Category: Washington Irving

If you are obsessed with “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”…

I love “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” It’s one of my most favorite stories. I grew up listening to the story, visiting Sleepy Hollow, and the Legend was so much more than just a story. For me, the Legend was this magical portal to a time past, a way to walk the same streets but see them in a different time, a way to be frightened but not terrified (I hate to be terrified).

When I was small, I loved the Disney movie and a copy of a children’s version of the story. As I got older, I adored the full story, especially hearing it read aloud in the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow.

I’ve written about the Legend many times. I’ve read it even more times than that. So when I find a story that is somehow tied to the Legend, I’m in. Here are some of my favorite books that are retellings, adaptations, possible background stories, possible continuations. Some are children appropriate, some are teen appropriate, some are older teen appropriate but there is a Legend version for everyone.

Treasury of Illustrated Classics – The Legend of Sleepy Hollow : This is a great way to introduce a child to the Legend. The story is just scary enough without being too scary.

Christina Henry’s Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow : This continuation of the Legend 30 years later was a great read. I’ve imagine the future for the characters and wondered if the headless horseman ever returned to Sleepy Hollow. I appreciated Henry’s continuation of the story (and I’m excited to go hear Henry speak next month!)

Serena Valentino’s Raising the Horseman : Valentino continues the story 200 years later with the many times great granddaughter of Katrina Van Tassel. Definitely worth reading!

Jessica Verday’s The Hollow Trilogy : I loved this trilogy first because it’s a trilogy (and I love when a story transcends multiple books) and two because it jumped between past and present in a different way. I don’t want to give away more but trust me, read it!

Alyssa Palombo’s The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel : I haven’t written about this book here yet, but if you are reading Legend related books read this one too. Trust me! I’ll tell you more about it soon. I’m going to hear Palombo speak next month and I’m so excited!

Nichole Louise’s Raven Rock : I’m currently reading this (post coming soon). This is the story of the Headless Horseman. I can’t put it down!

J.W. Ocker’s Chasing the Horseman : I haven’t read this yet. It’s coming out soon but sounds amazing! I’m going to hear Ocker speak next month. If this is half as good as I’ve heard it to be, it’s definitely worth checking out!

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“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” continues through “The Hollow Trilogy”

Last year, at the Ridgefield Library book sale, I picked up a YA book that takes place in Sleepy Hollow and the author weaves “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” through the story. The book was part of “The Hollow Trilogy” by Jessica Verday (and actually was book 2 but I’m ok with starting in the middle and going back to book 1 later).

The trilogy takes place in the town of Sleepy Hollow. Abbey’s best friend, Kristen, disappears near the Headless Horseman Bridge near the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. While everyone believes Kristen is dead, Abbey believes there is something they don’t know about what happened to Kristen. A mysterious young man, Caspian, shows up at Kristen’s funeral. Caspian has secrets but despite those secrets, he makes Abbey feel somewhat normal, until she finds out all that he is hiding. Caspian, along with other characters we meet, has ties to “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”…close ties, really close ties.

The book has a bit of a “Twilight” meets “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” feel to it (minus vampires). What I loved about this YA series is how well Verday incorporated Sleepy Hollow into the book. Having visited the cemetery and the Old Dutch Church, I wanted accuracy in the setting and she achieved that. Abbey would often visit Washington Irving’s grave. I appreciated how well those scenes were written.

I love books that have local landmarks in them. I love seeing the story take place someplace I can literally picture in my mind, and I really love when the author does a great job using those actual locations. This trilogy is a great October read for YA readers. Read the book and visit Sleepy Hollow. Walk the paths behind the Old Dutch Church through Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and feel the book come alive around you. Any time we can experience books in multiple ways, it makes the readers more excited about reading. Check back in next week and I’ll discuss more ways we can have a multi-sensory approach to experiencing great books!

I’m back with a Halloween read

It’s been a while and I’ve missed sharing children’s books with all of you. For those new here, I write about favorite children’s and YA books (and why I think adults should read them too!). You may wonder why children’s and YA books. I have so many good memories of being read to as a child, reading books myself, and visiting my favorite characters in books. I love revisiting favorite childhood books and finding new amazing books to share.

Now that we are close to Halloween (my favorite holiday), I’m enjoying Halloween books. One book I love to reread this time of year is Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” It’s just scary enough without bringing on nightmares for a chicken like me.

I especially love that the story is local. I always enjoy when we can share books with children and bring them to life. The legend takes place in Sleepy Hollow, NY, a short drive from here. After reading the book with your child, visit Washington Irving’s home, Sunnyside or stop by the Old Dutch Church (yes, it is still standing) and while there you can visit Washington Irving’s grave out back. While there, cross the headless horseman’s bridge. To walk the steps of the story brings it to life in a whole new way. I have such great memories of my mom taking me to Sleepy Hollow and walking the same path Ichabod Crane walked in the legend.

I found an old copy of the legend on vinyl which is equally amazing. If you want more ways to bring it to life after reading, the old Disney cartoon is available on Disney+. For older readers, also check out Tim Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow.”

Check back in next week when I share my favorite YA book that builds off of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”