It’s time for the spectacular spooky season of Halloween! All of the fun that comes from dressing up and trying on new personas can be downright liberating for kids (and adults) of all ages. Those of us that get a kick out of adrenaline-inducing ‘boos’ will happily seek out the mysterious elements of the season, while others will come face-to-face with some fears. For both reasons, Halloween is a great time to read books that empower kids to embrace the silly and spooky.
Excellent for reading in October and beyond, the books on this list span all ages and range from fun to freaky. You’ll find stories about monsters, pumpkins, skeletons, pirates, witches, ghosts, and more for toddlers through teens and everyone in between.
Written by
With lift-the-flap doors that open up to reveal a cast of entertaining and spookalicious characters, this board book is a definite charmer for the little ones. It’s a great introduction to all of the typical Halloween suspects, such as a witch, mummy, skeleton, and vampire.
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Ages 3-5 | Publisher: Harry N. Abrams | ISBN-13: 978-1419737220
Written by
Illustrated by
If you’re like us and you love a bit of a sing-song storytime, you’ll enjoy this silly and spooky and fun take on the preschool classic “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
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Ages 3-6 | Publisher: Familius | ISBN-13: 978-1641701464
Written and Illustrated by
Mr. Pumpkin is hosting a tea party for all of his friends. If you like a little bit of pumpkin spice and all things nice, this is the book for you. It’s an inspirational, celebrational fall delight filled with fantastic friends, ghoulish delights, and spooky charm.
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Ages 3-5 | Publisher: blue manatee press | ISBN-13: 978-1936669776
Written by
Illustrated by Inna Chernyak
When pirates dress up for Halloween, you know you’re in for a treat. Happy Halloween, Pirates! is a sweet and sturdy book made for little hands that will enjoy lifting the engaging flaps and discovering hidden treasures.
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Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Clever Publishing | ISBN-13: 978-1948418881
Written by Patricia Toht
Illustrated by Jarvis
If visiting the pumpkin patch and picking just the right pumpkin is an annual tradition for your family, then this is the perfect read-aloud picture book for you.
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Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Candlewick | ISBN-13: 978-1536207644
Written by Blair Thornburgh
Illustrated by Scott Campbell
If skeletons seem scary to your little one, Skulls will have readers in awe and appreciation of this critical bone. They’ll possibly even be surprised to discover that they, too, have a skull inside. It is a clever little book for young thinkers!
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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 978-1534414006
Written by Max Brallier
Illustrated by Letizia Rubegni
Got a beginner reader that loves a little spinetingling storytelling? With its easy-to-read text and colorful illustrations, this early reader book from New York Times bestselling author Max Brallier will be right up their (dark and stormy) alley.
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Ages 5-7 | Publisher: Scholastic Inc. | ISBN-13: 978-1338318531
Written and Illustrated by Rebecca Elliott
Newly independent readers will happily go on Eva the owl’s class field trip to the pumpkin farm. Things get pretty exciting when an award-winning pumpkin goes missing.
We’re big fans of the Owl Diaries chapter book series—these books help to build confidence and keep readers turning pages!
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Ages 5-7 | Publisher: Branches | ISBN-13: 978-1338298642
Written and Illustrated by Barbara Cantini
Here’s another confidence-building book for newly independent readers…
This second story in the illustrated chapter book series, featuring Ghoulia, the not-so-scary zombie, is perfect for young readers that love a little mystery.
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Ages 6-8 | Publisher: Harry N. Abrams | ISBN-13: 978-1419736902
Written and Illustrated by
How about our readers looking for a little witchy magic?
There is so much to love about this heart-filled and humorous graphic novel pegged as Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Roller Girl. When Moth Hush encounters some bullies, her life takes an unexpected and witchy turn.
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Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Aladdin | ISBN-13: 978-1534431461
Written and Illustrated by
Any middle schooler that isn’t afraid of a little hair-raising should have a collection of ghost stories on hand to share with their friends at their next sleepover. Best read with the ceiling lights out and a flashlight in hand.
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Ages 9-12 | Publisher: Chronicle Books | ISBN-13: 978-1452171289
Written by
Katherine Arden is known for her creepy storytelling. Dead Voices is her follow-up novel to Small Spaces—one of our picks from our Scary Stories book list. Set in a ski resort and filled with chilling, ghostly nightmares, this is a story that will take readers from fall into winter. Try the audiobook narrated by and listen together as a family—the family that gets spooked together clings together.
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Ages 10+ | Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 978-0525515050
Go Beyond the Books with These Fun Games and Stationery Items
An enjoyable way to help reinforce reading and vocabulary skills is to play games. The following picks would all be fun for a Halloween party, too!
Created by Ooly
The monster-themed stationery items make fun party favors or even work for filling your trick-or-treat bowl! Putting a teal pumpkin on the front porch has become a popular way for families to signify they offer allergy-free treats for Halloween.
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Ages 3+ | Publisher: Ooly | ASIN: B01FNAD1L6
Illustrated by Rob Hodgson
A spooky and silly twist on the classic game of bingo. Three to seven players can participate at a time, so it’s perfect for small groups and family participation.
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Ages 5+ | Publisher: Laurence King Publishing | ISBN-13: 978-1786270085
Created by Peaceable Kingdom
There is absolutely nothing else but fun going on when you have to feed the Woozle snacks like moldy macaroni, and hairy pickles while doing the Hula dance. Feed the Woozle is a cooperative game that works on a bunch of different preschool skills.
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Ages 5+ | Publisher: Peaceable Kingdom | ASIN: B00L3DQ1B0
This book list, 12 Kids’ Books for Halloween and Beyond, was curated by Bianca Schulze. For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with Books About Witches, Halloween Books, Monsters, Pumpkin, Scary Stories, and Spooky.