Super Fun Halloween Books For All Ages

 We love to sit and read a good book at daycare, in our free time, or during a long fall or winter storm. The feeling you get from looking outside at the cold wind, leaves falling, or snow flying, while you’re sitting inside next to a warm heater or fireplace is so comforting. 

Fall is the perfect time to start gathering up some new favourites to enjoy with your family. Most kids will carry on the love of Halloween all year long if you keep the books around in an easy to find spot. Spooky season doesn’t just have to be in October, many families enjoy gothic themes and darker decor all year round. 

Here are some great new additions by Clever Books to add to your collection:

Our absolute favourite books are look and find books! We can sit there for hours just going from page to page finding all the pictures. Kids love to help with the search and after a while they begin to memorize where each item was last found. This is a great way to build new skills and new connections in their developing brains! 

Halloween Hunt is a book filled with spooky surprises and mysterious monsters for hours of search and find fun! 

Peek a boo Little Pumkpin: Witch is having a Halloween party, and there's so much to do! She hurries around the house looking for her magic powder, finds someone hiding under the table, and wonders where the rest of the guests are! Toddlers will love to lift the flaps to see

the friends hiding underneath!

Mazes are great for kids of all ages. Simple problem solving and decision making helps kids to learn that mistakes can be made but we can simply turn around and try again! These two maze books are perfect for time together or quiet time alone as they are simple enough to help gain confidence but challenging enough to need a couple hints if they ask. 

Halloween Cat Mazes & Spooky Mazes are the perfect gift for this fall! 

We are very excited to be celebrating another amazing Halloween in our little daycare and can’t wait to see all the cool costumes and spooky decorations on our adventures! 

Surgical Site Infection: Key Causes and Prevention Tips

 Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is a critical and sensitive complication. It potentially has harmful impacts on patient recovery and the cost of further treatment.  

Medical professionals should be very conscious of how and why surgical wound infections arise so that they can take preventive measures.

 

The infections often occur immediately or within a few days after a procedure and can arise in the skin surface and deep internal tissues at the surgical site.

Therefore, knowledge of the top causes and preventive measures can help eliminate infections.

 

Here are the details of the leading causes of surgical site infection and practical approaches to secure the operating room.

What Is a Surgical Site Infection?

A Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is an infection that develops after the operation at the surgery site. 

 

These infections may often be superficial skin infections, although they can extend to tissues, organs, or any implanted object. 

 

SSIs also delay the recovery time, and this, apart from needing further treatment, could sometimes even demand other operations.

 

Measures taken during operation include proper use of instruments, and sterilize these instruments is essential in avoiding such infections. 

 

Some signs may include:

● Pus

● Swelling

● Increased redness

● Increased temperature

● Heat around the surgical area

● Bruising and tenderness at the site

Top 10 Reasons for Surgical Site Infections

As a surgeon, it is crucial to know the reasons behind these site infections because, without them, you can not be able to do any kind of treatment and prevention for your patient.

The following are some causes discussed that include:

Contaminated Surgical Instruments

Poor cleaning and sterilization of instruments used in surgeries is one of the leading causes of SSIs. 

 

If surgical instruments are not well washed and sterilized, bacteria easily transmit to the patient’s wound, causing an infection.

 

● Ensure proper sterilization protocols for every surgical tool.

● Use advanced sterilization technologies for effective results.

Patient's Health Condition

Those with a prior medical condition such as diabetes, the obese, and patients with weak immunity are more likely to develop and succumb to surgical wound infection. 

 

Such conditions make the immune system of the human body vulnerable to infections.

 

● Screen patients thoroughly for underlying conditions.

● Ensure good overall health before elective surgeries.

Prolonged Surgery Duration

This means that if the surgery is extended, then there is a higher probability that the patient may get an infection. 

 

Long hours spent in this surgical environment make it more likely to get contaminated.

● Ensure that procedures are as efficient as possible.

● Use properly maintained and sanitized surgical instruments.

Inadequate Post-Operative Care

Not following the proper post-surgery care measures can lead to the development of infections.

 

This is very dangerous and may lead to severe effects if the wound is left untreated.

