23 of the Best Halloween Books for Kids: Spooky Tales to Share This October
Prepare for a spine-tingling journey this October! This handpicked collection of the best Halloween books for kids is brimming with stories that strike the perfect balance between ‘boo’ and ‘aww.’
Delight in the autumnal magic with “Pick a Pumpkin,” where enchanting illustrations meet heartwarming tales or whisper through the halls with friendly spirits in “There’s a Ghost In This House.”
Dive into the charming story of dedication with “The Very Busy Spider” and, as bedtime creeps in, snuggle up with “Goodnight, Little Monster.”
Ready for a cauldron of cuteness and gentle shivers? These books await young readers eager for both cuddles and mild thrills this spooky season!
Interested in more spooky content? Check out this list of the scariest artworks in art history!
Read also:
- Mariachi Skulls & Día de los Muertos: A Creative Woodblock Printing Project for Kids
- Yayoi Kusama-Inspired Halloween Printmaking Project for Kids: Easy Pumpkin Art Tutorial
- Yayoi Kusama-Inspired Halloween Block Printing Project for Kids: Pumpkin Stamp Printmaking Tutorial
Physical books, eBooks, or audiobooks?
Wondering which is best for your child? Discover the pros and cons of each in our in-depth article.
Explore the Best Halloween Books for Kids: From Ghostly Tales to Friendly Monsters
The Ghost Went Floating
By Kim Norman (Author) and Jay Fleck (Illustrator)
Inspired by the classic children’s song “The Ants Went Marching,” this Halloween twist introduces young readers to early math concepts in a playful way. The Ghost Went Floating is filled with colorful, lively illustrations by Jay Fleck, making it a fun and rhythmic read-aloud for little ones. Kim Norman’s clever wordplay combined with the spooky yet friendly ghostly adventures creates a perfect Halloween treat for young children.
The Halloween Tree
By Susan Montanari (Author) and Teresa Martinez (Illustrator)
- Montanari, Susan
- Martínez, Teresa
A beautifully illustrated and heartwarming tale, The Halloween Tree follows a stubborn tree that refuses to drop its leaves, leading to a delightful Halloween twist. The story highlights themes of individuality and acceptance, while Martinez’s stunning illustrations add a festive charm. Perfect for younger readers, this book offers a wonderful blend of humor and warmth, making it a great addition to any Halloween reading tradition.
How to Catch a Witch
By Alice Walstead (Author) and Megan Joyce (Illustrator)
This addition to the popular How to Catch series brings Halloween to life with its whimsical illustrations and zany traps. When a mischievous witch opens a portal, letting spooky creatures loose, it’s up to the kids to save the day. The vibrant artwork and imaginative storyline keep readers engaged, while the playful rhyming text makes it a fun read-aloud for Halloween night.
Ghost Afraid of the Dark
By Sara Conway (Author), Rainstorm Publishing (Author), Kidsbooks Publishing (Author), and Alex Willmore (Illustrator)
In this sweet and spooky tale, Boo the Ghost embarks on his first Halloween night with his monster friends. Filled with gentle humor and a relatable storyline, Ghost Afraid of the Dark explores themes of fear and bravery in a way that young readers will find comforting. Alex Willmore’s illustrations are bright and engaging, making this a perfect Halloween read for children who are just learning to face their own little fears.
The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard
By Ron Keres (Author) and Arthur Lin (Illustrator)
Set on a stormy night, The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard follows two brothers as they investigate spooky sounds in their house during a power outage. The story cleverly builds suspense with each eerie noise, while Arthur Lin’s illustrations bring an atmospheric and slightly spooky tone to the tale. This book strikes the perfect balance between spooky and playful, making it ideal for kids who love a little thrill but don’t want to be too scared.
Pick a Pumpkin
By Patricia Toht (Author) and Jarvis (Illustrator)
With its rhythmic, rhyming text and expressive retro-style illustrations, Pick a Pumpkin beautifully captures the joy of picking out a pumpkin and preparing it for Halloween. It’s a cozy, feel-good story that highlights the excitement of fall traditions, from the pumpkin patch to carving jack-o’-lanterns. The book’s warm, family-centered narrative makes it a wonderful seasonal read for younger children.
