Meet October Review: A Gentle Halloween Picture Book About Facing Fears

Halloween is exciting for some children and overwhelming for others. Meet October, the tenth book in April Martin's Calendar Kids series, is written with the second group in mind. Its hero, a boy named October, has a hard time being brave, until his pet spider, Boo, goes missing.

Here's what the book offers, how scary it is and who will enjoy it most.

Who it's for

• Children aged about 5 to 8.
• Kids who find Halloween a little frightening and need a reassuring story.
• Teachers planning October read-alouds that aren't too spooky.
• Families who collect seasonal picture books.

What we liked

• A timid hero. October isn't fearless, which makes him easy for anxious children to identify with.
• A clear, kind message. Looking for his lost pet, October has to face his fears and discovers the fun in the season.
• Spooky, not scary. The tone is light and friendly, right for early elementary ages.
• A spider named Boo. The quirky pet gives the story humor and makes a commonly feared creature lovable.
• Month-by-month learning. Like every book in the series, it covers the weather, traditions and holidays of its month.
• Written by a former elementary school teacher.
• Plenty of extras. A kid-friendly recipe, fun facts about the seasons and discussion questions follow the story.
• Reversible jacket poster with facts and key words, plus online resources for adults.

What could be better

• Spiders are central. Most children will be charmed by Boo, but a child with a strong fear of spiders may need a gentle introduction.
• Very seasonal. It will be read heavily for a few weeks each year.
• Longer than a typical picture book. At 56 pages, it's best split over two sittings for younger listeners.
• Not for thrill-seekers. Older children who want real chills will find it mild.
• Halloween focus. Families who don't celebrate Halloween may prefer another title in the series.

Key details explained

• Book 10 of 12: one title for each month; each can be read on its own.
• Facing fears: the emotional theme of the story, handled through a simple search for a pet.
• Reversible jacket: the dust cover unfolds into a poster.
• Reading age 5 to 8: a read-aloud for kindergarteners and an independent read for second graders.

Tips for getting the most out of it

1. Read it a week or two before Halloween to open a conversation about what feels scary.
2. Ask the discussion questions, especially "when have you been brave?"
3. Make the recipe as part of a Halloween afternoon.
4. Let your child spot Boo on each page.
5. Put up the poster as October decoration.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is it scary? No. It's a gentle story about being brave.

Q: What ages is it for? The publisher suggests 5 to 8 years.

Q: Do we need the other Calendar Kids books first? No, it stands alone.

Q: Does it explain Halloween traditions? Yes, along with other facts about the month of October.

Should you buy it?

Meet October is a lovely choice for children who approach Halloween with mixed feelings. It acknowledges that being brave is hard, shows a way through and keeps things funny. Confident, older kids may want something spookier; for sensitive five-to-eight-year-olds, it's just right.

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