Halloween brings out kids’ excitement for all things spooky, magical and mysterious. Halloween-themed books allow them to immerse themselves in this wonderment through imaginative stories and characters. Here are 10 of the best Halloween books to get kids in the spirit of the season:
1. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
– A witch makes room on her broom for a cat, dog, bird and frog she meets, saving them from peril.
– Rhyming text keeps kids engaged as the group encounters adventures.
– A Halloween classic children will want to re-read every year.
– Vibrant illustrations by Axel Scheffler bring the witch’s forest to life.
– Teaches themes of friendship, cooperation, and perseverance.
2. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
– A brave old lady stands up to a spooky scarecrow trying to frighten her.
– Repetitive “clomp, clomp” sounds create dramatic buildup as the old lady marches through the forest.
– Rhyming text builds early literacy skills.
– Fun for acting out with kids playing each spooky character that joins the train.
– Empowers kids to face fears and not be afraid to be themselves.
3. Five Little Pumpkins by Iris Van Rynbach
– A Halloween twist on the classic “Five Little Ducks” nursery rhyme.
– Playful illustrations of pumpkins sitting on a gate, rolling away, and returning again.
– Simple, repetitive lyrics help early readers follow along and memorize.
– Ideal for singing aloud and incorporating motions.
– Teaches counting down as each pumpkin disappears then reappears.
4. The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano
– Spookley is a square pumpkin teased for being different, until his shape saves Halloween.
– Promotes themes of embracing uniqueness, inclusion, and kindness.
– Features endearing illustrations of diverse pumpkins with distinct personalities.
– Verses tell the story while Spookley challenges readers with riddles.
– Proves being different can be a strength, not a weakness.
5. Arthur’s Halloween by Marc Brown
– In this Arthur adventure, Arthur and Buster learn friends Francine and Muffy are hosting competing Halloween parties.
– humor and hijinks ensue as Arthur tries to decide whose party to attend.
– Familiar Arthur characters experience relatable Halloween excitement and dilemmas.
– Colorful cartoon illustrations capture the spirit of Halloween night.
– Explores themes of friendship, individuality, and community.
6. The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey
– Oscar is a dachshund wiener dog who gets teased for his sausage shape until he saves Halloween.
– Rhyming verse tells an underdog story of unathletic Oscar winning a costume contest.
– Pilkey’s vibrant, humorous illustrations feature diverse animal characters in clever costumes.
– Shows kids everyone has special talents and inclusion is better than teasing.
– The classic Dav Pilkey humor makes this a great early graphic novel for early readers.
7. Creepy Carrots! By Aaron Reynolds
– Jasper the rabbit loves carrots from Crackenhopper Field until the carrots start creeping after him.
– Builds suspense as kids try to figure out if the carrots are truly alive and following Jasper.
– The terrifying carrots are illustrated in humorous detail with exaggerated facial expressions.
– Teaches kids persistence in facing fears and that overactive imaginations can play tricks.
– Great for dramatic read alouds using different voices for dialogue-driven text.
8. The Widow’s Broom by Chris Van Allsburg
– A lonely old witch who is accidently left behind by her coven after Halloween loses her broom.
– A kind widow’s magical broom saves the day but also creates chaos.
– Chris Van Allsburg’s trademark oil paint illustrations create a mystical old-world setting.
– Emphasizes compassion, problem-solving under pressure, and caring for others.
– Shows how magic sometimes creates more problems than it solves.
9. Mmm, Cookies! by Robert Munsch
– In this silly tale, a clever little girl outsmarts a neighborhood zombie, vampire, mummy, and witch who want to eat her by feeding them monster-themed cookies instead.
– Written in repetitive, chant-like sentences kids can chant along with.
– Features fun “recipes” for gross-looking cookies like eyeball, worm and bat cookies.
– Teaches problem-solving through quick thinking and using empathy.
– Celebrates kids’ imaginations and creativity saving the day.
10. Molly’s Trick-or-Treat Costume by Josie Young
– An original digital storybook and coloring book about spunky witch Molly searching for the perfect costume.
– Interactive features let kids add stickers, color illustrations, and record their own narration.
– Follows relatable childhood excitement and indecision about picking a costume.
– Story promotes creativity, confidence, and being yourself.
– Digital format great for early reading practice through repetition.
From picture books to graphic novels, these entertaining tales engage kids’ imaginations and teach valuable lessons for the Halloween season and beyond. Reading stories together builds reading skills while creating wonderful memories.
