Stories for the Spooky Season with Serial Mash

As the weather turns colder, night draws in, leaves turn golden and pumpkins start to glow, it's the perfect time for some seasonal reading. October is made for mystery, magic and a few spooky thrills - so step inside Serial Mash and see what this season's readings has in store...

Serial Mash is the online library brought to you by 2Simple. It's full of over 250 books written especially for primary-aged children. With seven different libraries and fun reading activities included, there's something for all children.

Serial Mash can be added on to Purple Mash, or used as a standalone to help promote a love of reading or for guided reading lessons in class.

Why Seasonal Stories Spark a Love of Reading

There's something special about reading stories that match the time of year. Just like adults love a festive novel at Christmas or a beach read in Summer, children will connect more with books that reflect the world around them. Seasonal stories help reading feel timely, relevant and exciting - a fun part of everyday life rather than a task to complete for school.

In October, spooky stories are great fun, capturing the atmosphere of darkening evenings, pumpkins on doorsteps and a hint of mystery in the air.

Studies from the National Literacy Trust and the DfE's Reading for Pleasure report show that when reading materials feel relevant and connected to children's lives - like spooky stories in October - they're more likely to pick up a book for fun.

October's Serial Mash reads

Spooky Stories

The Knockers: Drake and his mum move to Cornwall where he hears the legend of the knockers that live in the mines. Drake is determined to prove they are a myth but his actions endanger his life. Ages 7-9

Lupe of the Pack: Lupe lives with her in Aunt in an isolated house. Who are the wolves who live outside and why does she feel a special bond with them? Ages 7-9

The Caretaker: Magnus is excited to join his brother at the sponsored sleep out at the old, disused school. But when the evening comes and the rooms get darker, is it really as exciting as he hoped? Ages 9-11

The Haunting of Rose Cottage: Cally and her family leave their old life behind to start a new life at Rose Cottage. What history does the cottage have and how may it threaten the lives of the children? Ages 9-11

Nightmare Machine: Daniel is chosen for a mission to find out the secrets held within Lady Rhonda Ruin's fortress and risks his own life in doing so. Ages 9-11

The Leaping Hare: Jake goes to stay with his uncle and embarks on an adventure involving a strange hare, mysterious dead man’s hand and his aunt's disappearance. Ages 9-11

Magic, Mystery and Monsters

Magpie Plant: Shona gives her Mum a magpie plant for her birthday. As things go missing in the house, Sadik suspects that it is not just a normal plant. Ages 5-7

A Paint Splash of Magic: A magic feather that turns paintings into real things leads Lola and her friends into some tricky situations. Ages 7-9

Replica Face: Imagine being able to turn into somebody else. That’s what happens to Safia when she finds an old mask. She has the choice to use the mask for good, bad or for making mischief. Ages 7-9

The Switcher: Ben and his dog Rocky find a mysterious machine and swap places. Will they be able to live in each others bodies and will they still be able to win the school talent show? Ages 7-9

Maia's Mushroom Mystery: Maia’s grandma has been put in a care home, but all is not as it seems. Maia and her cousin, Freddie, find themselves lost in the mysterious world of mushrooms while trying to rescue their beloved grandma. Ages 9-11

Stranger Neighbours: Gem has moved to a new neighbourhood and is curious about the strange sound of singing coming from under the ground. Ages 9-11

Bigfoot Adventure: When Luke and Mia discover a bigfoot whilst on holiday they embark on an adventure together but who are the two mysterious black-suited men? Ages 7-9

Monster Swap: How would you like to visit a monster? And have a monster to stay with you? Meet ROBBIE. Robbie likes inventing new types of crisps. Meet VOXY. Voxy is ten feel tall. This MONSTER SWAP could turn out to be one crazy adventure! Ages 9-11

Autumn Atmosphere

Lucinda Leap and the Hedgehog Gang: Lucinda has moved school and found it hard to fit in. She finds friends in a strange place and in helping them also finds a way to help herself. Ages 7-9

Sam and the Wet Day: It is the last day at school before the start of the holidays. This should make Sam happy but it doesn't. Ages 5-7

City Farm Book Four - Fireworks Campaign: Cate is alarmed to hear about the upcoming fireworks display close to City Farm. She starts a campaign to get it moved. Will she be able to protect Bracken, the nervous pony, from the loud bangs? Ages 7-9

Wet Breaks and Headless Trophies: When Mrs Cruikshank’s prized trophy is broken William finds himself a suspect. Can he solve the mystery and clear his name? Ages 7-9