 

Such behavior as failure to clean the wounds or not dressing them as instructed is also a major cause.

● Regular wound dressing and careful monitoring are crucial.

● Follow strict hygiene standards for post-surgical environments.

Improper Hand Hygiene by Medical Staff

Environments that are well-lit, clean, and sterile can prevent infection from pathogenic bacteria. 

 

The lack of proper hand washing is among the top causes of signs of infection after surgery.

● Strict hand washing protocols should be enforced.

● Consider using alcohol-based hand sanitizers before surgeries.

Antibiotic Overuse or Underuse

Overuse or under-dosage of antibiotics brings about diseases acquired after the bacteria have evolved into an antibiotic-resistant disease.

● Administer antibiotics according to standard protocols.

● Only prescribe antibiotics when necessary.

Unsterile Surgical Environment

The following is also considered to cause infection:

● Airborne dust particles

● Bacteria 

● Inadequately sterilized surgical environments 

Particles are a problem regardless of their size within the operating room.

● Ensure proper ventilation in operating rooms.

● Regular cleaning and disinfection of operating areas should be routine.

Surgical Technique and Skill Level

The tissue is at risk of infections if an unskilled surgeon performs the operation or an error is made during the process.

● Continuous training and education on advanced techniques are vital for reducing SSIs.

● Surgeons should use state-of-the-art surgery instruments to perform procedures with precision.

Inadequate Preoperative Skin Preparation

Other skin-related risks associated with failure to prepare the patient’s skin for surgery effectively include skin infections caused by bacteria.

● Follow strict skin-preparation protocols.

● Use appropriate antiseptic solutions before surgery.

Improper Wound Closure

If wounds can be closed improperly, bacteria can actually be trapped inside, which results in infection.

● Ensure that all wounds are closed properly to avoid bacterial infiltration.

● Regularly check and clean wound sites post-operation.

How to Prevent Surgical Site Infections

Follow Sterilization Guidelines

Contamination of all surgical instruments and the operating environment is prohibited; hence, they must not be contaminated.

Screen Patients for Risk Factors

Perioperative adjustments to surgical patient populations’ health should be made, including assessment of infection risks.

Post-Surgical Hygiene

After the operation, the patient has to be observed, and the wound has to be cleaned on a daily basis to ensure that the infection will not develop.

Antibiotic Stewardship

Use antibiotics properly by avoiding under-prescription and over-prescription.

Continuous Training for Medical Staff

It is crucial to prevent SSIs, which means the implementation of training for the surgical workforce and the medical staff is compulsory for infection control.

FAQs About Surgical Site Infections

What is the best way to prevent SSIs?

To reduce SSIs, appropriate aseptic measures before and during operations, sterilized instruments, and postoperative wound treatment, respectively, must be observed. It is also necessary to screen patient risk factors as well as to identify critical patient characteristics.

 

How can I tell if a surgical wound is infected?

A wound infection marked by redness, warmth, swelling,and pus formation is an indication of surgical wound infection. Patients may also complain of temperature changes, such as fever or chills, which means a deeper infection is present.

 

Can surgical infections be treated?

Indeed, surgical infections can be cured through antibiotics, but operations may be required in complicated cases. The best way to treat this compilation is through proper diagnosis and adequate follow-up care after surgery.

To Conclude!

Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are a major issue for postoperative patients, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased treatment costs. 

 

Knowing these top factors will help medical professionals act accordingly to prevent the development of SSIs. 

 

Each phase of the surgical procedure is equally important in terms of controlling infections.

 

GerMedUSA offers top-quality, sterilizable high quality surgery instruments designed to minimize the risk of infection. Their advanced manufacturing processes ensure that every instrument meets stringent healthcare standards, ensuring patient safety and effective results. 

 

With their range of top-notch instruments, surgeons can perform procedures confidently, knowing they have the best tools for infection prevention.

How I Cut Our Grocery Budget In Half

 

Feeding your family is one of the biggest expenses these days, it’s right up there with mortgage and car payments. Food prices seem to keep sky rocketing as production prices are jacked up and businesses are fighting to stay alive and profitable. Finding new and inventive ways to cut our grocery budget is one of my biggest goals and everyday I try to find new ways to save. Our grocery budget was around $2000 a month for a very long time and that includes our toiletries and cleaning products. 

