Boo! Read these adorable children's Halloween books with your kiddos to get the whole family ready for spooky season.
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30 Children’s Halloween Books for a Spooktacular Story Time
Frightfully good children’s Halloween books
Ghosts and goblins and monsters—oh, my! While you’re dreaming up costumes, carving pumpkins, buying candy and participating in your favorite Halloween traditions, break out a good book (or five) to help your kids get into the spooky spirit for the big day. Not only is it good holiday fun, but experts also say that reading age-appropriate scary books to kids lets them experience emotions like fear and anxiety from the safety of their home—and helps them learn how to navigate through them. Not sure what to read? We’ve compiled the top children’s Halloween books to make this super easy for you.
For this list of the best books for kids to read during the spooky season, we considered bestsellers, reader favorites, classics and the most highly rated Halloween books for kids, as well as recommendations from a children’s librarian, an author and Reader’s Digest editors. We also stuck with books made especially for young readers up to middle grade—though, of course, there’s no rule that teens and adults can’t enjoy them too!
Whether you have kids looking for some lighthearted fun or little daredevils who crave a good scare, these children’s books have everything your little Halloween bookworm wants.
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Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Ages: 2–5
From the beloved author of The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom features a witch who loses her hat, bow and wand on a night flight. Three animals help her out in exchange for a ride on her broomstick, but can they save the witch from a hungry dragon? This 2003 book is a classic for a reason: It’s got pitch-perfect read-aloud rhymes, a sweet story about friendship and memorable illustrations. If you love this witchy book, check out the 2012 half-hour animated movie based on it, available on most streaming services.
“My kids and I are total Julia Donaldson devotees, and Room on the Broom is a favorite,” says Dawn Yanek, a senior editor at Reader’s Digest. “In addition to its catchy rhymes and whimsical characters, I love its focus on kindness, friendship and help—and the dash of adventure and magic that brings it all together. It’s an excellent read, with the perfect amount of scare for young kids, and it will leave you all smiling from ear to ear at the end.”
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Trick or Treat on Scary Street by Lance Bass
Ages: 4–8
Lance Bass (yes, that Lance Bass, of NSYNC fame) proves his writing talents extend beyond music in the delightful 2024 Trick or Treat on Scary Street. Readers will follow 13 children as they brave Scary Street, with its spooky vampires, ghosts and goblins on Halloween night. Who will make it to the end? The sideshow- or carnival-like imagery will draw in kids, and the musical rhymes will keep them entertained until the very last trick (or treat).
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Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
Ages: 2–6
Part of author Aaron Reynolds’s hit series, which includes A Creepy Pair of Underwear and Creepy Crayon, Creepy Carrots is the hilarious tale of Jasper Rabbit, who loves eating carrots in a carrot field—that is, until he thinks the carrots may be following him! Suspenseful, creative and a definite page-turner, this 2012 book is a favorite of parents, teachers, kids and critics alike, garnering it the coveted Caldecott Honor.
This is a personal pick. My eldest son’s teacher read this aloud to the class in the first grade, and he couldn’t stop talking about it. I bought the book, and it quickly became a family favorite, eliciting numerous giggles—from both kids and adults.
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I’m Looking for a Monster by Timothy Young
Ages: 3–7
In the hilarious 2008 book I’m Looking for a Monster, monsters are popping up all over the place. Literally—it’s a pop-up book! A little boy is looking for a monster: not too scary and not too big. Will he find the perfect one? Creative paper engineering helps bring the funny monsters to life and will keep your little one turning the pages to see what will pop up next.
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Can You See What I See? On a Scary Scary Night by Walter Wick
Ages: 3–9
The author of the wildly popular I Spy series happens to have some Halloween books for kids too, including 2008’s Can You See What I See?, which is set in and around a hilltop castle and takes its inspiration from the classic folktale In a Dark, Dark Wood. Each two-page spread features stunning, vivid illustrations, along with Wick’s signature and addictive search-and-solve picture puzzles, keeping kids enthralled for hours.
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Frankenstein Takes the Cake by Adam Rex
Ages: 3–9
If you’re in search of a giggle instead of a scare, try Frankenstein Takes the Cake. Using clever cartoons, poems, postcards, announcements and even the blog of a headless horseman, Adam Rex proves, both creatively and hilariously, that monsters—like humans—have plenty of problems of their own. The brilliant rhymes and multilayered humor make this children’s Halloween book the perfect read-aloud for classrooms or bedtime.
