October book celebrations

October is International Dinosaur Month

"Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs." Amazing pop-up art by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart (Candlewick).

"How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?" by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague (Blue Sky).

October is Kids Love a Mystery Month

Younger readers: Cam Jensen series by David Adler (Puffin); A to Z Mysteries series by Ron Roy (Random).

Middle readers: Hardy Boys updated series by Franklin Dixon (Aladdin); Nancy Drew updated series by Carolyn Keene (Aladdin).

Older readers: "Inkheart" and "Inkspell" by Cordelia Funke (Scholastic); "House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer (Atheneum).

Oct. 12: Columbus Day

"In Their Own Words: Christopher Columbus" by Peter and Connie Roop (Scholastic).

"Christopher Columbus" by Mary Tucker (Landmark).

Oct. 15- 20: Teen Read Week

"Peter and the Starcatchers" and "Peter and the Shadow Thieves" by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (Hyperion). For more titles see "500 Great Books for Teens" by Anita Silvey (Houghton), which lists books by topic and recommended age.

Oct. 31: Halloween or All Hallow's Eve

"The Three Witches" by Zora Neal Hurston, adapted by Joyce Carol Thomas, illustrated by Faith Ringgold (HarperCollins), ages 5 and up.

"The Return of Skeleton Man" by Joseph Bruchac (HarperCollins), ages 9 and up.