So how do you take the steps needed to trim the budget and save some cash? Take a look at this great list of ideas you might not have tried yet:

Discuss Your Plan With Family Or Others Sharing Your Home

I have been attempting to discuss with my teenagers that money isn’t easy to earn and having 3 showers a day is just ridiculous due to the amount of shampoo, body wash, and water they use. Not only that but then I have to wash the laundry they create so it’s just a headache for me and so expensive. Explaining the cost and why you need them to do their part can really make a difference. 

I was able to cut the showers down by explaining how wasteful and pointless it is to everyone so there is some huge savings right there. The fact that I was willing to start making them pay each time they showered really made it a reality that they don’t need 3 showers a day. 

Having the family get involved with the budgeting plan can really help in all areas as they might have just been snacking all day long without even thinking about it. When they realize how much everything costs and how much they waste or binge on supplies in the house it can help them to make better decisions. If you have a certain goal in mind you can even create a goal chart for the family to observe and find ways to show them the amount you’re saving each week. 

I also buy no name or knock of face care and shampoos and fill the pricey bottles for my kids because they actually believe it is so much better for their hair and bodies. It all depends on what kind it is if I know it’s not any different I will make the switch and they haven’t said a word. 

You Can Still Use The Meal Kit Idea

I don’t know about you but I absolutely love Chefs Plate meal kit subscription service. The meals they send are so flipping delicious it makes me happy to try new recipes every week and have most of the ingredients come right to my door. Not only are they healthy but usually quick to make and filling for the whole family (if you use this trick). I choose my meals each week and order 3 meals for 2 people but I look at the ingredient list and go buy bulk protein, grains, and veggies that are needed for the recipes and I double it using extras from the grocery store. Now I get to eat these amazing meals without paying the premium price for meals for 5 people! Genius!

I use grouse from my hunting trips to add extra protein to the chicken meals and buy bulk ground beef and pork and freeze it to add it to the beef and pork meals for next to nothing. Add twice as many veggies listed in the list when you go shopping and bam you just doubled or tripled the meals without paying a fortune! 

Grow Your Own Herbs & More

Using the simple countertop grow systems or larger tower planters is an excellent way to cut costs by growing your own herbs, small fruits, and some veggies. You can even grow potatoes in large bins if you have space. Mushrooms are also an easy to grow vegetable that you can do at home for some super savings. 

You can grow lots of different stuff indoors if you do your research. I have found a few different articles that I have been reading through and I figured they could help you to:

Grow These Indoors Without Lights

Grow 18 Plants During Winter

Beginners Guide To Growing Indoors

Encourage Visiting Kids To Go Home For Dinner

If you have a family filled with teens or kids of any age usually they want their friends over all the time. This can cost a fortune when all they want to do is watch tv and eat. Think about which kids families are pitching in by having your kids over for meals or snacks and then you can have those ones over once in a while and exchange the meal between families. But if you find kids coming over to eat dinner and the parents don’t ever reciprocate it’s time to start sending those kids home for dinner at their own place! It’s not mean to say you only planned for your family, food is pricey and having kids leeching off your budget everyday can begin to dig you deeper into a larger budget, completely throwing your savings off track. 

I am very picky about what kids I keep around because their family is willing to scratch my back when I scratch theirs, but I have had a large number of kids trying to stay for weeks at a time eating all our after school snacks and dinners. Make it stop by asking them to go home for dinner or having certain snacks laid out for sharing like popcorn or crackers (the most inexpensive snacks). 

Ask Around For Discounts

In my line of work I meet a lot of different people who work at a lot of different stores in town. Some of my daycare clients work at pet stores, others work at restaurants, a small handful work at department stores, and more. By asking about their job, where they work, and what kind of discounts they can get I have saved hundreds of dollars on pet food, kids toys, and food from restaurants by asking how they can hook me up. This doesn’t have to be given for free you can always offer to do something for them in exchange for the discount but it’s amazing to me to see what you can get from others just by knowing where they work. 

