Halloween can be downright terrifying for young children. They are just learning the boundary between truth and fiction, and those ghosts and zombies can seem so real. As children negotiate that boundary, things that are scary can also be deliciously fun. You can help your children work their way through scary feelings with some books that walk this line, too. These monster books show that children can be in charge of their fear, and enjoy the fun without getting overwhelmed.

The nature of reading is changing before our eyes and not just for adults: more and more picture books are available in ebook format, as well as print format. Just as with adult ebooks, baby and toddler ebooks present a wonderful opportunity to have multiple books on hand with just one device. This presents a great diversion for long car trips and time spent in the waiting room, all without having to keep track of each individual book or worry about late fees.

Talk to your local librarian to learn more about getting started with your ebook device and check out this list of Ebooks and More for Young Children for a list of available picture ebooks we love.

Many activities that young children enjoy are terrific for developing fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination, which they need for writing. Encourage your child to cut paper with child-friendly scissors, place beads on a string (or pasta shapes on a shoelace), play with blocks, and do simple jigsaw puzzles. Even pinching spring-loaded clothespins can help build the muscles your child will use for writing.

Don't miss our list of selected New Picture Books. Every two months we update the list with some of the most appealing, eye-catching, and charming books that we have added to our collection. October's updated list includes a new Olivia story, Halloween books, and Apples A to Z.

In his book, Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv warns against what he calls Nature Deficit Disorder. Try this simple trick for helping your child connect with books and nature all at the same time. Ask the friendly youth services librarian at your local library to help you find the Easy Nonfiction section. Find a book about things you can see all around you in nature. Then go outside and explore.
Here's another one: Do a Storywalk. Read a book about leaves as you walk down a colorful path in October. Read a book about frogs as you hunt for them by a nearby pond. The Webber Park Library even has an organized Storywalk planned in October. Book and nature activities will help your child build a relationship with nature as well as build vocabulary along the way.