There is something about the idea of a campfire and spooky stories that just sounds so thrilling and inviting, don’t you think? I have many memories of camping where we gathered around the campfire to roast marshmallows and exchange stories. Even though I am a bit of a scardy-cat, the idea and memories are still dear to me. This enchanting idea is not lost to young children. Even they enjoy a good campfire gathering and a not-too scary spook or two. Besides, it comes with a side of s’mores!
We are just headed into springtime and we just and our first fire-pit marshmallow roasting session this last weekend. My kiddos were in heaven. However, we cannot have fires as often as their little hearts desire simply because of time, weather, and other factors. Although, with a tent and felt fire (like this one from All You Need is Thread), fun campfire afternoons can be had as often as they want. Below I’m sharing this felt fire as well as four picture books that have a charming spook factor that, in my opinion, isn’t too scary for young readers and loads of fun for indoor camping.
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4 Delightfully Spooky Books
“The Pruwahaha Monster” by Jean-Paul Mulders, Jaques Maes and Lise Braekers– This story is about a boy and his father who go out to a playground near the woods together. The father tells the story of a nearby pruwahaha monster who likes to eat small children in warning to his son. However, to the readers delightful discovery in the last illustration, a connection is made that will have children giggling and reaching a harmless conclusion.
“I Will Not Eat You” by Adam Lehrhaupt and Scott Magoon– In this story a great and terrible dragon lurks in his cave watching each animal that comes by and contemplates making it his lunch. Things get exciting when a young knight passes by that peaks his interest in the snack department. However, in a surprise ending the two become fast friends.
“Boo!” by Ben Newman– Mouse claims that he is the bravest creature of them all until another animal sneaks up behind him and scares him away. Then this new animal claims that he is the reigning king of bravery until yet another animal sneaks up behind him. This pattern of spooking continues until things come full circle. This one is sure to bring some delightful giggles from young readers. (“Boo!” will be released April 11th and is available for pre-ordering.)
“Run Home, Little Mouse” by Britta Teckentrup– Little mouse is on his way home, but he must hurry because there are many creatures hiding in the night who would like to eat him for dinner! This is a board book where each page features cut-outs around spooky eyes watching mouse as he runs that, with the turn of the page, reveal which animal was cloaked in darkness. The climax builds until little mouse is surrounded by many pairs of eyes which result in being friendly ones to end his journey in a wonderful surprise.
Felt Campfire Set from All You Need is Thread
My little guy’s whole face lit-up when we received this felt campfire set to share with these books. We had to set it up right away because he just couldn’t wait and it really is the star of our indoor camp-out adventures. He absolutely loves it and has the best time using the marshmallows to pretend that he is roasting them over the fire.
This set includes three birch logs that you can place around one bright colored felt fire that has three sides so that it can stand up on it’s own in a triangle shape. The felt and sewing are of high quality and I couldn’t be more pleased. The fact that you can also get felt marshmallows that are securely attached to wooden skewers is a great bonus and aids in hours of pretend marshmallow roasting fun. (You can purchase a whole campfire set from this shop or you can just purchase individual components to mix and match.)
Pair it with these spooky books and perhaps a tent and sleeping bag and your are all set for unlimited camp-out fun! (Warning, the marshmallows are not edible even though they look good enough to eat! *see the photo below, haha)
If you give this Beyond the Book activity a try I’d love to hear how it goes! Share it on Instagram using hashtag #beyondthebook (I’m on Instagram as @book.nerd.mommy) or even just comment here with your thoughts. It would make my day! Or to simply save for later pin the image below.
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