October Thirty-One: 10/31 (Paperback or Softback)

October Thirty-One is a story about Halloween. The book explores the historical tradition of honoring spirits during a sacred season. Children will learn the history of All Hallows' Eve. They will discover how the Eve created the modern-day version of a kid-favorite, autumn celebration.

October Thirty-One is the second title of the Celebrate the HoliDates(R) children's book series. The books are fun and information-packed stories told from a child's point of view. Each title in the collection is colorfully illustrated. Readers engage with playful text and vibrant pictures. A fun and simple word-search question sets the book in motion. It's a quest to find the message within the story. The search starts with the direction: Keep reading to find out! As the book ends, the sought-after message rewards the word-seeking reader.

With lots of descriptions and bright pictures, October Thirty-One paints a portrait of the season. Children will recognize the rituals of Halloween. They

will learn the ways some customs are connected to a time gone by. A recipe for a classic Hallowe'en treat is a highlight of the book-shared from the Celebrate the HoliDates(R) kitchen. Classrooms and families can make the special treat, connecting the past to the present, recreating a tradition connected to history.

Each Celebrate the HoliDates(R) book explores traditional holidays throughout the year, orienting young readers to the calendar in general, the seasons, and holidays with specific dates.

María Felicia Kelley discovered writing was a passion as a girl growing up in the suburbs of Washington, DC. Earning a degree in broadcast journalism from The Cronkite School at Arizona State University, María began her career in television as a writer and producer. She alsohas enjoyed time in front of the camera as a host and spokesperson. Today, she writes creatively with an eye toward children's stories and educational materials. The pandemic that began in 2020 moved María to focus her creative energy, bringing long-planned artistic works to life. Wife to a proud Greek American and mother to their three sons, María lives in a Southern California household with strong male energy and an assortment of ethnic identities. As a tri-racial mix, including African, European, and Native American bloods, María taps into the traditions of many cultures. Through much of her writing, she explores the intricacies of her family's racial heritage that is uniquely American.To learn more about María Felicia Kelley, visit her online at MariaFelicia.com.