My kids get 50% off their food at work which is great when we want takeout. We can’t go overboard and get giant meals or anything but if we each get a small burger we can get a cheap treat. Depending on where your kids get jobs you may be able to take advantage of the discount! 

Share With Friends & Neighbours

If I make anything in bulk or double a recipe I love to share it with my neighbour or my friends. Since I started doing this I have been getting containers of soup, chilli, stew, cookies, and game meat in return for my generosity. If you have a way to give to others and get something in return it’s always worth it to be able to share and exchange recipes and sweets. 

These are my most unusual grocery budget cutting tips! Do you have any strange ways you save money? 

Supporting Loved Ones as They Age

 

As our loved ones age, their needs change, and providing support can become a central concern for families. While many believe that only costly interventions and high-end care solutions can adequately address these needs, there are numerous affordable and meaningful ways to ensure that aging family members receive the care and attention they deserve. Here are some practical and cost-effective strategies to consider.

1. Utilize Community Resources

Many communities offer a range of resources designed specifically for seniors that are low-cost or free. Senior centers can provide social engagement, health and wellness programs, and even meals. Libraries often have senior-focused events, book clubs, and workshops. Additionally, local government or nonprofit organizations frequently offer transportation services, counselling, and help with accessing government benefits.

2. Leverage Technology for Health Management

With the rise of telehealth services and health monitoring apps, families can keep a close eye on their loved ones' health without breaking the bank. These tools can help manage chronic conditions, keep track of medication schedules, and even alert caregivers to potential health issues before they require emergency care. Investing in simple home modifications like emergency response systems or voice-activated devices can enhance safety and provide peace of mind.

3. Create a Support Network

Building a network of friends, neighbors, and relatives can provide a circle of care that eases the burden on any one individual. This network can help with regular check-ins, transportation to appointments, and sharing meals, making caregiving a community effort. Online platforms can also be useful to schedule and coordinate the efforts of a care team efficiently.

4. Encourage Physical Activity and Mental Engagement

Staying physically and mentally active is crucial for aging individuals to maintain their health and cognitive function. Encouraging regular exercise tailored to their ability level, such as walking, yoga, or gentle stretching, can have significant health benefits. Similarly, puzzles, reading, and hobbies like knitting or gardening can keep the mind sharp. These activities not only improve quality of life but are also low-cost ways to enhance health.

5. Enhance Community Living in Care Homes

In care homes, fostering a community atmosphere can be a practical and enriching strategy for enhancing resident well-being. By arranging residents into shared spaces or organizing them into smaller, close-knit groups, care home services in Poole can create a familial environment that promotes companionship and shared experiences. This community-oriented living can help reduce feelings of loneliness, offering residents mutual support and facilitating social connections. Moreover, these arrangements can be more cost-effective than individual care, making them a sustainable option that benefits both the care home and its residents.

6. Opt for In-Home Care Services

When more direct care is needed, in-home care services can be a more affordable alternative to nursing homes or assisted living facilities. These services range from a few hours a week to daily help with household chores, personal care, and medication management. Many agencies offer sliding scale fees based on income, making professional care accessible for families with limited budgets.

7. Adapt to Their Evolving Needs

As needs change, staying flexible and open to adjusting care strategies is important. Regular assessments can help determine what type of support is most effective and whether financial assistance programs like Medicaid or veterans' benefits are applicable.

Supporting aging loved ones effectively doesn't have to strain financial resources. By exploring community resources, utilizing technology, and fostering a supportive network, families can provide their elderly members with the love and care they need in a financially sustainable way. This approach not only helps manage costs but also ensures that solutions are personal, meaningful, and centered on the well-being of the individual.

 

Unearthing the Past: Novels That Bring Ancient Cultures to Life

Throughout history stories have been one of the most powerful ways to connect with the past. From ancient civilizations to forgotten lands novels have a unique way of bringing ancient cultures to life. As readers we find ourselves wandering through temples bustling markets and sacred rituals all from the comfort of our own home. Nowadays z-library opens a gateway to the endless world of free books making it easier than ever to dive into these rich narratives. Ancient cultures are not just relics of the past—they live on through the stories we read and imagine.