Room on the Broom
By Julia Donaldson (Author) and Axel Scheffler (Illustrator)
A Halloween classic, Room on the Broom is a delightful tale of a witch and her cat who meet new friends while flying on a broomstick. Julia Donaldson’s catchy, rhyming text combined with Axel Scheffler’s playful illustrations makes this a perennial favorite for families. With a humorous and heartwarming story about friendship and helping others, this book offers plenty of opportunities for kids to join in and guess what will happen next.
There’s a Ghost In This House
By Oliver Jeffers (Author)
Oliver Jeffers brings his unique artistic vision to life with There’s a Ghost In This House, a whimsical and interactive picture book. Through transparent pages and layered illustrations, readers follow a young girl who lives in a haunted house but has never seen a ghost. Jeffers’ signature storytelling and clever design make this a highly engaging read that invites children to be part of the ghost hunt, offering a gentle and humorous take on haunted house adventures.
Ghosts in the House!
By Kazuno Kohara (Author, Illustrator)
In Ghosts in the House!, a young witch uses her magical skills to tidy up the haunted home she has just moved into. With its bold orange, black, and white illustrations, Kazuno Kohara’s book stands out with its minimalist yet striking art style. The story is charming and inventive, turning spooky ghosts into helpful household items. It’s a refreshing and creative take on ghost stories, perfect for young readers who enjoy friendly frights.
Ghost in the House
By Ammi-Joan Paquette (Author) and Adam Record (Illustrator)
Ghost in the House is a lighthearted, cumulative tale that introduces children to a variety of friendly monsters, each joining the little ghost in his exploration of a spooky house. The growing group of ghoulish friends adds to the fun as the story builds with each page. The illustrations are playful and colorful, making this an enjoyable Halloween read for younger kids who prefer their scares with a smile.
How to Make Friends With a Ghost
By Rebecca Green (Author)
This whimsical guide teaches children everything they need to know about caring for a ghost, from providing its favorite snacks to reading it bedtime stories. Rebecca Green’s How to Make Friends With a Ghost is not only charmingly offbeat but also tender, exploring themes of friendship and loyalty in a unique way. With its quirky illustrations and humorous writing, this book will delight both children and adults alike, making it a wonderful addition to any Halloween or year-round reading list.
Big Pumpkin
By Erica Silverman (Author) and S.D. Schindler (Illustrator)
In Big Pumpkin, a witch grows an enormous pumpkin, but it’s too big for her to move! She calls on the help of other spooky creatures, including a ghost, a vampire, and a mummy, but none of them can lift the pumpkin either. It’s only when a small bat comes up with a clever idea that they’re finally able to enjoy a pumpkin pie. This humorous and rhythmic story, with its vibrant illustrations, is a delightful Halloween read that highlights teamwork and problem-solving.
The Very Busy Spider
By Eric Carle (Author)
Though not strictly a Halloween book, The Very Busy Spider is a beloved classic that fits in well with the season, thanks to its focus on a determined spider. Eric Carle’s signature illustrations, combined with a tactile web that children can feel, make this a multi-sensory reading experience. The story emphasizes perseverance and hard work, while also introducing young readers to a variety of farm animals. Its simple yet engaging text makes it ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.
The Haunted Lake
By P.J. Lynch (Author, Illustrator)
The Haunted Lake is a hauntingly beautiful tale that mixes love, loss, and mystery. Jacob and his father fish in a lake that was formed when their village was flooded, and they are the only ones who dare to venture there because the lake is believed to be haunted. As Jacob grows older, he falls in love with Ellen, but a tragic turn of events leads him into the underwater world of ghosts. P.J. Lynch’s masterful illustrations capture the eerie and emotional essence of the story, making this book both visually stunning and deeply moving. Perfect for older children who enjoy a more mysterious and thought-provoking Halloween read.
Goodnight, Little Monster
By Helen Ketteman (Author) and Bonnie Leick (Illustrator)
This adorable bedtime story features Little Monster getting ready for bed, from howling at the moon to brushing his fangs and drinking a glass of worm juice. Goodnight, Little Monster is a sweet and gentle twist on typical monster stories, with soft, watercolor illustrations by Bonnie Leick that create a cozy and comforting atmosphere. Perfect for younger children, this book adds a magical, non-scary element to bedtime routines during the Halloween season.