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The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John
Ages: 4–8
The popular character Bad Seed returns with his notoriously bad temperament to take on his favorite frightening holiday in the No. 1 New York Times bestseller The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky. When Bad Seed can’t find a costume in time for trick-or-treating, will he handle the setback with grace or return to his naughty ways? This 2021 book will delight fans of the original and introduce new readers to the hilarious and all-too-human antics of this book-series favorite.
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Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes
Ages: 4–8
In this beautifully illustrated 2016 book, a troupe of Halloween creatures prepares for a ball. While primarily in English, Los Gatos Black on Halloween seamlessly incorporates Spanish words for common Halloween concepts—with context clues and illustrations providing youngsters with instant knowledge of what they mean.
“Yuyi Morales is one of my absolute favorite illustrators, and her art in Los Gatos Black is nothing short of astounding,” says Rachel Strolle, a children’s librarian and the teen services coordinator for a library in the Chicago area. “This is one of my favorite books to look at—and a perfect spooky read.”
Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Halloween by Deborah Heiligman
Ages: 6–8
Ever wonder where Halloween originated? Or how the holiday is celebrated in Japan or Paris? Holidays Around the World helps teach elementary school kids about the history of the holiday and the many different cultural traditions associated with it around the world. In addition to bringing these unique celebrations to life with bright images, this 2009 nonfiction book will teach your kids the origins of costumes, jack-o’-lanterns and trick-or-treating. You might learn a thing or two as well!
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Tucker’s Spooky Halloween by Leslie McGuirk
Ages: 2–5
When Tucker was just a puppy, he dressed up as a cute little pumpkin for Halloween. Now that he’s all grown up, he’d rather be spooky instead of cute. Tucker’s Spooky Halloween, published in 2007, follows Tucker as his owner has him try on countless cute costumes before he finds just the right one on his own to scare away trick-or-treaters. Young readers will be delighted at the pup’s antics—from trying on a Hawaiian hula skirt and lei that he abhors to attempting to be a scary ghost by donning a white sheet that just won’t stay on—and they’ll cheer when he finally lands on the right costume. (No spoilers here—you’ll just have to read it to find out!)
“Stories about adorable dogs are a no-brainer for kids, but this one will appeal to your little one’s desire to be a big kid and make their own decisions,” says Yanek. “Yes, your pint-size listeners will giggle as Tucker tries on his various silly costumes, but they’ll really revel in his creativity, understand just how he feels and celebrate right alongside him when he succeeds.”
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How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara
Ages: 3–7
The aptly titled How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? starts with a scientific inquiry: Which pumpkin has the most seeds: the biggest, the medium-size one or the smallest? Mr. Tiffin asks his class, and an investigation is underway. The answer is surprising in this sincere, sweet 2007 story that features lessons on math, science and kindness. The extra pumpkin facts at the end are a fun bonus.
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The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz
Ages: 2–6
The Ugly Pumpkin puts a Halloween twist on the classic story of The Ugly Duckling. An oddly shaped pumpkin sees Halloween come and go, sad when none of the visitors to the pumpkin patch choose him. But what if he’s been looking for his time to shine on the wrong holiday? It’s an adorable story about standing out and fitting in. Kids will love the bright illustrations, while parents will love the life lesson and journey of self-discovery.
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Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
Ages: 4–8
In the stunningly illustrated 2014 Bats at the Library, New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor–winning author and illustrator Brian Lies introduces readers to the joys of the public library through the eyes of book-loving bats. “Another inky evening’s here / The air is cool and calm and clear. Can it be true? Oh, can it be? Yes! Bat Night at the library!” Nocturnal bats remind kids and adults that there’s nothing quite so magical as the enchantment of story time.
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Where’s My Mummy? by Carolyn Crimi
Ages: 2–6
The clever 2009 book Where’s My Mummy? reminds readers that even creatures of the night need their moms. Little Baby Mummy is stalling at bedtime and wants just one more game of hide-and-shriek. As the game gets underway, he runs into Drac, Glob, Bones and other wacky creatures. But when an unexpected fright scares Little Baby Mummy, he needs his Mummy! Comical illustrations and the comfort of landing in his mama’s arms make this a sweet and satisfying read.
“This is the perfect book for Hotel Transylvania fans, with some familiar faces and delightful illustrations,” says Strolle. “But my favorite thing about this book may be its excellent Halloween-y puns.”
