and Jenny's head fell off | issue no. 7

spooky reads for the whole family + an opportunity for writers

Oct 25, 2023

Hi friends! I hope you’re stockpiling candy and putting the finishing touches on your Halloween costumes. I just realized the elder monster is supposed to dress as a “favorite book character” for class on Halloween, and I’m not sure the superhero costume he’s planning to wear for trick-or-treating is going to cut it. Then again, comic books are books, too, so … maybe?

Speaking of book-related costumes, if the following meme makes you cackle, we would have been friends as children:

I relished reading this story to unsuspecting friends, and flipping the page to scream, “AND JENNY’S HEAD FELL OFF!”1 I was a lot of fun lol.

Seriously, though, if anyone has any last-minute ideas of a book-related costume for a little kid, I’m all ears.

My kids love Halloween, and not just for the candy. They love skeleton decorations and jack-o-lanterns and the “This Is Halloween” song from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Apples don’t fall far, I guess. They used to believe that Halloween decorations were bestowed by the Halloween Fairy, but then the elder monster chatted with his classmates and realized that none of them had ever heard of the Halloween Fairy. (Here’s hoping that Santa doesn’t fall next.)

But if you aren’t quite so jaded, and you’ve been very good (or very wicked?), maybe the Halloween Fairy will bring you an appropriately spooky book.2

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. No one brings the creep factor like Shirley Jackson, and this is the definitive haunted house story. Read this immediately, preferably with the lights on.

The Mother Next Door by Tara Laskowski. This book is set at a Halloween party; you literally can’t get any more seasonally appropriate than that. If suburban noir is your thing, this is the book for you!

Cutting Teeth by Chandler Baker. Are the children in this book vampires, sociopaths, or afflicted by a mysterious illness? Fellow mommies, a warning: This one will have you both side-eyeing your children and clutching them more tightly.

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison. Rachel Harrison’s oeuvre is the monstrous, making her an obvious choice to read this Halloween season. Grab her take on werewolves, and keep one eye on the moon.

Bunny by Mona Awad. Did you think I was going to let this opportunity pass without recommending Bunny for the hundredth time? How little you know me! Go read it, Bunnies.

(PS — I have Mona Awad’s newest, Rouge, on my nightstand. I’m eager to crack it open — who has read it? Let me know in the comments.)

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson. A classic! If your children don’t already have this one, rethink your choices!

The Witchling’s Wish by Lu Fraser. The absolute sweetest story about friendship with the cutest little witchling.

Vampirina at the Beach by Anne Marie Pace. We’re big fans of Vampirina Ballerina in this house, and I’m often reminding my kids of the lesson in this one: You won’t be the best at something the first time you try.

Are you a writer with a completed manuscript of 75,000 words or more? Are you interested in having me review it for free? I’m currently doing coursework to become a certified book coach, and I’m looking for one writer with a completed manuscript (ideally in the suspense/thriller or upmarket genres) to help me achieve a course milestone. If you’re interested and want to chat more about what’s involved, please reach out to me at kathleen@kathleenbarber.com.

Finally

What kind of content do you want to see more of in this space? Please vote in my poll and also leave me a comment! I would offer candy for participation but alas, you’ll have to accept virtual candy. 🍬

and Jenny's head fell off | issue no. 7

spooky reads for the whole family + an opportunity for writers

Finally

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