Need some Halloween books for toddlers and preschoolers? This list is full of not scary, fun and upbeat, Halloween books for kids. From old classics to new titles, these Halloween books are some of my very favorites for the season.
Why own Halloween books for toddlers and preschoolers?
I love using books as a first experience for kids.
When my oldest was a toddler, he had no understanding or context for what Halloween was or how it fit into our lives. I turned to Halloween books to lay a foundation for Halloween and expose him to the different parts of the season/holiday.
By the time it was his first toddler Halloween (one he actually might participate in and remember), he was beyond excited. He understood. He had context. He was ready to see the pages of his books come to life.
Books are always a great way to introduce children to something new before they can experience it.
Where do you store the Halloween books?
I keep my seasonal books with my seasonal decor. When I pull out the Fall decorations box, out comes the Halloween books.
Think toy rotation but for books.
This seasonal mini collection (I also have one for Christmas books) is a special set of books for my children that are cherished and treasured. They get so excited to see this group of books again – how cool to see kids excited to see books!
This list isn’t just for toddlers and preschoolers!
My kids are long past toddler stage: 9, 7, and almost 6. Yet these books – even board books and flap books – hold such a special place in their hearts and are still read every season.
I’m not surprised: Many of the titles on my list are ones I had even in my elementary classroom. I know these books have mass appeal and longevity.
The Reveal: my list of the best Halloween books for toddlers and preschoolers
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The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano
Oh sweet Spookley. This book is just a lovely little tale, perfect for Halloween and general fall celebrations.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
An absolute Halloween classic: read this with movements to the action words for full body story time.
The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey
A slapstick funny Halloween books that little kids love and big kids understand the hidden play-on-word jokes.
Happy Halloween, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
The Stinky Face series is always popular and this Halloween twist doesn’t disappoint.
Ten Little Mummies by Philip Yates
This book. It’s a year round favorite for my kids and it was a year round favorite for my students. There is something about this books that kids just love.
As I was making this list, my 9-year-old peeked over my shoulder and pointed to this cover. “I still love that book.”
The Spooky Smells of Halloween by Mary Man-Kong
One of the first Halloween books my kids owned… we had to buy a new copy last year when our original one was literally loved to death.
Five Little Pumpkins by Dan Yaccarino
My favorite Halloween song written as a book – my Mom used to sing this to me. Don’t forget to have your child turn the lights out at just the right moment during this read aloud.
Little Blue Truck’s Halloween by Alice Schertle
Love this book in the Little Blue series. It’s a sweet rhyme and just perfect for littles…and big kids who feel nostalgic for a fun book.
Mouse’s First Halloween by Lauren Thompson
Need a fun first Halloween book? This might be the best place to start your collect.
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
The whole Creepy series is fantastic. Creepy Carrots leads the way, but don’t miss Creepy Underwear and Creepy Crayon.
Don’t Push the Button! A Halloween Treat by Bill Cotter
The Halloween version of one of my son’s favorite books did not disappoint. This is such a sweet act-it-out book. Perfect for families with young toddlers.
Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht
From the author of Pick a Pine Tree , this book takes children through the process of visiting a pumpkin patch, selecting a pumpkin, and carving it. An important book to read if you’re planning a first pumpkin patch trip.
Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O’Connell
A classic counting book with a not-scary story line. This was always a favorite when I was teaching.
The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing
Monster, ghosts, and other not scary beasts get ready for a Halloween party when some unsuspecting children knock on their door…
Skulls! by Blair Thornburgh
This isn’t totally a Halloween book but given how scary skeletons and skulls can be to little friends, Skulls! is a great book to have in the collection. Skulls! explains skulls, what they’re for, and that it’s not their fault they look scary.
There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Bat! by Lucille Colandro
Another great title from the “There was an Old Lady” collection. These always make my kids laugh!
Halloween is Coming by Cal Everett
Another great book to explain the season, build context, and grow background knowledge. Each page has a Halloween character and a black crow to find – any book with something to find throughout the book is a winner with my kids.
Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
Oh Pumpkin Jack… This is a beautiful story about a boy’s beloved Jack-o-Lantern and the lifecycle of “Jack” after Halloween.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
A beloved classic that (in my opinion) is a must for any Halloween collection. Pair with this activity from Days with Grey for extra fun.
The Haunted Ghoul Bus by Lisa Trumbauer
A favorite since my oldest was a toddler – he just loved this story of a child getting on a Ghoul Bus and meeting all sorts of monsters before school.
The Good, The Bad, and The Spooky by Jory John and Pete Oswald
Bad Seed can’t find a Halloween costume and tries to cancel Halloween for everyone else… a great message for any kids who stress or agonize over the perfect costume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course not! But I think it’s fun to have holiday and seasonal books – and, like I’ve said – it’s a great way to introduce children to these concepts.
However many works for your family. For mine, we buy 1-2 new Halloween books a year and that’s given us a fun collection from the past 9 years of parenting.
Try this list of apple books and this list of pumpkin books for less scary, more fall books.
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.
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Angela says
Hi! Love your lists so much. Are there Thanksgiving books you recommend? Do you own any?
Susie says
Angela, I don’t have a great list of them but my friend is a librarian and she does! Check out this post: https://happilyeverelephants.com/home/preschool-thanksgiving-books/
Kristin says
This is a great list! We are also reading Pumpkin Magic, Busy Little Squirrel (fall), and Spooky Pooky!
Shannon Colclough says
Thank you for sharing this is such a cool day for doing fun and exciting activities with the kids
Katie says
Any chance you’ll be making a list like this for Christmas/Winter books, soon? I always like our Elf on the Shelf to show up with a new holiday book and really liked your recommendations for Halloween. Thanks!
busytoddler says
I’m working on it right now! Should be done by Sunday!