Halloween Idea for Younger Readers: "ParaNorman" books - Based on the Hit Movie

Younger members of your household who enjoy Halloween will want to check out three ParaNorman books, which are based on the recent hit movie, of the same name. The novel ParaNorman (Hatchette), by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, is based on the film and contains terrific illustrations throughout, courtesy of Ross Stewart. The story centers around young Norman Babcock, who can see and communicate with the dead. While other children may be afraid of this "gift," Norman takes it in stride, partly because he loves zombie movies and thinks it is cool. However, Norman takes a great deal of grief because he insists that he can commune with the dead, which draws the attention of a school bully, Alvin. Unfortunately, Norman takes abuse at home to, from his sister, Courtney and even his Dad, who has little patience for such "nonsense." However, Norman's abilities are soon to be put to good use after his Uncle Prenderghast dies and leaves him with the responsibility of keeping a witch from destroying their town. As zombies invade the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman runs interference between them and a very angry witch who may finally exact revenge on everyone for what happened to her centuries earlier. Norman's much maligned abilities may save the town from disaster.

Many children feel like outcasts at one time or another and attending school can be especially challenging. Elizabeth Cody Kimmel conveys those emotions through Norman perfectly and readers will likely identify with him, whether they are interested in supernatural material or not. In addition, Kimmel populates the story with other quirky characters who we have all known at one time or another and they each add something significant to the story. The characters encourage readers to celebrate the differences in others, instead of casting them out. Two other books, ParaNorman: Meet the Ghosts and ParaNorman: Attack of the Pilgrim Zombies take certain story ideas from the novel and are much shorter, but feature color illustrations throughout. They are also geared towards children who are just learning to read.

ParaNorman, the novel and the movie, can be enjoyed equally by children and their parents/guardians. The gentle lessons and ample supply of humor make for an easy, fun and enjoyable read. Of course, it helps that the title character is so well rounded that readers may feel empathy for him one moment and then marvel at his abilities soon thereafter. He is a very likable and relatable character who takes center stage in a supernatural effort that is perfect for the Halloween season.


You can read my thoughts on the ParaNorman movie by going here.

For Halloween DVD ideas for children and teens, go here.