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Ghost Afraid of the Dark by Sara Conway
Ages: 2–4
Boo is a ghost—and he’s scared of the dark. If you have little ones with the same fear, Ghost Afraid of the Dark might just become their favorite book. Readers follow Boo as he learns, with the help of some friends, to be brave and embrace the night. Kids will love the rhymes, the bright pictures and—if they get the 2019 hardcover edition—the glow-in-the-dark cover that could help calm their own fears when the lights go out.
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You’re My Little Nightmare by Grace Baranowski
Ages: 3–5
If you’re a fan of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (and who isn’t?), you’re going to love reading You’re My Little Nightmare to your kids. This 2024 board book brings back the beloved Jack, Sally, Oogie Boogie, Sandy Claws and Lock, Shock and Barrel with an adorable rhyming tale that will remind little readers just how much their parents love them.
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Shake dem Halloween Bones by W. Nikola-Lisa
Ages: 3–6
Shake dem Halloween Bones, first published in 2000, trades the usual witchy, ghostly creatures of children’s Halloween books for classic fairy-tale characters like L’il Red Riding Hood and Tom Thumb—and they’re ready to have a rollicking Halloween party! The hip-hop-style text of this picture book will have young readers tapping their toes. “In my opinion, this is the classic Halloween book,” Strolle says. “I truly think the energy in it is electric, and nothing feels more like the start of the spooky season than this title.”
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Five Little Pumpkins by Dan Yaccarino
Ages: 1–4
Your youngest ghosts and goblins will love a classic nursery rhyme come to life in Five Little Pumpkins, published in 2003. Dan Yaccarino’s illustrations, in which each of the pumpkins sports a delightfully different expression, bring the memorable Halloween children’s poem to life while also teaching basic counting skills—a win-win!
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The Halloween Tree by Susan Montanari
Ages: 3–6
Decorating trees isn’t just for Christmas or the topic of kids’ Christmas books! In 2019’s The Halloween Tree, a little sapling who has no interest in being a Christmas evergreen finally finds his destiny: to be decorated for Halloween. This clever, imaginative tale will keep your kids riveted—and just may inspire them to start a new family tradition with their own Halloween tree.
The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing
Ages: 2–6
Part of the popular The Night Before series, The Night Before Halloween seeks to prove that ghosts, ghouls and monsters celebrate Halloween in much the same ways humans do. Kids are afraid of them, but they just want to have some fun! The simple rhymes and colorful pages make this 1999 book the perfect read for bedtime.
Here’s another of my family’s favorite Halloween books for kids. We’ve read almost all The Night Before books, as they’re great at helping kids know what to expect when they’re doing something for the first time—like The Night Before Preschool or The Night Before Kindergarten. I don’t know if it was the fun illustrations or the idea that monsters aren’t so scary after all, but when my daughter was 3, this was her favorite book for months.
Ages: 4–8
Eerie and hilarious in turns, The Scariest Story You Ever Heard follows two brothers trying to figure out where a mysterious sound is coming from after the power goes out on a stormy night. This nail-biting page-turner will have your kids on the edge of their seats—and then dissolving into laughter at the unexpected conclusion. A 2022 Reader’s Choice Gold Medal award winner, it’s likely to become your family’s new favorite book.
The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano
Ages: 2–6
There’s a reason The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin has sold more than 100,000 copies since its release in 2001—kids love it! Spookley looks different from all the other pumpkins in the patch: He’s square. The other pumpkins tease him, but when a scary storm hits the pumpkin patch, Spookley’s unique shape might be exactly what it takes to save the day. This delightful rhyming children’s Halloween book comes with a touching message about accepting yourself and others. Kids will also love the sweet movie adaptation and holiday specials.
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The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone
Ages: 3–7
With a near 5-star average on Amazon, The Monster at the End of This Book has been a fan favorite since it was first published in 2000. In this fourth-wall-breaking Sesame Street classic, Grover warns readers that a monster will appear if they finish the book. He begs readers not to turn the pages, getting increasingly desperate as the book nears its end. When the brave readers do reach the final page, they (and Grover) are in for a monstrously funny treat!
