Halloween Mentor Texts for BIG KIDS! (plus some useful tips for using them!)

  

I pulled our family's collection of Halloween books out yesterday and WOAH we have a lot! We love seasonal collections and it appears Halloween books are some of our favorites.

In the classroom, I reach for these picture books all the time. Teaching upper elementary and middle grades has taught me to never put away the pictures...they still love them!

In this post I’ve rounded up my  favorite mentor texts to use in the HALLOWEEN season. PLUS I’ve shared some tips for using them with specific reading skills. 

Creepy Carrots By: Aaron Reynolds

Literary Skills: Compare/Contrast, Point of View, Tone

Themes to explore: Imagination, Fear, Consequences

This text is so fun to use around Halloween. It gives the “creepy” factor without being overtly holiday themed. Jasper Rabbit and the carrots have a bit of a “misunderstanding” in this mentor text. This makes compare/contrast of the two points of view super easy. You can also do a quick lesson on tone/mood with this mentor text. Discuss how the author and illustrator use vocabulary, sentence structure, and illustrations to create the “creepy’ mood. 

PS--Check out my FULL DAY of lesson plans to accompany Creepy Carrots. This is the perfect set of plans to keep your class learning and having fun!

You can also try out my comprehension questions for Creepy Carrots here!

Creepy Pair of Underwear By: Aaron Reynolds

Literary Skills: Character Analysis, Personal Connections
Themes to explore: Problem Solving, Acceptance and Uniqueness, Imagination vs. Reality

This humorous story is perfect for upper elementary classrooms, as it not only entertains but provides opportunity for character analysis. You can easily guide students to examine Jasper’s character traits, motivations, and how he evolves throughout the story. Students can also connect to Jasper with their own experiences with bravery. 

Creepy Crayon By: Aaron Reynolds

Literary Elements: Central Theme, Figurative Language
Themes to Explore: Creativity, Self-Expression, Consequences

This third installment follows Jasper as he bravely confronts his fear of spooky, glowing underwear. "Creepy Crayon" is an excellent resource for teaching about central themes, such as courage and the humorous side of fear. Students can identify moments of Jasper's growth and discuss how these themes enhance the narrative. Additionally, the book is rich in figurative language with numerous similes, metaphors, imagery, and humor.

Room on the Broom  By: Julia Donaldson

Literary Elements: Rhyme, Repetition, Character Development
Themes to Explore: Friendship, Teamwork

Room on the Broom follows a witch and her animal friends on a whimsical adventure. Use this mentor text to teach rhyme, repetition, and the use of figurative language to  reinforce themes. Also, teach character development by discussing how each animal contributes to the story and how their relationships with the witch evolve.

The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat By: Stan and Jan Berenstain

Literary Elements: Dialogue, Character Interaction, Moral Lessons

Themes to Explore: Community, Traditions

Follow Brother and Sister Bear as they enjoy Halloween and learn important lessons about kindness and sharing. This mentor text is an excellent tool for teaching dialogue. Students can analyze how dialogue reflects character personalities and relationships, fostering deeper comprehension. Additionally, the moral lessons encourage discussions about life inside and outside of the classroom.

Pumpkin Heads By: Wendell Minor

Literary Elements: Character Analysis, Compare/Contrast

Themes to Explore: Friendship and Belonging, Perseverance, Problem-Solving

Pumpkin Heads follows two pumpkin-headed characters on an autumn adventure. This story can help you teach character analysis by having students identify the traits and motivations of the characters. A compare/contrast activity will also encourage students to explore similarities and differences between the pumpkin heads and other seasonal characters.

Stellaluna By: Janell Cannon

Literary Elements: Non-Fiction Research, Personal Narrative Writing
Themes to Explore: Identity, Acceptance, Nature/Seasons

Stellaluna follows a young bat who, after falling from her mother, tries to fit in with a family of birds.  Use this story to teach non-fiction research by having students investigate bat behavior and habitats. Additionally, students can practice personal narrative writing by reflecting on times they felt different or out of place, similar to Stellaluna's experience.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown By: Charles Shultz

Literary Elements: Plot Structure, Dialogue 
Themes to Explore: Friendship, Anticipation and Celebration

The Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween and awaits the arrival of the Great Pumpkin! This classic story can help you teach plot structure by breaking down the beginning, middle, and end, allowing students to identify key events and how they build tension. You can also focus on dialogue by having students analyze character conversations, discussing how dialogue reveals personality and advances the story. 

5 More Sleeps 'til Halloween By: Jimmy Fallon

Literary Elements: Central Theme, Tone, Personal Connections, Repetition
Themes to Explore: Anticipation and Celebration

This new release captures the excitement leading up to Halloween through a fun countdown. You can encourage personal connections by inviting students to share their own Halloween traditions. Also use this book to analyze the tone and repetition of the story, noting how it conveys joy and eagerness. 

Pumpkin Town By: Katie McKy

Literary Elements: Character analysis, Theme

Themes to Explore: Problem Solving, Nature and Seasons

Pumpkin Town tells the story of a community that unites to celebrate the arrival of pumpkins. You can use this book for character analysis by having students examine the traits of the townspeople and how these influence the plot. Furthermore, discussions on the theme of community highlight the importance of collaboration and shared traditions. 

Have I missed any of your favorites? I’d love for you to share them with me over on my instagram @fifthintheforest!

  

 

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