Halloween books for kids are the topic of our blog post today!
Halloween has a magical aura—when the air turns crisp, pumpkins grin from front porches, and the little ones can’t contain their excitement about their next big costume idea. But beyond the candy and costumes, there’s a world of enchanting stories waiting to be discovered. Now, you may be thinking, “Surely, finding the right Halloween books for kids isn’t as complex as decoding the Da Vinci Code?” Ah, if only it were so simple!
I’ve sunk my teeth into countless reviews, relived my years in the classroom thinking about what truly captivates young minds, and yes, even weathered a few hauntingly bad reads. Why? Because there’s something extraordinary about a book that can both entertain and educate, creating a Halloween atmosphere that stretches beyond just one night of the year.
So, here it is—my handpicked selection of Halloween books for kids that are more treat than trick. Books that will not only have kids hanging on to every word but also spark meaningful conversations and lessons. Enjoy!
For grown-ups, check out best Halloween books for adults list
Halloween Books for Kids
Here are our top picks for Halloween books for kids:
1. Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds
Jasper Rabbit’s quest for maturity takes an unexpected twist when he finds himself wearing a rather “animated” pair of underwear. Glowing eerily in the dark, the haunted boxers become a humorous vehicle to explore childhood fears. Aaron Reynolds crafts an ingenious story that navigates the delicate balance between fear and bravery, all wrapped up in the seemingly trivial matter of underwear choice. This is a tale that brings laughter and relatability, especially useful for those mini-lessons about overcoming fears.
Buy Creepy Pair of Underwear on Amazon
2. Goodnight Goon: a Petrifying Parody, by Michael Rex
Taking a leaf from the timeless bedtime story, this book flips it into a Halloween spectacle. Michael Rex succeeds in turning the calming lullaby into a playful parody, capturing the essence of Halloween while maintaining the feel of a bedtime routine. Perfect for young readers, this board book does more than just entertain; it sparks dialogue about the art of parody and adaptation, making it a worthy addition to your spooky season reading list.
Buy Goodnight Goon on Amazon
3. The Witches, by Roald Dahl
A timeless classic, “The Witches” dives deep into a world of mysterious women who abhor children. Narrated by a grandmother to her inquisitive grandson, the stakes rise when they must confront the Grand High Witch herself. This is not just a story; it’s a narrative powerhouse that forces kids to wrestle with complex themes like good versus evil. Roald Dahl’s storytelling prowess makes this a compelling read that offers both chills and food for thought.
Buy The Witches on Amazon
4. Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete, by James Dean and Kimberly Dean
If you’ve ever wanted to bring the trick-or-treating experience into a storybook format, “Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete” serves that need flawlessly. Pete’s Halloween escapade is more than just a read—it’s an interactive journey. Lift-the-flap features engage kids as they unveil Halloween surprises. The Pete the Cat series has a knack for resonating with kids, and this Halloween edition is no exception. It adds an extra dimension to reading that taps into kids’ natural curiosity and desire to explore.
Buy Pete the Cat on Amazon
5. Spooky Pookie, by Sandra Boynton
Oh, the joys and anxieties of choosing a Halloween costume! Sandra Boynton nails this all-too-relatable childhood dilemma with “Spooky Pookie.” Through Pookie’s adventure of trying on various costumes, the book humorously captures the decision-making process that’s part of this festive season. The story is a great conversation starter about choices and preferences, perfect for toddler-level discussions. It pairs simple, compelling storytelling with delightful illustrations—pure Boynton magic.
Buy Spooky Pookie on Amazon
6. Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson
As stories go, “Room on the Broom” is a treasure trove of life lessons wrapped in a Halloween theme. This tale brings to life a witch, her cat, and a series of unfortunate events that lead to new friendships and challenges. The unfolding drama on the overloaded broom paves the way for lessons in teamwork, friendship, and problem-solving. It’s got this duality of being a joyous read while secretly being educational, hitting all the right notes for a story you’d want to revisit.
Buy Room on the Broom on Amazon
7. Good Night Little Blue Truck, by Alice Schertle
What do you get when you mix a friendly blue truck with a bunch of animal friends gearing up for Halloween? A page-turning, flap-lifting, interactive experience that’s perfect for young readers. “Little Blue Truck’s Halloween” not only offers a delightful story but also invites kids to engage directly with the narrative. The lift-the-flap feature allows kids to guess who’s hiding behind the costume, making it a multi-dimensional reading experience.
Buy Good Night Little Blue Truck on Amazon
8. Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds
From the get-go, “Creepy Carrots!” embraces its peculiar premise: sentient vegetables that teach a lesson on greed. What I love about this book is that it addresses a pretty weighty topic but packages it in a way that’s palatable for young minds. The book leverages its Halloweenish ambiance to delve into life lessons that are worth pondering.
Buy Creepy Carrots on Amazon
9. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, by Linda D. Williams
Bravery comes in all forms, and sometimes it comes disguised as a little old lady who isn’t scared of anything—not even creepy, crawling pants or floating gloves. This charming book is a fabulous example of how courage can be shown in the simplest of ways. The repetitive structure of the story makes it engaging and interactive, ideal for read-aloud sessions in the classroom or at home.
Buy The Little Old Lady on Amazon
10- Trick or Treat, Little Critter, by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter stories are perennial favorites, and adding Halloween to the mix? That’s like adding sprinkles to your ice cream. The fact that the book comes with cards, stickers, and a poster makes it an interactive experience. This tactile element is something I highly value in educational settings because kids not only read but also ‘do,’ which reinforces learning in a fun way.
