About the Holiday

With its invitation to dress up, free candy, and spooky fun, Halloween is a favorite holiday of kids and adults—even pets get in on the act! The holiday is thought to have its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, during which people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts. Over time the holiday became a community event and has been transformed into the celebration we know today.

Spooky Pookie

By Sandra Boynton

Little Pookie is so excited to learn that tonight is Halloween. Pookie’s mom reveals that they will visit friends in the neighborhood and yell “Trick or Treat!” But first Pookie must choose a costume. She brings out a big blue box that is stuffed full of cool disguises. Little Pook tries on a dragon costume but finds it “too itchy”; the bear costume is “too hot”; and the superhero costume is “too tight.”

Copyright Sandra Boynton, 2017, courtesy of simonandschuster.com.

Pookie’s mom has some suggestions: “A clown could be funny, a pumpkin is cute. You would make a fine bunny in the white bunny suit.” Maybe, but Pookie wants to keep looking. How about a banana “who wears stripey socks?” That just feels too silly, Pookie says.

Copyright Sandra Boynton, 2017, courtesy of simonandschuster.com.

At the bottom of the box, Mom discovers that “there’s one more to try. It’s a little white ghost. Will THIS be the costume that you like the most?” Pookie is willing to give it a go.  “BOO!” Pookie shouts, and Mom shrieks, “EEK! It’s a Ghost!” But it’s not really. It’s just a “Spooky Pooky.”

Copyright Sandra Boynton, 2017, courtesy of simonandschuster.com.

Sandra Boynton is always pitch perfect for her young audience, and Spooky Pookie is another adorable addition to her holiday stories for little ones to love.  Infused with just a pinch suspense and plenty of giggles as cute Pookie tries on costume after costume, Spooky Pookie is a little rhyming gem that sets a sweet tone for this trick-or-treat read.

Ages 1 – 5

Simon and Schuster Little Simon Board Book, 2017 | ISBN 978-1481497671

You will find books, music, videos, art, games and a whole, whole lot more by Sandra Boynton on her website!

Halloween Activity

Halloween Maze and Coloring Page

Before going trick-or-treating, here are two fun printable Halloween activity sheets to enjoy!

 Pumpkin Patch Maze | Cute Owl Witch Coloring Page

You can find Spooky Pookie at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | Bookshop

Picture Book Review