Wanna know what’s great about October? It kicks off the holiday season!! …. oh and pumpkin spice everything (yes, I am 100% on the pumpkin spice everything train: choo! choo!) Some people get all Fall in September but for me, October is where it’s at. October is ACTUAL sweater weather (not the NJ September where you end up sweatin’ through your sweater). October is bat decorations, falling leaves, and HOLIDAYS!

If you’re looking for opportunities to add some more diversity and inclusivity into your home; this is the season! In the coming months, there will be multiple chances to talk about ALL the holidays and the cultures that celebrate them!

Sprinkle some holiday books into your story times!! Read and Enjoy while teaching your children inclusivity and curiosity. Add new ideas to their environment; have what they hear, the artwork they see, the books they read, and the toys they play with reflect diversity and love!

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. It also provides moments of discussion and bonding. I encourage you to add diverse holiday stories to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to enjoy stories about Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos, exploring celebrations in all communities!

Bone Soup: A Spooky, Tasty Tale by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Dia de Los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Click HERE for a fun craft to pair with this picture book!

Skeletons ARE NOT Spooky! by Duds and Kaine
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
For Ages: Preschool- 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Guess What's Behind the Door? by Agnese Baruzzi
For Ages: Preschool- 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht
For Ages: Preschool- 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea
For Ages: 1st and 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Day of the Dead: A Bilingual Celebration by Bob Barner
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Día de los Muertos by Hannah Eliot
For Ages: Preschool- 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!