Jacky Davis, one of the Best Children’s books on halloweenIt’s Halloween and Lulu must decide on a costume. Should she be Ladybug Girl or something she has never been before? She tries many different costumes, but nothing seems perfect. Maybe she will think of the right costume as she enjoys the autumn day with her family by pumpkin picking and going on a hayride. But it’s not until Lulu and Bingo help a little girl who is lost that Lulu discovers who she was meant to be for Halloween, Ladybug Girl, of course! After all, she is Ladybug Girl and it is important to be true to yourself. 4. Junie B. Jones by Barbara ParkBarbara Park’s New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favourite and has been keeping kids laughing and reading for more than twenty-five years. Over 70 million copies in print and now with a better new look for the new generation! Meet the World’s Funniest First Grader Junie B. Jones! It’s Halloween! But Junie B. is afraid to go trick or treating. ’what if witches and monsters are really real? And what if pumpkins with sharp teeth come to eat your feet? And don’t even get her started on the candy corn problem. So how is Junie B. supposed to enjoy this scary holiday? 5. Double Down by Jeff KinneyThe pressure is piling up on Greg Heffley because his mom thinks video games are turning his brain to mush, so she wanted her son to put down the controller and explore his creativity. As if that is wasn’t scary enough, Halloween is just closely approaching and the frights are coming at Greg from every corner. When Greg discovers a bag of gummy worms, it sparks an idea. Can he get his mom off his back by making a movie…and will he become rich and famous in the process? Or will doubling down on this plan just double Greg’s troubles? 6. Halfway in our Best Children’s Halloween books; Halloween Party by R.L. StineThe invitation appeared in a black-bordered envelope and was delivered by the beautiful and mysterious transfer student. The inside showed a coffin with the inscription “Reserved for You”, perfect for an all-night Halloween party in an old house on Fear Street. The party is well under way when the lights go out. That’s to be expected at the Halloween party. But when the lights return, a boy is on the floor with a knife in his back. Just a Halloween prank? Maybe. Maybe not. Now the guests’ trick or treating has turned to terror. And it seems like someone is idea of a party game is murder! ![]() 7. Room on the Broom by Julia DonaldsonThe witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow, and then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the lost items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. But is there space on the broom for so many friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon? Definitely one of the more exciting and best children’s books on Halloween out there right now. 8. The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan Berenstain and Jan BerenstainCome for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s a Halloween that Brother and Sister cannot wait to go trick or treating with all of their friends, but when someone in the group encourages the kids to play a trick, things may not go as planned. This amazing story is a perfect way to celebrate Halloween, all the while teaching children about the difference between good and bad. 9. The Halloween Kid by Rhode MontijoFrom the illustrator of the Melvin Beederman, Superhero series tells a story of a masked hero and his trusty steed. Together they save Halloween from ruthless toilet paper-tossing mummies and pumpkin-sucking vampires. With a rootin’ tootin’ Halloween monster-Shootin’ text and retro-modern illustrations, The Halloween Kid will lasso in readers both young and old. Because who does not love a hero who defends the right to trick or treat? 10. Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa MontesFollow los monstruos and los esqueletos to the Halloween party in this bilingual poem written by Marisa Montes, with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales Under October’s luna, full and bright, the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. Las brujas come on their broomsticks. Los muertos rise from their coffins to join in the fun. Los esqueletos rattle their bones as they dance through the door. And the scariest creatures of all aren’t even there yet! This lively bilingual Halloween poem introduces young readers to a spooky array of Spanish words that will open their ojos to the chilling delights of the season. The post 10 Best Children’s Books on Halloween for kids under the age of 12 appeared first on Morningside Books. Source: https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/top-10/best-childrens-books-halloween/ The post 10 Best Children’s Books on Halloween for kids under the age of 12 appeared first on Morningside Books. from https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/uncategorized/10-best-childrens-books-on-halloween-for-kids-under-the-age-of-12/ We have put together a list of the Best Children’s Halloween books. Especially for kids under the age of 12 and parents to enjoy. These Halloween books for kids range from playfully spooky (for the little ones) to downright chilling (for the older kids) and are sure to get your little trick-or-treater into the Halloween spirit. So, break out your flashlight and your witch’s hat it’s time to cuddle under the blankets with your little reader and one of these absolutely spectacular Halloween books for kids! 1. Where Is Baby’s Pumpkin? by Karen KatzKaren Katz’s distinctive style of an adorable baby searches throughout the house for her pumpkin. Is the pumpkin under the leaves, behind the curtain, under the bed? NO! But Baby finds many other surprises as a ghost, a witch’s hat, cute as button bats, and candy apples are found under each flap. Finally, after the Baby finds her pumpkin, she is ready to go trick or treating and the ending flap reveals a Halloween extravaganza! 2. Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie PaceThis is a challenge for any little girl, but even more so if you appear to be a vampire-like Vampirina. First of all, you need to find a class that gathers at night. Then you have to find out how to perfect your form when you cannot see yourself in the mirror? And then there is wearing pink and that nagging urge to take a little nip out of the other dancers. And worst of all… STAGE FRIGHT!!! 3. Ladybug Girl and the Dress-up Dilemma by Jacky DavisIt’s Halloween and Lulu must decide on a costume. Should she be Ladybug Girl or something she has never been before? She tries many different costumes, but nothing seems perfect. Maybe she will think of the right costume as she enjoys the autumn day with her family by pumpkin picking and going on a hayride. But it’s not until Lulu and Bingo help a little girl who is lost that Lulu discovers who she was meant to be for Halloween, Ladybug Girl, of course! After all, she is Ladybug Girl and it is important to be true to yourself. 4. Junie B. Jones by Barbara ParkBarbara Park’s New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favourite and has been keeping kids laughing and reading for more than twenty-five years. Over 70 million copies in print and now with a better new look for the new generation! Meet the World’s Funniest First Grader Junie B. Jones! It’s Halloween! But Junie B. is afraid to go trick or treating. ’what if witches and monsters are really real? And what if pumpkins with sharp teeth come to eat your feet? And don’t even get her started on the candy corn problem. So how is Junie B. supposed to enjoy this scary holiday? 5. Double Down by Jeff KinneyThe pressure is piling up on Greg Heffley because his mom thinks video games are turning his brain to mush, so she wanted her son to put down the controller and explore his creativity. As if that is wasn’t scary enough, Halloween is just closely approaching and the frights are coming at Greg from every corner. When Greg discovers a bag of gummy worms, it sparks an idea. Can he get his mom off his back by making a movie…and will he become rich and famous in the process? Or will doubling down on this plan just double Greg’s troubles? 6. Halfway in our Best Children’s Halloween books; Halloween Party by R.L. StineThe invitation appeared in a black-bordered envelope and was delivered by the beautiful and mysterious transfer student. The inside showed a coffin with the inscription “Reserved for You”, perfect for an all-night Halloween party in an old house on Fear Street. The party is well under way when the lights go out. That’s to be expected at the Halloween party. But when the lights return, a boy is on the floor with a knife in his back. Just a Halloween prank? Maybe. Maybe not. Now the guests’ trick or treating has turned to terror. And it seems like someone is idea of a party game is murder! ![]() 7. Room on the Broom by Julia DonaldsonThe witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow, and then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the lost items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. But is there space on the broom for so many friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon? 8. The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan Berenstain and Jan BerenstainCome for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s a Halloween that Brother and Sister cannot wait to go trick or treating with all of their friends, but when someone in the group encourages the kids to play a trick, things may not go as planned. This amazing story is a perfect way to celebrate Halloween, all the while teaching children about the difference between good and bad. 9. The Halloween Kid by Rhode MontijoFrom the illustrator of the Melvin Beederman, Superhero series tells a story of a masked hero and his trusty steed. Together they save Halloween from ruthless toilet paper-tossing mummies and pumpkin-sucking vampires. With a rootin’ tootin’ Halloween monster-Shootin’ text and retro-modern illustrations, The Halloween Kid will lasso in readers both young and old. Because who does not love a hero who defends the right to trick or treat? 10. Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa MontesFollow los monstruos and los esqueletos to the Halloween party in this bilingual poem written by Marisa Montes, with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales Under October’s luna, full and bright, the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. Las brujas come on their broomsticks. Los muertos rise from their coffins to join in the fun. Los esqueletos rattle their bones as they dance through the door. And the scariest creatures of all aren’t even there yet! This lively bilingual Halloween poem introduces young readers to a spooky array of Spanish words that will open their ojos to the chilling delights of the season. The post 10 Best Children’s Books on Halloween for kids under the age of 12 appeared first on Morningside Books. from https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/top-10/best-childrens-books-halloween/ Stephen King, one of the masters of American horror fiction, has an oeuvre of close to 100 books. Of these, we will highlight the five best books which include some of the most genre-defining, best-selling titles in all of literature. From nightmare clowns to pussycats rising from the grave, Stephen King has captivated readers with his penchant for imaginative yet believable plots, colourful and three-dimensional characters, and images that sear into the minds and leave our psyches shell-shocked. From his first novel, Carrie, way back in 1974, he has consistently found ways to unnerve us while still practically forcing us to turn the page. Here are Stephen King’s 5 best books of all time. We chose them because they best represent Stephen King’s body of work in that they are terrifying, page-turning, other-worldly, horror gems. ![]() Book number 1 in our top 5; MiseryThanks in part to Kathy Bates’s Oscar-winning turn as Annie Wilkes in Rob Reiner’s 1990 film adaptation, Misery is easily one of King’s best-known and most widely read stories. Novelist Paul Sheldon suffers a car accident on a snowy road, and is rescued by a former nurse named Annie Wilkes, who just happens to be the absolute biggest fan of Sheldon’s romance novels. Unfortunately for Annie, Paul has grown bored of his protagonist Misery Chastain, and has killed her off in the most recent book. ![]() Unfortunately for Paul, Annie doesn’t care for that ending. She will do everything in her power to make sure Paul writes a better one. Originally intended as a Bachman book, Misery finds Stephen King unpacking toxic fandom decades before Twitter would allow Annie Wilkes the world over to vent their frustrations around the clock. Stephen King has since said that Misery is not just about the expectations of his fans, but about cocaine’s hold over him throughout much of the ‘80s. Our conclusion on MiseryThe novel is perhaps the best example of Stephen King’s ability to ratchet up the tension with nary a ghost or goblin insight, as Wilkes proves plenty terrifying in her all-too-human form. If you thought Jack Nicholson hefted the most iconic ax in Stephen King’s history, you haven’t read Misery yet. Salem’s Lot as our number 2![]() Carrie was an unexpected start, but Stephen King’s second published novel best forecasted what to expect from the horror genre’s most outstanding author. Salem’s Lot brought the vampire myth into the backyards of semi-rural Americans. And it found Stephen King at his most ruthless with the characters in this book. Amusingly, the novel also features the first of King’s many writer protagonists. Stephen King sold Salem’s Lot for notable sum by today’s standards, nevermind the mid-70’s. And this streak continues; last year’s The Outsider even touches upon some of the same themes, to chilling effect. The third on our list is The Shining![]() For most modern readers, the movie adaptation of The Shining by legendary director Stanley Kubrick looms large over Stephen King’s original novel. Nearly all of the moments lodged in the public consciousness are only in the film: the elevator of blood, the ghoulish twin girls in the hallway, the typewriter and the iconic;
Pushing past these iconic bits of pop culture reveals one of King’s greatest accomplishments, a hauntingly compelling story of a troubled man’s descent into madness. Stephen King’s novel is more sympathetic than the movie toward Jack Torrance, a recovering-alcoholic writer. He tries to improve his family’s life by taking a job as a caretaker of a remote off-season resort with a barely concealed violent history. Our fourth position in the list of best books by Stephen King is IT (1986)
![]() The titular “IT,” on the other hand, is probably King’s most enduring and iconic monster. An interdimensional being of pure malevolence and alien mindset that seems so much simpler on the surface. An evil clown that kills kids? That could at least be dealt with in ways accessible to adults. Fighting the actual evil of It is a much trickier proposition, one that depends upon a perfect blend of mysticism and childhood faith necessary to overcome Its greatest weapons: fear and entropy, and the ability to make an entire town forget about the atrocities it commits and allows. The ending of It is occasionally cited as its weak point, but it’s a big, fat novel that is far more about a journey, both in the ’50s and ’80s, and the horrifying visions suffered along the way. Last but not least of the best of Stephen King; The StandStephen King’s magnum opus nearly didn’t make Paste’s Best Horror Novels of All Time countdown. It is said to fit more neatly into the post-apocalyptic fiction or fantasy genre. At over 800 pages (more, if you are reading the uncut edition), The Stand includes as much horror as any of Stephen King’s other novels. Spurred by a viral outbreak that kills off 99.4% of the population. Apocalyptic scenarios were on everyone’s minds in the ’70s