The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo!
By Elaine Bickell (Author) and Raymond McGrath (Illustrator)
In The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo!, a young ghost embarks on a journey to find her missing “Boo,” asking various animals for help along the way. This rhyming, rhythmic story is both fun and engaging, with bold, expressive illustrations that bring the characters to life. It’s a not-so-spooky Halloween adventure that kids will love, with a satisfying and cheerful ending that’s perfect for a Halloween storytime.
The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky
By Jory John (Author) and Pete Oswald (Illustrator)
In this hilarious and heartwarming sequel to The Bad Seed, Halloween is fast approaching, but the Bad Seed can’t find a costume that he deems good enough. In typical Bad Seed fashion, he hatches a plan to delay Halloween until he can find the perfect outfit. The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky is full of humor and witty dialogue, paired with Pete Oswald’s vibrant illustrations, making it a fun and entertaining Halloween story about creativity and self-acceptance.
Sir Simon: Super Scarer
By Cale Atkinson (Author)
Meet Sir Simon, a professional ghost assigned to haunt his first house. His job is made a little more difficult when he encounters Chester, a kid who’s more interested in ghost chores than being scared. This clever and funny tale takes a refreshing approach to ghost stories, focusing on friendship and teamwork instead of frights. Cale Atkinson’s whimsical illustrations and lighthearted tone make Sir Simon: Super Scarer a delightful read for children who prefer humor over scares.
Poultrygeist
By Eric Geron (Author) and Pete Oswald (Illustrator)
Poultrygeist is a hilarious, pun-filled story about a chicken who, after crossing the road, becomes a ghost. This ghostly chicken is tasked with being a “poultrygeist” but struggles with scaring anyone. The playful narrative, combined with Pete Oswald’s vibrant and comedic illustrations, makes this a unique and fun twist on traditional ghost stories. It’s a laugh-out-loud Halloween read that kids will love, especially those who enjoy a bit of silly wordplay.
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt
By Riel Nason (Author) and Byron Eggenschwiler (Illustrator)
- Nason, Riel
- Eggenschwiler, Byron
In The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt, a young ghost feels out of place because, unlike other ghosts who are light and airy sheets, he is made of a heavy quilt. This touching story explores themes of self-acceptance and embracing differences, with warm and whimsical illustrations by Byron Eggenschwiler. The heartfelt message and gentle storytelling make this a standout Halloween book, perfect for kids who might feel a little different themselves.
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost
By Flavia Z. Drago (Author, Illustrator)
Gustavo is a shy ghost who loves playing the violin but struggles to make friends because he’s too afraid to approach the other monsters. With the Day of the Dead approaching, Gustavo comes up with a plan to show everyone who he truly is. Gustavo, the Shy Ghost is a beautifully illustrated, heartwarming tale about overcoming shyness and finding the courage to connect with others. Flavia Z. Drago’s vibrant, colorful art brings this sweet story to life, making it a must-read for children who enjoy stories with emotional depth.
The Witch’s Cat and The Cooking Catastrophe
By Kirstie Watson (Author) and Magdalena Sawko (Illustrator)
- Watson, Kirstie
- Sawko, Magdalena
This magical and humorous tale follows a witch’s cat who tries to help his owner with her cooking, only to cause a series of comical disasters. The Witch’s Cat and The Cooking Catastrophe is a fun, interactive read with plenty of opportunities for kids to guess what will happen next. The lively illustrations add to the chaotic charm, making it a delightful bedtime story that’s sure to leave little ones giggling.
Hardly Haunted
By Jessie Sima (Author, Illustrator)
Hardly Haunted tells the story of a house that’s worried it might be haunted because of its creaking floors and rattling pipes. Determined to make itself appealing to a family, the house tries to hide its spooky sounds. This unique and touching tale offers a gentle twist on haunted house stories, with Jessie Sima’s enchanting illustrations bringing warmth to the spooky setting. It’s a heartwarming story about embracing one’s true self and finding a place to belong.
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