31 Days of Amazing Kids' Books

31 Days: Horrible Harry & Halloween

Today’s post is a little bit of a tease for Monday’s. On Monday, this family will be having some Halloween-styled fun inspired by the antics of Horrible Harry.

Horrible Harry at Halloween

If you hang out with seven- and eight-year-olds, whether you’re a teacher or a parent, you are probably already familiar with Harry’s shenanigans. While this series can hardly be called high literature, it is the sort of everyday storyline that kids can relate to. I particularly like the Halloween volume because there are several replicable science experiments. These are suitable for either home or classroom use, and they have the “whizz bang” sort of factor that engages kids instantly. Equally, they have some real scientific value, unlike the much-adored but fairly useless baking soda/vinegar volcano.

So, without further ado, here’s a short list of items you’ll need to try these experiments at home. Come back on Monday, and become scientists along with Bethany and Clara!

*oil, vinegar, water, food coloring, and something in which to mix them (baby food jar, test tube, small jelly jar, small glass)

*an aquarium or bin with clear-ish sides, and varying objects that might sink or float, and water (Horrible Harry uses a grape, a lemon, a potato, and a pumpkin.)

*plastic jack o’lantern, and more water (you also might need duct tape to secure your jack o’lantern’s handle)

In the meantime, go ahead and read Horrible Harry at Halloween, and find out what Harry’s up to this time. (<–affiliate link, of course) While this book will resonate most with kids who have some sort of classroom experience, it’s also fun just to see how the students in the class interact with each other.

For more great book ideas, just click on the picture below.

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