and ’80s, as global tensions escalated and means of mass destruction proliferated. ![]() Stephen King isn’t content to simply explore a post-pandemic wasteland, though; The Stand is his most epic standoff between good and evil. The latter concept embodied by Randall Flagg, a recurring antagonist of Stephen King’s. Randall Flagg later becomes essential to King’s Dark Tower saga. Knowledge of that series isn’t necessary to undertake The Stand. All you need is only a month or so of dedicated reading, and a hearty resistance to nightmares. If you like our list of best books by Stephen King, also check out the best books by James Patterson. The post The 5 best books by Stephen King appeared first on Morningside Books. from https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/best-books-by/5-best-books-by-stephen-king/ Many books we read when we’re young want to show us lessons about life. True, the items we learn in them can stick with us forever. But lessons can be so dull. Luckily, Kelly Barnhill’s extraordinary 4th novel, “The Girl Who Drank the Moon,” educates about oppression, blind allegiance, and challenging the established order while immersing the reader in an exhilarating story full of magical creatures and derring-do. My thoughts on the girl who drank the moonThis is a wondrously dark fantasy which is a symphony of gorgeous storytelling and lyrical imagery that completely entranced me as the magic within unfolded like a kaleidoscope of lightness and darkness. All the elements of this story fit together like the pieces of a glorious, intricate jigsaw puzzle which, once they are brought together, creates a story of so much depth, beauty, pain, and release. The themes are deeply rooted and profound: the craving for power at the expense of humanity; the manipulation of the weak by the powerful; the inherent strength in good people to effect change; forces of nature, spirituality, and magic; and, the power of hope to overcome grief and sorrow.
Short Summary and my viewpointsIn the Protectorate, people live in a perpetual state of sorrow with the awful burden of knowing that a child will be sacrificed to the witch in the cursed forest each year. This is so that their community will be protected for another cycle. What the people don’t know is that the witch is not a child-eater, but saves each of the children from certain death. The narrative has multiple viewpoints, but mainly switches between Luna’s story and Antain’s story. He is the Elder-in-Training who, at the demand of his despicable, power-hungry Uncle, the Grand Elder Gherland, carries Luna into the forest on the Day of Sacrifice, a horror so unbearable that her mother is driven to madness and locked up in the Tower presided over by Sister Ignatius, who has her secrets and needs. Filled with guilt and determined to stop the cruelty of the sacrifice, Antain begins to dig deeper into life in the Protectorate. ![]() The town of SorrowsThe people of a dingy, fog-covered town, nicknamed the town of Sorrows, are convinced that each year they need to sacrifice their youngest child to an evil witch or she is going to destroy them all. The town’s pompous, prissy Elders perpetuate this lie. They don’t believe the witch, but they know the lie makes for “a frightened people, a subdued people, a compliant people.” it’s a governing style that deserves a good thought. The Elders of the town don’t know that the babies are collected by an honest witch named Xan. She carries them to a happier city with waiting families. They are called Star Children as a result of the journey Xan feeds the starlight. Unlike the morose children in the town, the babies thrive, and their eyes sparkle. It is an exquisite metaphor for the benefits of love and compassion. A Rebelious mother in the girl who drank the moonOne mother rebels and refuses to offer up her baby. A young Elder in Training, Antain, watches in horror because the mother is grabbed by a ruthless all-female military force, and locked away like a madwoman. The baby is left within the woods as always, and Xan falls crazy together with her “gaze that reached into the tight strings of the soul and plucked, like the strings of a harp.” Because she is so loving, Xan unintendedly feeds the baby not starlight but moonlight, and therefore the baby becomes “mimicked.” Nothing for it, but Xan must bring the child up as her own. She names her Luna and for thirteen years contains her magical abilities. ![]() A Sentimental monsterXan’s family also includes a sentimental monster who writes poetry and a pocket-size dragon. They all have memories of an unhappy and violent past that have got to be kept locked away. Why must they hide their sadness? And why is it so crucial for the town to be kept sad? When we learn the solution, the whole story falls into place and becomes impossible to place down. It is Antain, hooked into the madwoman, who begins to suspect all isn’t what it seems. Barnhill excels at characters who don’t slot in, like Antain, whose face is roofed in scars. Ned, in her previous novel, “The Witch’s Boy,” does not speak; Jack in “The Mostly True Story of Jack” and Princess Violet in “Iron Hearted Violet” are both unusual and lonely outsiders. Some extra things I have noticedBarnhill looks past their oddness to their humanity, and that is why we can identify ourselves with them. We then root