This sign has been making the rounds on Pinterest.  I'm only an average crafter.  (Read: I do not own a cricket but I do know what a cricket is.  For you anti-crafters out there, I'm not talking about the insect or the sport.)  But I think this sign just might be worth the black paint and vinyl letters.

Anywho, in case you've been living under a rock let me inform you that Halloween is in TWO DAYS.

Here are some book suggestions to get you and your whole family in the mood for Halloween.


For Kids: Popcorn by Frank Asch.
This is the story about a young bear named Sam who is left home Halloween night while his parents go to a party.  Sam decides to throw a costume party of his own, and invites all his friends.  Things are going fine, until they decide to pop all the popcorn in the house in a big black kettle... The story, the costumes, and of course the popcorn will get kids ready for the excitement of the season.
Alternate: Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Alternate: Moonlight the Halloween Cat by Cynthia Rylant


For Tweens: The Witches by Roald Dahl
Fun and adventurous with just the right touch of scare, this is a great book for kids who have outgrown picture books but who aren't ready for YA yet.  It's a classic Dahl combination of humor, excitement, and just a little bit of the grotesque.  Perfect for Halloween.
Alternate: Mrs. Piggle Wiggle's Magic by Betty Macdonald
Alternate: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling


For Teens: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
With all the paranormal books out there these days, there are dozens and dozens of books with plenty of creep factor to get teens in the mood for Halloween.  There's nothing wrong with vampires and werewolves, but in case you want something spooky without the supernatural, give this book a try.  Sometimes the lack of the supernatural is even scarier.
Alternate: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Alternate: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake


For Adults: Macbeth by William Shakespeare.
"Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble."  Just those words from the witches in Macbeth get me in the mood for Halloween.  This is perhaps Shakespeare's spookiest play, with elements of the supernatural sprinkled throughout this dark and bloody tale.  A worthy read at any time of year, but you'll get the most out of these atmospheric words at Halloween.
Alternate: Anything by Edgar Allen Poe.
Alternate: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.