The Power of Historical Fiction

Historical novels offer more than just entertainment. They create bridges between the present and the past allowing readers to step into worlds they might never have known. Authors often blend fact with fiction to give an immersive experience of what life was like in ancient Egypt Greece or China. Readers feel the dust of ancient streets beneath their feet and hear the voices of characters long gone. These novels are windows into the lives of those who shaped history.

Exploring Diverse Cultures

One of the most enriching aspects of reading novels about ancient cultures is the diversity they offer. Each book explores a unique way of life from the grand temples of the Mayans to the simple huts of the Celts. Readers can learn about forgotten customs and beliefs that shaped these civilizations. For those interested in these journeys through time the right books make history feel alive and present.

Zlibrary as a Resource

In the digital world finding books that explore ancient cultures has become easier. Platforms like Zlibrary allow access to a wide variety of novels on these topics. Instead of searching endlessly through physical bookstores readers can explore vast collections instantly. Digital libraries give the freedom to explore multiple cultures and eras with ease. The opportunities to uncover hidden gems from around the world have never been more accessible.

The Role of Storytelling in Culture

Storytelling plays an important role in preserving the memory of ancient civilizations. Through stories traditions beliefs and rituals are passed down. Novels are a modern way to keep these stories alive. Whether it is the legend of the Trojan War or the rise of the Roman Empire storytelling keeps ancient cultures relevant. Writers not only preserve history but also breathe new life into it.

Future of Reading

Platforms like Z lib have redefined how readers access books about ancient cultures. By offering digital versions of these works they provide a space where history can be explored without barriers. Accessing historical novels through digital platforms makes it possible to learn about the world’s most fascinating ancient civilizations no matter where the reader is. This change has opened up a world of knowledge for everyone.

Novels that explore ancient cultures offer readers a unique window into the past. They bring life to forgotten times allowing readers to connect with traditions and stories that shaped human history. With platforms like Zlibrary opening the door to thousands of these books the past feels closer than ever. Reading about ancient cultures reminds us that even though time passes the stories of our ancestors will always live on.

Building Brand Awareness as an E-Commerce Business

Building brand awareness is essential for any e-commerce business. In the crowded online marketplace, standing out is beneficial and necessary. Small business owners need to focus on strategies that help their brands become top-of-mind for consumers. Continue reading to discover how your e-commerce business can build brand awareness.

Exploring The Advancements In Vet Medicine: Trends To Watch

It's utterly fascinating, isn't it? How just within a handful of decades, we've grown from rudimentary loaf-shaped, interiorly stuffed couches to strategically designed, ergonomically focused furniture that promotes well-being? Similarly, the stunning advancements in our sphere aren't confined to just interior design and architectural sectors. They are vigorously reshaping industries nominally connected to houses and homes. One vital branch thus impacted is Veterinary Medicine. How has this field evolved, you must be wondering? What intriguing modifications are surfacing on the horizon that could bring about dramatic improvements in the lives of our treasured furry companions?

Within this post, we'll delve into the innovative, revolutionary strides currently taking place within the sphere of Veterinary Medicine. Our beloved creatures have journeyed parallel to our history, sharing our homes, warming our lives, and therefore sharing the progressions of our materials, technologies and tools too. Could this be the dawn of a novel, ultra-modern era in pet care and wellness? Would the buildings we share with our four-legged family members become enhanced, healthier environments due to these advancements? Let's explore these enticing queries and more as we unravel this hemisphere of design developments where the sphere of pet care collides with the larger universe of home improvement.

From the unfolding of pioneering drug therapies to the evolution of surgical procedures, diagnostic tools, and facility designs, Veterinary medicine has been transformed and refined spectacularly over years. Advances in this field have not only provided effective solutions to merging human-animal health risks but significantly improved pet care at home. If you're intrigued as much as we are, slide over to the edge of your seat and let's embark on this exploration journey together.

