Franklin's Halloween by Brenda Clark, Paulette Bourgeois (1996, Paperback)

Franklin’s Halloween tells the story Franklin and all of familiar friends, Beaver, Rabbit, Fox, Skunk, Goose, Bear and Owl getting ready with anticipation for Halloween night. The detailed and colorful illustrations add interesting depth to story as the characters begin making their Halloween costumes, decorations, have a pumpkin toss, and go ‘trick or treating’ to celebrate Halloween night. It is a good introduction to Halloween for very small children because the story is sweet and thoughtful without being too scary, and has a message of sharing and caring also included.

Reading level is ages 4-8 (32 pages)

My son and I love the Franklin books and shows on TV. We loved this book as well because of its superb writing and imaginative woodland illustrations. This book follows Franklin one Halloween as he tries to decide what he will be for Halloween. He makes his costume and then attends the school Halloween Party that night. All is fun and well until Franklin suspects that he has been accompanying a real ghost (instead of his friend Bear) all evening.

This book gives a little tingle of excitement, but we learn that the Halloween spirit is just fun!!! There is even some friendly sharing that happens in the end.

I recommend this book to all families with preschoolers.