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How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead
Ages: 3–6
Part of the New York Times bestselling How to Catch fantasy book series, Alice Walstead’s How to Catch a Witch sets kids on a new adventure when a witch opens a magical portal that lets ghosts, goblins and other creatures of the night loose on Halloween. Can their zany traps catch all the ghouls—and the witch—to save Halloween once and for all? Teachers love this 2022 book for its STEAM concepts, while kids revel in the creative chaos.
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Behind the Mask by Yangsook Choi
Ages: 4–8
In 2006’s Behind the Mask, Kimin, a young Korean American boy, decides to dress up as his grandfather for Halloween. His classmates laugh, thinking an old-man costume won’t be very scary. But Kimin has the last laugh—his grandpa was a mask dancer! And the mask that Kimin wears takes him on a journey that connects him to his family.
“Family history is one of my favorite things to read about, no matter what the age category is, and this picture book that links a boy to his grandfather is a perfect fit in that category,” says Strolle. “With neat art and a fun story, this is a book I love sharing with families in the library.”
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It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schultz and Kara McMahon
Ages: 2–5
It might be the most beloved Halloween kids’ movie ever, so why not add the book version of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown to your collection of children’s Halloween books? The 2015 retelling follows Charlie Brown and the gang as they go trick-or-treating—sans Linus, who’s determined to catch a glimpse of the fabled Great Pumpkin.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Creepy-Crawly Halloween by Eric Carle
Ages: 1–3
Fans of Eric Carle’s eternally popular classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar will love 2024’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Creepy-Crawly Halloween. Little hands can lift the flaps of this board book to see what creatures are hiding in the forest—because it’s never too early to cultivate a love of reading … or a solid love of hide-and-seek!
Horrible Harry at Halloween by Suzy Kline
Ages: 7–9
The 12th installment in the crowd-pleasing Horrible Harry chapter-book series, Horrible Harry at Halloween is perfect for older elementary kids. Harry, a third-grader who’s into all things creepy and spooky (but is charming and lovable nonetheless), has worn scarier and scarier costumes to school for Halloween every year. His class is desperate (and a little nervous) to see what he’ll be this year—but when he shows up in what doesn’t look like a scary getup, they wonder if he’s rebranding. But they’re in for quite the surprise! Adored by children since 2002, Horrible Harry will be a favorite for generations to come.
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Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve by Mary Pope Osborne
Ages: 7–10
If you have a voracious chapter-book reader, you probably already know about the Magic Tree House series: Jack and Annie use their superpowered tree house to travel to different times in history and places around the world—mostly real-life ones, so this series is educational. As Oct. 31 nears, pick up Haunted Castle on Hallow’s Eve, a Halloween must-read from Magic Tree House spinoff series Merlin Missions, a grouping geared toward slightly older readers. In this 2010 Halloween (or, rather, All Hallows’ Eve) installment, the siblings must break the curse on an ancient castle in Camelot.
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Goosebumps by R.L. Stine
Ages: 7–9
Got a brave young reader in third or fourth grade? Have them try out the award-winning Goosebumps book series that has been giving kids the creeps since 1992. R.L. Stine’s kid-lit horror series consists of more than 60 books, with topics ranging from werewolves to evil ventriloquist dummies to malignant slime. And the best part? While their fun frights make them great for the spooky season, they’re not specifically children’s Halloween books. So if your kiddo really loves these horror novels, they can find—and read—them all year round.
“One of the things I love most about Goosebumps is that I can hand any volume to a kid who asks for scary things, if they haven’t read it yet, and it always hits the spot,” says Strolle. “Perfectly designed so that kids can insert themselves into the story, these are eternal for a reason.”
Additional reporting by Dina El Nabli.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’ve been sharing our favorite books for over 100 years. We’ve worked with bestselling authors including Susan Orlean, Janet Evanovich and Alex Haley, whose Pulitzer Prize–winning Roots grew out of a project funded by and originally published in the magazine. Through Fiction Favorites (formerly Select Editions and Condensed Books), Reader’s Digest has been publishing anthologies of abridged novels for decades. We’ve worked with some of the biggest names in fiction, including James Patterson, Ruth Ware, Kristin Hannah and more. The Reader’s Digest Book Club, helmed by Books Editor Tracey Neithercott, introduces readers to even more of today’s best fiction by upcoming, bestselling and award-winning authors. For this piece on the best children’s Halloween books, Colleen Oakley tapped her experience as a longtime journalist and the USA Today bestselling author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
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- Rachel Strolle, children’s librarian; interview, June 2024
