Just In Time For Halloween: A Terrifyingly Good Read for Kids

By FREYA HOOPER (Star Patcher)

Early chapter books are such a pivotal time. Your kids are finally reading independently and you want them to have a rewarding experience which will ignite a passion for books. I cannot tell you how many kids have fallen in love with reading after consumingCaptain Underpants. An innovative and entertaining book can do that! That is why I continue to spend a lot of time reading these stories and why when I find the good ones I get so excited!

Don’t forget to visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com so that you won’t miss any of the books that will get your children to laugh while reading, one of the best ways I know to get them addicted to books.

Title: Shivers: The Pirate Who’s Afraid of Everything

Author: Annabeth Bondor-Stone

Target: Grade 2-5

Series: This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about:
Shivers may have courageous pirates for parents, but he is afraid of everything. While his mother, father and brother are off sailing the Seven Seas in search of treasure, Shivers is docked on a beach in New Jersey, too afraid to leave the shore. However, when his parents are captured, Shivers must summon the courage to go find them - with a little help from Margo (his best friend) and Albee (his fish).

Why I love this book:
This book was quite funny, and I love a funny read. It is fast paced, full of action, and it has clever humor. A winner in my book.

Between the absurd pirates, the terrified Shivers, a cruise ship and the Statue of Liberty, there is no way your kids will be able to guess all the imaginative and ingenious twists and turns this story takes. Prepare to laugh while reading.

Who this book is for:
Big type and plenty of illustrations make this a manageable read for new chapter book readers and a quick adventure for more established readers.

Final thoughts:
A fun surprise of a story.

• Other columns from Freya:
• Steve Jobs: Insanely Great
• Could This Kid’s Book be an Award Winner?
• Teen Novel Full of Intrigue
• A Terrifyingly Good Read for Kids
• Book for Kids Who Love Computers

I am a mom of three with a passion for literature! No matter what book series our kids devour, as they come to an end, we as parents ask the inevitable question - what is next? I am ever on the job, trying to answer that question. I try to do it with a variety of books. Some are silly, some true to life, some pure fantasy, but in the end I hope they make my children love words, explore new ideas, and laugh!