The Scarecrow
A heartwarming story about an unusual friendship between a scarecrow and a frightened baby crow who needs his help. Scarecrow is effectively does his job by scaring animals away from the crops, but life he leads is sad and lonely. When a tiny bird falls from the sky, he immediately develops a fondness for what becomes his very first friend. A hauntingly beautiful book about the power of connecting with others.
Eery Children's Books About Scarecrows
Scarecrows are used by farmers to frighten birds away from open fields where recently applied seed has been applied. The intent is to keep critters from feeding on the seed and crops that are in the beginning phases of growth. They are makeshift structures, usually consisting of wooden limbs dressed in old human rags and clothing. These statues are prominently displayed during the autumn months and are commonly associated with Halloween. Children's books about scarecrows tells all kinds of stories, ranging from heartwarming friendships to scary encounters.
More Children's Books for Halloween
Spooky Kids' Books About Haunted Houses
Best Children's Halloween Books
Hopefully the Scarecrow
A beautifully executed story about the power of patience and friendship. Each day an optimistic scarecrow eagerly awaits the arrival of a friend who comes to read. the books give him a boost of confidence and lift his spirits high. Then one season the little girl does not return, leaving her friend alone and wondering if he will ever see her again. This sweet story is a reminder of how stories create a lasting bond.
The Not-So-Scary Scarecrow
This charming book is about a scarecrow, Jack, whose personality does not suit his role in life. Although his job is to scare away all of the birds trying to eat the crops, Jack is more inclined to befriend the critters and help those in need. He learns to accept his kindhearted ways and realizes that he is in fact brave after all.
An endearing story for preschoolers about a little scarecrow who wants to prove he is capable. His father has passed down valuable knowledge about all the things a scarecrow must do. Although his parents have told him he is not ready, the young offspring slips out at night to test his skills. Simple, repetitive story with some invaluable lessons just right for toddlers.
Otis and the Scarecrow
Otis is a friendly tractor who easily makes friends with all the animals who live on the farm. When a scarecrow is stationed in the field, Otis tries his very best to befriend the new inhabitant. Yet no matter what he tries, the scowl on the scarecrow's face never changes. The discouraged tractor refuses to give up on the lonely scarecrow, and one cold autumn night, he has a breakthrough that tugs at the heartstrings.
The Scarecrow's Hat
A clever story about chicken who puts some impressive problem-solving skills to the test. The feathered fellow would love to take the scarecrow's straw hat, but he understands he must offer something in exchange. The tired bird scarer sure would love a walking stick, so the chicken seeks out the help of his farm friends to build it. An enjoyable, seasonal read that captures the colorful essence and companionship of life on a farm.
The Mystery of the Haunted Scarecrow
Crow & Snow
A scarecrow has spent many long, lonely days keeping watch over the field. Then one day after a snowstorm, a group of kids build a snowman right next to him. Suddenly Crow's solitary life is filled with friendship and laughter, at least until winter passes. When the sun melts his beloved Snow, the scarecrow is alone once again. He waits patiently until the next winter when his companion returns to keep him company. A heartwarming story of patience and hope.
The Scarecrows' Wedding
A humorous, rhyming tale of an overly confident male scarecrow who sets his sites on a lovely straw lady. His efforts to woe her are misguided and don't get him the desired outcome. After a series of catastrophic encounters, this funny love story has a surprisingly happy ending.
The Scarecrow and His Servant
An unusual and and engaging story about a scarecrow who comes to life after being struck by lightning. He sets off on an epic adventure full of excitement and danger. Unbeknownst to him, a concerned and faithful boy named Jack follows trail behind in an attempt to prevent the dull-minded scarecrow from certain demise.
The Scarecrow's Dance
A spiritual book about a scarecrow who ventures away from his spot in the cornfield. Enjoying his newfound freedom, the figure eventually finds himself outside a home, beneath the window by which a little boy is praying. When the child whispers his hope for an abundant crop of corn, the scarecrow know he must return to his position keeping guard over the field. Gorgeously illustrated picture book with a thought-provoking message about duty and desire.
The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight
This spooky installment of the popular Goosebumps series is not for kids who easily frighten. Jodi visits her grandparents farm every summer, but this year things are different. The cornfields are dried out, Grandma and Grandpa seem more haggard than ever before, and the old, reliable scarecrow has disappeared. In its place, a dozen scary-looking figures have taken over the field. These new scarecrows are pure evil and seem to move about. Jodi is forced to find courage within and face the monstrous scarecrows that are destroying the farm.
The Lollipop Book Club is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Fun Kids' Scarecrow Books
Reading kids' scarecrow books during the fall months, especially around Halloween, is a fun way to get into the spirit of the season. Most picture books share stories of lonely souls who want nothing more than companionship. They are often stuck in a field passing the time away wishing for a visitor to stop by and say hello. Sometimes they spring to life and find a new, fulfilling purpose beyond scaring away the crows. Their stories teach lessons about perseverance, bravery, patience, and kindness. Chapter books for older kids sometimes present scarecrows in a more sinister role, creating fear and havoc to anyone who crosses their path. Collecting a variety of the best kids' books about scarecrows to read for Halloween is pure entertainment for all ages.
Fascinating Facts About Scarecrows
Although scarecrows were originally utilized by farmers to keep predators away, these figures have become popular decorations during the autumn months. In fact, most kids usually see scarecrows perched on front porches alongside pumpkins, blocks of hay, and other Halloween decor. Stores with seasonal items sell scarecrows with friendly round faces, ready to spruce up the front yard or take a seat on a rocking chair. Of course there are scary varieties with angry expressions, dressed in old, dirty rags indicating a hardened life. Here are some pretty interesting facts about how scarecrows originated and how they have changed over the years.
- Scarecrows have been around since 2500 B.C. The original scarecrows are traced back to Greek farmers. They carved the god of vegetable gardens (Priapus) into wooden structures to keep birds away from the vineyards. Egyptians also built scarecrows to protect the wheat fields along the Nile.
- Birds are too smart to be frightened by scarecrows. It turns out that scarecrows are not very good at their job. Birds quickly learned that these stationary figures were not a threat, so farmers had to find other ways to protect their crops. Windmills and other technology seem to be more effective.
- Medieval Britain hired "bird scarers". Young boys were put to work scaring birds away from the crops. They would run through the fields with large bags of rocks to throw at birds trying to eat the seeds and budding vegetation. After the Great Plague, the population dropped so low and there were not enough boys to help, so farmers began utilizing scarecrows instead.
- The most famous scarecrow was introduced in The Wizard of Oz. The endearing, fictional character epitomizes a scarecrow's lack of purpose and ineffectiveness. The sad sack of hay wants nothing more in life than to have a brain. Audiences quickly felt sorry for this sorry fellow who wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed.
- Formidophobia is the fear of scarecrows. Although the purpose of scarecrows is to frighten birds, some people have developed phobias of these scary figures. People with this phobia suffer negative physical reactions when crossing paths with a real scarecrow, a decoration, or someone dressed in a scarecrow costume.
More Halloween Books for Kids
Scary Halloween Chapter Books for Tweens
Silly Skeleton Books for Children