Halloween is one of the best times for kids to embrace their love for spooky stories, eerie adventures, and magic. Whether they enjoy lighthearted tales or thrilling stories, there are countless Halloween books that can capture their imaginations.
In this post, you’ll find a list of some of the best Halloween books for kids. They are carefully categorized by age group to ensure your child gets the right level of spookiness.
Halloween Books for Kids Grades 1-2
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
This delightful story is perfect for early readers who love a good adventure with a touch of Halloween magic. The rhyming narrative is catchy, and the characters are unforgettable.
Room on the Broom follows a friendly witch and her cat as they pick up new friends during their broomstick flight. When they encounter a dragon, they must work together to outwit the beast. It’s a fun, lighthearted story that emphasizes the value of friendship and teamwork.
Click, Clack, Boo! A Tricky Treat by Doreen Cronin
This fun, lighthearted book from the creators of Click, Clack, Moo brings a humorous take on Halloween for younger readers.
Farmer Brown doesn’t like Halloween, but his animals are excited for the spooky festivities. With funny costumes and farmyard antics, it’s a perfect, not-too-scary read for early readers.
Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
This story offers a unique perspective on the life cycle of a pumpkin, tying it into the magic of Halloween and fall. It’s perfect for curious minds.
After Halloween, Tim’s jack-o’-lantern rots away, but he watches as it decomposes and transforms into a new pumpkin the following year. It’s an educational yet magical story about nature and the seasons.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
This is a classic Halloween read that has stood the test of time. It’s perfect for young readers who might feel a bit scared about the spooky season. The rhythmic and repetitive text makes it ideal for read-aloud sessions.
The story is about a brave little old lady who encounters spooky items while walking through the woods. Although she encounters these eerie objects, she finds clever ways to turn her fear into fun. The tale is a comforting message about facing fears and overcoming them.
The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan and Jan Berenstain
The Berenstain Bears have been beloved by children for generations. This Halloween-themed story provides just the right amount of spooky fun for little readers. Plus, it touches on lessons about kindness and understanding.
Brother and Sister Bear are excited about Halloween and going trick-or-treating. However, they’re also nervous about visiting a house rumored to be haunted by a witch. Through their experiences, they learn not to judge others based on rumors and appearances. It’s a great story about empathy and the importance of not jumping to conclusions.
Halloween Books for Kids Grades 3-4
The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches by Alice Low
This charming book combines humor and magic in a way that captivates children who are stepping into more complex stories. It’s perfect for readers moving from picture books to chapter books.
This story features three witch sisters, one of whom, Wendy, feels less magical than her powerful siblings. However, after meeting a young boy who needs her help, Wendy discovers that she possesses her own unique magical abilities. The book teaches readers about self-confidence and finding their own strengths.
Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker
This Newbery Honor-winning book is a collection of interconnected spooky tales perfect for children who enjoy a good scare without intensity.
Seven young foxes hear eerie stories about survival, danger, and the dark side of the animal kingdom. It’s a thrilling, sometimes spooky collection that touches on bravery and family.
Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds
Caldecott Honor winner Creepy Carrots is a visually stunning and slightly spooky book that’s just right for Halloween. It’s ideal for children who enjoy a mix of humor and suspense without anything too scary.
In this quirky tale, Jasper Rabbit loves eating carrots until he starts to believe that they’re following him. The story follows Jasper as he attempts to avoid the mysterious carrots. With its clever plot and darkly humorous tone, Creepy Carrots teaches children about paranoia and imagination in a fun way.
The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson
Written by the author of the popular The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, this book brings the hilarious and mischievous Herdman family into the Halloween season. It’s an engaging story with lots of humor, perfect for kids who like stories about wild characters.
The Herdmans, known as “the worst kids in the history of the world,” are determined to make Halloween as chaotic as possible. But when the town decides to cancel Halloween because of their antics, things take a surprising turn. This book is great for readers who enjoy stories about community and unexpected heroes.
Halloween Books for Kids Grades 5-6
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
This modern classic by Neil Gaiman is a perfect blend of spooky and adventurous, making it an ideal read for kids who are ready for something a bit more eerie. Gaiman’s writing is imaginative and eerie without being overly frightening.
Coraline Jones discovers a mysterious door in her new home that leads to a parallel world. Everything seems perfect, at least at first! However, she soon learns that her “Other Mother” has sinister plans for her. The book touches on themes of bravery, resourcefulness, and the importance of appreciating what you have. It’s a thrilling and beautifully written novel for older readers.
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
This ghostly and atmospheric novel has all the makings of a classic haunted house tale, perfect for readers who enjoy darker, more mysterious stories.
Two Irish siblings find work in a crumbling English manor, only to discover that a sinister tree and a ghostly gardener haunt the grounds. The book masterfully weaves suspense with an eerie sense of wonder.
Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
This gripping, spooky thriller is perfect for kids who are ready for a more intense read filled with ghostly adventures and mysterious dangers.
After encountering a creepy stranger, 11-year-old Ollie finds herself trapped in a sinister world where scarecrows come to life. She must use her wits to survive and escape. It’s an intense, edge-of-your-seat read with a strong, resourceful heroine.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Another Neil Gaiman book makes the list–and for good reason! This Newbery Medal-winning book is a masterful tale of mystery, adventure, and just the right amount of spookiness for preteens.
The Graveyard Book tells the story of a boy named Bod, who is raised by ghosts in a cemetery after his family is murdered. Bod grows up learning about the living and the dead, all while being pursued by a mysterious villain. The novel offers a touching exploration of life, death, and the importance of family, all wrapped up in a thrilling narrative.
Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe
For readers who prefer their Halloween stories on the funnier side, Bunnicula is a perfect choice. It’s a clever, funny, and slightly spooky story that is ideal for kids in grades 5-6 who aren’t looking for anything too intense.
The story follows a family’s pet dog and cat, who become convinced that their new pet rabbit, Bunnicula, is actually a vampire. After all, the strange rabbit only comes out at night and seems to drain vegetables of their color. This hilarious story is full of clever wit and spooky mystery, making it an excellent choice for readers who like humor with a side of fright.
Kids Halloween Books
Finding the perfect Halloween book for your child can make the spooky season even more fun and magical. Whether they’re in grades 1-2 and just starting their reading journey, in grades 3-4 and ready for a bit more plot complexity, or in grades 5-6 and looking for something thrilling and adventurous, there’s a Halloween book for every reader.
These books offer a delightful range of Halloween excitement, from lighthearted adventures with witches and ghosts to more thrilling tales of courage and mystery. No matter the age or preference, one of these titles is sure to make your young reader’s Halloween a little spookier and a lot more fun.