Buy Trick or Treat on Amazon
11- Curious George Haunted Halloween, by H. A. Rey
Everyone’s favorite inquisitive monkey is back, this time diving into the mysteries of Halloween legends. “Curious George Haunted Halloween” serves as a light-hearted investigation into the spooky folklore of No Noggin—a headless scarecrow. With a bit of detective work, George tries to debunk this legend, all while having the best Halloween ever.
Buy Curious George on Amazon
12- Corduroy’s Best Halloween Ever! by Don Freeman
Corduroy is excited but faces the challenge that nearly every child (and let’s face it, many adults) encounters: picking out the perfect Halloween costume. With a party to host and a night of trick-or-treating ahead, Corduroy must make his choice. Decision-making can be tough, even if it’s just choosing a Halloween costume, and Corduroy’s plight captures this sentiment perfectly. It’s an endearing story that makes room for discussions on choices and consequences, albeit in a very sweet, age-appropriate manner.
Buy Corduroy’s Best Halloween Ever on Amazon
13- Five Little Pumpkins on Sesame Street, by Sesame Workshop and Erin Guendelsberger
Bringing together the nostalgia of Sesame Street and the fun of Halloween, “Five Little Pumpkins on Sesame Street” is a real hit. Not just a book, it’s an experience—a sing-along that encourages kids to actively engage with the content. Who wouldn’t love to go trick-or-treating with Elmo and the gang? And hey, the bonus activity masks are a cherry on top.
Buy Five Little Pumpkins on Amazon
14- How to Catch a Monster, by Adam Wallace
If there’s anything I’ve learned in my years of teaching, it’s that kids are braver than we give them credit for, and “How to Catch a Monster” confirms just that. A young ninja boldly goes to confront his fears and finds out they’re not so scary after all. This book cleverly plays with the notion of fear, turning it into an opportunity for friendship. This book can be a great way to discuss courage and facing fears, which is always a pertinent topic. Kids can learn that facing what scares them could result in some unexpected, and wonderful, outcomes. It’s a whimsical take on bravery that I believe kids will not only enjoy but also benefit from.
Buy How to Catch a Monster on Amazon
15- Ten Timid Ghosts, by Jennifer O’Connell
Ghosts and counting—a match made in Halloween heaven! “Ten Timid Ghosts” features ten spooked spirits and one mischievous witch, combining counting, humor, and a pinch of bravery. It’s an entertaining way to integrate math into a storytelling experience, especially when the stakes involve reclaiming a haunted house.
Buy Ten Timid Ghosts on Amazon
16- Sweet and Spooky Halloween, by RH Disney
Who says princesses can’t do Halloween? “Sweet and Spooky Halloween” breaks the mold by bringing our favorite Disney princesses into the fold of this much-celebrated holiday. Cinderella carving pumpkins and Ariel in a costume? Yes, please! From my experience, Disney themes often serve as a gateway to introduce young readers to various genres and themes. This one is no exception. It’s a smooth way to blend the fairy-tale world kids already love with the magic and excitement of Halloween. A perfect pick for Disney aficionados who also happen to love the season of spooks!
Buy Sweet and Spooky Halloween on Amazon
17- Big Pumpkin, by Erica Silverman and S.D. Schindler
There’s a lot to love about “Big Pumpkin,” but its cleverness tops the list. The book plays out like a fable, showing how the tiny bat succeeds where others have failed. It’s a fun twist on the “brains over brawn” mantra and speaks volumes about ingenuity and teamwork. The book has a cool, indirect lesson about the power of collective intelligence. So, in a sense, it’s a Halloween story that doubles up as a life lesson.
Buy Big Pumpkin on Amazon
18- Too Many Pumpkins, by Linda White
Sometimes the things we loathe become the things that provide us with the most profound experiences. “Too Many Pumpkins” strikes a chord with its tale of unexpected abundance and the transformative power of generosity. Rebecca Estelle’s pumpkin odyssey is such a fantastic exploration of making the best out of a less-than-ideal situation. In addition to being a seasonal pick, this story could serve as a beautiful starting point for classroom discussions about resourcefulness, empathy, and community building. It’s this blend of entertainment and education that really makes a story stick, don’t you think?
Buy Too Many Pumpkins on Amazon
19- The Berenstain Bears Go on a Ghost Walk, by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
A nostalgic series for many. In this one, Papa Bear takes his love for Halloween to a whole new level by orchestrating the Ghost Walk for Bear Country School. But things take a funny turn when he ends up spooking himself.
Buy The Berenstain Bears on Amazon
20- Weird But True Halloween, by Julie Beer
If you’re a trivia buff or have kids who are always curious, “Weird But True Halloween” is a treasure trove of quirky facts. I love incorporating “did you know?” segments in my teaching, and this book is chock-full of those kinds of tidbits. The zombie apocalypse plan from the U.S. Defense Department? That’s a gem that could spark a whole conversation in a classroom!
Buy Weird But True Halloween on Amazon
Final thoughts
And there you have it—my carefully curated list of Halloween books that promise to add a pinch of magic, a dash of spookiness, and a whole lot of joy to your Halloween festivities. From charming board books for the littlest pumpkins in your patch to riveting tales for your independent readers, there’s something here for everyone.
