Halloween Treats Keep Coming

CC and Strawberry Shortcake at The Hub's Halloween party.

Yes, there was trick-or-treating last night, but the week leading up to Halloween was just as fun.

We read spooky books (see below), downloaded spooky apps and got to meet Strawberry Shortcake at The Hub network's Halloween party at The (amazing) Carondelet House, near MacArthur Park.

CC played the bean toss and won cool prizes -- a My Little Pony doll and a Plum Pudding figure. And speaking of My Little Pony, the Hub screened a Halloween-themed episode from the animated series, "My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic." We also had the chance to meet Tara Strong, the voice of Twilight Sparkle (below left) of "MLP" fame.

"My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic"

We had a wonderful time and can't wait to visit The Carondelet House again. Brides-to-be might want to consider it for a reception. Just sayin.'

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CC and I also read a few stand-out Halloween-themed books for the holiday. I wanted to share a few because they're great reading year round.

CC loves "Dinosaur Train" and to go on "The Spooky Scavenger Hunt" ($3.99) is a fun treat. She gets to learn about nocturnal creatures, why some animals' eyes shine at night, as well as what some dinosaurs once did in the dark -- all while being entertained by Buddy the little T-Rex and his Pteranadon sister Tiny.

"Big Pumpkin" ($6.99), written by Erica Silverman and illustrated by S.D. Schindler, is another great Halloween find. The story of a witch whose pumpkin is too big for her to pick and carry home teaches kids about cooperation and that help can come in even the smallest of packages.

"The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything" ($6.99), written by Linda Williams and illustrated by Megan Lloyd, makes me think of what CC will be like in about 60 years. Fearless and Clever with a Capital C. This little old lady takes what could be a scary situation and turns it on its (pumpkin) head.

"Room on the Broom," ($6.99) written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, has an amazing rhyme scheme and reinforces the idea of how important friendship is -- even with new, unexpected friends.

Hope you had a super, treat-filled Halloween!