for their success. As Luna approaches 13, we feel her magical powers. They are threatening to burst from her all along with other less appealing signs of puberty. We feel the fear when it’s disclosed that Antain’s baby is next in line to be sacrificed. And cheer when he and his wife come up with an idea. A chase, a quest, a planned murder: The story is so well-plotted the page’s fly by. Barnhill’s language is lyrical and reminiscent of traditional fairy tales, but not childish or stereotypical. She writes impressively from a variety of points of view. Not only those of Luna and Xan but also of Sister Ignatia and the mother who has lost her mind. Magic abounds, both beautiful and dangerous. Origami birds fly, but their paper wings also part and cut. Enchanted but incomprehensible images appear on rocks, and there are seven-league boots so “black… they appeared to bend the sunshine.” Almost every female character seems to possess some supernatural ability when needed, but maybe that’s another hidden truth: we’ve got the power to make things happen. Speak up. Ask questions. Trust your instincts. Valuable instructions for any reader. ![]() My conclusion about the girl who drank the moon“The Girl Who Drank the Moon” is as exciting and stratified. As typical as “Peter Pan” or “The Wizard of Oz.” It too is about what it means to grow up and find where we belong. The young reader who devours it now only for fun will remember its lessons for years to return. This is a beautifully dark and intricate story of the deep protective love and loyalty within the family. It has magic at its heart, which certainly cast a spell over me. The post The girl who drank the moon review appeared first on Morning Side Books. from https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/reviews/the-girl-who-drank-the-moon-review/ This is a list of books that are the crème de la crème of the fantasy genre. I’ve carefully chosen these top 10 fantasy books from among hundreds of series and thousands of books. In my many years of devouring fantasy books, certain fantasy books have stood out far above the rest. This is a list of those books. Easily in the Top 10 Best Fantasy Books is, of course, Lord of the Rings by TolkienIt’s an obvious choice, but I can’t see how any list like this would be complete without J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy. Tolkien is to blame for modern fantasy’s obsession with orcs, elves, and dwarves, not to mention Halflings (or Hobbits) and Dark Lords whose names should never be spoken aloud. Still, I find myself returning to Tolkien’s work every so often, and every time I glean something new from the story of Frodo Baggins and the One Ring. Tolkien’s Middle-earth is so well-drawn and rich with song and lore, it’s hard not to get lost in it all. It’s a powerful story of friendship and the corrupting influence of power on the world. If you’ve only seen the movies, you’ll find so much more in the novels. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott LynchIf you enjoy heists, you’ll probably love The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. It’s the first book in “The Gentlemen Bastards” series, and it’s a wild ride. It’s a story of thieves taking on daring crimes that occasionally upset the wrong people. At times exhilarating, the first book, in particular, is also surprisingly harrowing. With dark magic, a fantastic cast of characters and plenty of adventure to keep those pages turning, Lynch’s story is one of the more original modern fantasies I’ve read. The first book is the best in the series, unfortunately, but well worth the read even on its own. My third position in the best fantasy books ever written list; The Last Unicorn by Peter S. BeagleThe Last Unicorn is quite possibly the most beautiful novel I’ve ever read. I don’t say that lightly. There’s something about Beagle’s prose that draws you into this whimsical, sad world. Magic is disappearing and with it the ability for normal people to see magical creatures. This alone makes it one of the best fantasy books ever written for me.
The animated movie adaptation of the book was one of my favourites growing up, but the novel itself is so much better it’s required reading for any fantasy enthusiast, and even newcomers to the genre. It’s also quite short, which is a refreshing change from fantasy standards. Mistborn by Brandon SandersonBrandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series is as much about class warfare as it is about allomancy (the ability to alter metal) and the other fascinating magic systems that make these books unique. The Power of AllomancyThe evil Lord Ruler rules over the land with an iron fist, and society is strictly divided between the haves and have-nots. But the brilliant thief Kelsier has discovered the power of allomancy (the ability to burn metals). Along with his crew and the street-rat Vin, a budding allomancer, they take on enormous odds. A book that’s part magic, part caper and excellent from start to finish. The end, in particular, will leave you stunned. The entire Mistborn series is well worth your time but start with Mistborn. The post 10 of the Best Fantasy Books ever written appeared first on Morning Side Books. from https://www.morningsidebookshop.com/top-10/best-fantasy-books/ |
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