The Revolution Of Therapeutics And Pharmacology In Veterinary Medicine

The transformation of drug therapies utilized for our pets has altered drastically over the years. The latest advancements have pushed boundaries, integrating modern medicine's breakthroughs for human health, into the landscape of animal care. Now, drugs tailored for conditions such as arthritis and cancer are readily available for vet. These upgrades in vet therapeutics are playing a pivotal role in extending and improving the quality of our pets' lives, allowing them to share our homes for longer.

Yet, this swift progression doesn't come without challenges. Issues such as rising costs, accessibility and potential side effects have emerged as a substantial downside. Nonetheless, the vitality of these therapeutic transformations cannot be negated. They are bridging the divide, providing our lovable creatures with the same level of medical care as their human counterparts.

We can only anticipate further fetches into this sphere, with predictions hinting at the integration of innovative gene therapies and customised therapeutics in the near future.

Technological Advancements And Improved Diagnostic Techniques

The story of veterinary medicine's advancements remains incomplete without acknowledging the vital role technology has played within it. Gone are the days when diagnosis and treatments were limited and rudimentary. Cutting-edge equipment such as MRI scans, ultrasounds and advanced cytology have redefined vet care.

While these technologies represent a significant leap forward, there are concerns related to accessibility and cost. Plus, the delicate matter of ensuring pets can peacefully undergo these advanced procedures necessitates specific design features within our homes, such as calming environments and special spaces.

Nonetheless, we are positioned at a challenging, exciting juncture, with future projections touching upon AI's incorporation in diagnostic techniques and treatment plans.

Surgical Innovations: A Cusp Of A Brighter Future

Surgery within veterinary medicine has also seen a surge of modern developments. These include minimally invasive procedures leading to shorter recovery times, less pain, and more effective treatment outcomes. The incorporation of laser surgeries and endoscopy has led to a vast improvement in the quality of pet care, especially for older animals. 

However, key challenges lie in ensuring that these advanced surgical techniques are widely available and affordable for vet owners. The space required for the additional equipment and recovery room is another aspect to consider within the framework of home design.

As the tide turns, we can foresee a horizon wherein technological involvement promises to further streamline veterinary surgical procedures.

The Dynamic Role Of Facility Design

Veterinary facility design is another crucial facet of recent advancements in pet care. The ongoing trend is moving towards animal-centric designs - clinics and spaces that are inherently calming and comforting for pets. We see the integration of passive solar techniques, green architecture within veterinary facilities, ensuring the provision of fresh air and sunlight reaches our pets.

The cost of these modern facilities and their design, though, raises noteworthy concerns. Additionally, these choices must ensure that they are in sync with the households they cater to -cohesive and complementary.

Anticipating the Future, it's reasonable to expect the home design and pet care industries to intertwine further, leading to dedicated pet spaces or 'pet rooms' within our homes.

The Road To Eco-Friendly Veterinary Practices

Eco-conscious choices are increasingly marking their presence within the realm of veterinary medicine. Sustainable practices involve ecologically friendly disposal of medical waste, use of green products within clinics, and energy-efficient equipment.

Doubts do linger around the economic viability of these choices. The additional cost could be burdensome to both pet owners and clinic operators. However, the mutual benefits for our planet and our pets cannot be overlooked – creating a balance is the key!

In the future, we expect to see a continued emphasis on integrating eco-friendly practices within pet care.

A Conclusive Gaze At The Road Ahead

Indeed, the journey of veterinary medicine's evolvement – its intermingling with home improvement and design – is wildly intriguing. Modern innovations have paved a promising road to the future, enhancing animal lives and the homes they live in.

Undeniably, challenges echo alongside these advancements. Accessibility, cost, the need for dedicated pet spaces within homes, these are pressing concerns we grapple with. Yet, the improvements these medical and design revolutions bring to our beloved pets' lives instil optimism.

As the horizon unfurls, we can predict an era where home design and veterinary advancement walk paw-in-paw, creating a truly integrated experience for home dwellers–humans and pets alike. It's certainly a future we eagerly await.

