Here’s a slightly spooky, but mostly cute, Halloween children’s book list. Guaranteed to get you in the Halloween spirit!
Updated September 2024
Halloween can be such a fun season for families. It’s an excuse to dress up, get crafty with pumpkins and spiders, and maybe even get a teeny bit spooked.
I’m always on the lookout for fun Halloween books to add to our seasonal rotations. If you’ve ever spent time browsing your local library’s holiday shelves, then you know- there are a lot of duds out there.
But luckily, each year I’m finding more and more books that have that magical balance I’m looking for: cute + fun + spooky = Halloween perfection! 🎃
And if you’d like some fun spooky book + craft pairings, check out 5 Halloween Book and Craft Ideas!
So here I am, ready to help you scare up some stories for your own little libraries this Halloween. Each one is totally maxed out on cuteness with only the slightest hint of a spooky thrill.
And I promise: there’s not a dud in the bunch! 👻
Halloween Children’s Book List
1. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Puffin Books, c. 2003
Why we love it: This tale of a friendly witch, a kitty sidekick and playful magic is perfect for the Halloween season, combining adventure with a warm message about friendship.
2. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd
HarperCollins, c. 2019
Why we love it: A classic in kindergarten classrooms everywhere, this spooky book has a fun, repeating refrain.
3. The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, c. 2017
Why we love it: Vibrant illustrations and a silly (but not-so-scary) narrator, this book is a ton of fun!
4. The Crayons Trick or Treat by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Philomel Books, c. 2022
Why we love it: Join our favorite colorful crayon characters as they try out trick or treating in this silly tale.
5. No Such Thing by Ella Bailey
Flying Eye Books, c. 2022
Why we love it: Georgia is a clever little girl who knows there’s no such thing as ghosts… right?? I think your kids will love finding all the mischievous (and adorable!) ghosts in this not-so-spooky book.
6. Twitchy Witchy Itch by Priscilla Tey
Candlewick, c. 2021
Why we love it: The clever illustrations that change style with the entrance of each witchy neighbor and the lovely message of acceptance – witchy mess and all.
7. Boo Who? by Ben Clanton
Candlewick, c. 2018
Why we love it: Boo the ghost wants to make friends, but sometimes he feels…well… invisible. Luckily, his new friends find a game that helps Boo fit in while remaining totally himself.
8. We’re Going on a Pumpkin Hunt by Goldie Hawk, Illustrated by Angie Rozelaar
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, c. 2021
Why we love it: This fun play on the classic rhyming book has vivid and engaging illustrations that readers of all ages will love.
9. A Tiger Called Tomás by Charlotte Zolotow, Illustrated by Alvarez Miguens
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, c. 2018
Why we love it: This is the story of a shy boy who, after moving to a new neighborhood, gains confidence when he dresses as a tiger for Halloween and discovers that his neighbors are kind and welcoming.
More Halloween Children’s Books
10. Hardly Haunted by Jessie Sima; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, c. 2021
11. The Pomegranate Witch by Denise Doyen, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler; Chronicle Books, c. 2017
12. The Little Ghost who was a Quilt by Riel Nason, Illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler; Tundra Books, c. 2020
13. Not Very Scary by Carol Brendler, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli; Farrar, Straus and Giroux, c. 2014
14. It’s Raining Bats & Frogs by Rebecca Colby, illustrated by Steven Henry; Feiwel & Friends, c. 2015
15. Monsters 101 by Cale Atkinson; Doubleday Books for Young Readers, c. 2020
I’m sure this Halloween children’s book list will help add just the right amount of spooky creative fun to your season!
Looking for even more ideas? Check out some of our favorite Halloween projects below!
More Halloween Activities for Kids
- 31 Days of Halloween Activities for Kids (with Printable List!)
- How to Make Halloween Potato Prints for Kids
- 13 Awesome Halloween Arts & Crafts for Kids
- How to Make a Bat Garland
- Black Glue Resist Halloween Designs
- How to Make a Halloween Spider Web from Coffee Filters
Want even more Halloween fun?
Check out our Halloween Creativity Pack!
This 45-page printable eBook is full of seasonal coloring pages, drawing prompts, games, and art projects.
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