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Sunday, October 12, 2014

Monsters, Aliens, and Ghosts, Oh My!

by Dara L. Cain Rowan Public Library

Halloween is right around the corner and that means a whole lot of spookiness is sure to be had.  Halloween is a chance for kids to use their imagination and have lots of fun.  It’s an exciting time for choosing costumes, attending parties, and trick-or-treating with friends.  What better way to get in the holiday spirit than to spend time with your child at Rowan Public Library where you will discover children’s books from the scary to the not-so-scary to help get everyone in the holiday mood. 

If your child loves monsters and spooky tales definitely checkout Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex.  This book is a series of short poems that is sure to have your child laughing and giggling.  How could you not after reading about the invisible man that gets a haircut, the mummy who won’t go to his eternal rest without a story and some cookies, and the Godzilla that pooped on My Honda.  This is a book not just meant to be read for Halloween but to be shared all year long.  The comical illustrations alone are an attention grabber.  The best part, the fun doesn’t end with this title.  Rex followed up with the book Frankenstein Takes the Cake.

What is it about aliens, extraterrestrials, and visitors from outer space that have kids so intrigued?  Discover some stunning secrets in the book Alienology: The Complete Book of Extraterrestrials by Professor Allen Gray.  The Professor will take you on a fascinating mystery tour of a world where space creatures mingle with earthlings. This book will enlighten you on the location of many alien worlds, alien biology (because who wouldn’t want to learn about that), their technology, and how to identify aliens living right here on our planet. 
If sitting around a camp fire telling ghost stories sounds like a great time definitely check out The Revolt and 28 More Original Uwharrie Ghost Stories by Fred T. Morgan.  Morgan is a true believer in ghosts and has written some spine tingling stories based in North Carolina.  This book is not for those who mind a little heart racing excitement.  If you prefer more mystery and history and a little less scary you may want to check out The Devil’s Tramping Ground and Other North Carolina Mystery Stories by John Harden.  Quite interesting is the historical mystery surrounding Peter Stuart Ney, the mysterious schoolmaster of Rowan County.  Was he a supreme imposter or a renowned Marshal of France?

Why is it that some of us enjoy stories that have the power to frighten us while others do not? Have you ever thought about the science behind it?  The book Are You Afraid Yet?  The Science Behind Scary Stuff by Stephen James O’ Meara takes a look at this interesting topic.  This unique book uses comic-book style panels and brief facts to investigate the science behind the what, why, and how of everything scary.  Learn about the things that have frightened people for centuries, and uncover the truth behind UFO’s, vampires, King Kong, haunted houses, and more.  O’Meara includes first person and historical accounts as well as expert scientific opinions.  Be prepared to be scared.

Don’t forget to check out these howlin’ good children’s book at Rowan Public Library this season!

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