Halloween Themed Gifts That Aren’t Candy

Kids get enough candy at Halloween so it’s understandable to see why parents are looking for gifts to get their kids around trick or treat time that aren’t all sugar and candy! The best way to add excitement to your bedtime routine or after school activity is to get some spooky themed books and puzzles for your little ones to enjoy and share with you! 

Books are always a welcome gift in my house as we are always trying to encourage reading among our kids. They have never been avid readers even when I have pushed hard for them to pick it up as a hobby. I used to sign my kids up for reading programs at the library and at the end they would get a medal and prize. But now that electronics are everywhere and that’s all kids ever want to do it’s even harder to get them to read. I’m still trying though, if you give up they don’t stand a chance. 

Puzzles are always a fun activity in our house, we usually get together during the colder months and put together a few of our favourite puzzles while enjoying some hot chocolate or snacks. We slowly plug away at it leaving it on the table for whenever someone wants to stop and put on a piece. Puzzles are a great way to keep your mind sharp and increase memory function. 

We love to do a wide variety of activities throughout fall and Halloween to celebrate. Some of our favourite include:

Corn mazes

Crafts

Trick or Treating

And so much more! 

These amazing books by Gibbs & Smith are perfect for kids of all ages!

M is for Monsters By Greg Paprock

Imaginary creatures from the land, forests, and underwater introduce toddlers to folklore and literature, where monsters were born.

These hobgoblins and other imaginary creatures are too cute to be scary! Names like Quinotar, ogre, and rougarou, along with the more common vampire, witch, and Yeti will be as fun to say as the pictures are to point at. Ideal for reading aloud to a toddler.

Illustrator Greg Paprocki’s popular BabyLit alphabet board books feature his classically retro mid-century art style that’s proven to be a hit with both toddlers and adults.

M is for monster was absolutely perfect for my daycare kids as Halloween approaches. The fact that it mentions words like demon, poltergeist, and undead makes it a more intense but still innocent way to introduce the spookiest to little ones. 

Ghostly, Ghastly Tales: Frights to Tell at Night Series
Anastasia Garcia • Illustrated by Teo Skaffa

Read these stories before bedtime or share them to spook your friends—if you dare!

Each tale in this magical collection pulls you into a dark world of contemporary stories based on myths and legends from around the world. Haunted battlefields? Talking heads? Ghosts? Nefarious creatures in the night? Read all about spooky field trips, ghostly omens, cautionary tales, and more. Featuring stories inspired by folklore from Nigeria, the Philippines, the Caribbean, Iceland, England, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Ancient Egypt, Germany, Mexico, and the American South.

This was my daughter’s favourite book! The stories are great and short enough to keep kids interested. The fact that the book itself glows in the dark is super cool. 

The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Marci Kay Monson • Illustrated by Greg Paprocki

This retelling is the first in the “Mini Mysteries” series of interactive picture books for children.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is Agatha Christie’s first detective novel (a cozy mystery—no violence or gore), and where she introduces her fictional detective Hercule Poirot. The story, set in England during World War I, is a true who-done-it full of mysterious characters and teasing clues. Monson’s retelling of the original book captures the plot and distills it in a way that is fun for children, gently ushering them into the literary world of Christie’s mysteries. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles throughout to help with children’s engagement, and might just foster a few budding detectives.

There is also a glossary of terms and French words.

This book is definitely more on the educational culture side. I love mini mysteries and look and find style books so this one was lots of fun to read. 

Halloween Pumpkin Jiggie Puzzle
55 Pieces • 20+ minute difficulty

This challenging die-cut Jiggie puzzle is a fun way to celebrate with a friend.

Packed in a tiny box, these puzzles pack a big punch! Challenging without being frustrating, Jiggies are perfect for a quick break from work, ice breakers at your dinner party, a bedtime wind-down, or a fun after-school activity. They also make great gifts for puzzle lovers of all ages!

This puzzle was actually pretty challenging since it has unique shaped pieces. The edges aren’t your basic straight lines and the entire puzzle is basically orange creating a difficulty I was not expecting. It was lots of fun though and I would happily do it again and again throughout the years! 

While you’re treating your kids and family members to some spooky gifts don’t forget to care for yourself and your heart!