Boo! Feeling scared on Halloween can be fun for children but can sometimes push their limits
A children’s literature author explains how some of her favorite Halloween-themed children’s books can help children prepare for the holiday ahead.
Halloween brings children an opportunity to balance excitement and fear in a safe environment. The holiday is unique, as it allows students to dress up as astronauts, monsters, and witches, or ring doorbells to ask for treats. However, there is also a darker side to the celebration, with horror images lurking in the shadows, such as ghouls and skeletons.
Parents may wonder what the appropriate level of scariness is for their children. To address this question, renowned author and illustrator Maurice Sendak provides insight through his classic 1963 book "Where the Wild Things Are." A mother shared that her preschooler was terrified by the story of imaginative child Max, sent to his room without dinner.
Sendak argued that no single book should be right for every child, emphasizing the importance of tailoring content to individual preferences. To help children navigate the balance between fear and fun, several children's books offer valuable lessons. Felicia Bond's "The Halloween Performance," later republished as "The Halloween Play," appeals to all ages with humor and suspense.
The story follows Roger, a nervous brown mouse, who overcomes his stage fright to shine in a school performance. Likewise, Frog and Toad demonstrate that facing fear can be fun, as they enjoy scary stories and overcome their own fears. These stories teach children that it is natural to be both fearful and brave at times, fostering resilience and coping skills.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
