LIBRARY NOTES
Dr. Betty Middleton
October 2, 2009


Get ready! Halloween is near and the children will be getting excited about what

costume they will wear.

Rowan Public Library has over one hundred titles devoted to costumes. These

include books on Historical Costumes, Party Costumes, Stage Costumes, Biblical

Costumes, Folk Costumes, Costumes of World Cultures, just to begin.

However, if you are thinking quick and easy, several titles stand out. For example,

Glue & Go Costumes for Kids by Holly Cleeland includes fun costumes that can be made

from items found around the house or easily obtainable. With each costume the author

includes a list of materials needed, a pattern and detailed directions.

Another favorite is the book by Angela Wilkes and Jane Bull. They have

collected more than fifty projects in their book Dazzling Disguises and Clever Costumes.

Their costumes can be constructed from everyday materials using old clothes, scarves,

paper and glue.

Mary Wallace’s book I Can Make Costumes has costumes easy enough that the

children can make them with little or no help. Materials needed included simple things

like safety pins, aluminum foil, paper bags, cardboard boxes, crayons, and tempera paint.

Super Masks & Fun Face Painting by Teddy Cameron Long is a good choice for

parents who would like to add an additional touch or eliminate the bulkiness of the full

body costume for smaller children. The mask designs begin with either a simple paper

mache or paper plate mask. Patterns are included for various designs which can be either

full face or just eye covers. The face painting section shows step-by-step details to obtain

the desired effect.

Two Internet sites to explore for easy costumes are the website from Parents

Magazine www.parents.com and the website from Disney www.FamilyFun.go.com.

Involve your children in the selection and making of the costume and enjoy the fun of

the creativity.