Need some Halloween books for kids? 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 toddlers to tweens.
Why own Halloween books for kids?
I love using books as a first step when I’m introducing something new to my kids.
When my oldest was a toddler, he had no idea what Halloween was or how it fit into our lives. So, before the holiday arrived, I turned to Halloween picture books. Those stories helped lay the groundwork by showing him costumes, pumpkins, and trick-or-treating, and gave him context for what was coming.
By the time his first real toddler Halloween arrived (the one where he could participate and remember), he was thrilled. He understood what was happening. He had background knowledge. He was ready to see the pages of his books come to life.
Books are an easy, low-pressure way to introduce children to new events, seasons, and celebrations. Reading about something before it happens helps kids feel prepared, excited, and confident when the real-life experience arrives.
RELATED: What about Halloween activities? If you need some amazing ideas, here’s my favorite list.
Where do you store the Halloween books?
I keep our Halloween books tucked away with the rest of my seasonal decor. When I pull out the fall decorations box, out come the Halloween stories.
Think of it like toy rotation, but for books.
This little seasonal library (I also have a Christmas book box) feels special to my kids. They know these books only come out once a year, and it makes them extra cherished and exciting. When the box comes down, their faces light up. There’s nothing better than seeing kids get thrilled to reunite with favorite stories!
This list isn’t just for little kids!
My own crew is long past the toddler stage – they’re 12, 10, and 9 now – and these books (even the board books and lift-the-flap favorites) still hold a special place in their hearts. Every year, they pull them out and read them again like old friends.
I’m not surprised.
Many of the titles on this list are ones I used in my elementary classroom because they have true staying power. These stories work for a wide age range – toddlers love them, big kids revisit them, and families can enjoy them together year after year.
RELATED: Looking for books just about the fall season? Check out Happily Ever Elephants.
Jump – the best Halloween books for kids
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The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin
Oh sweet Spookley. This book is just a lovely little tale, perfect for Halloween and general fall celebrations.
Weird but True! Halloween
My kids read this book non-stop – actually it never got put away with the Halloween books last year. This is a exceptionally great Halloween book for kids who can read on their own.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything
An absolute Halloween classic: read this with movements to the action words for full body story time.
The Hallo-Wiener
A slapstick funny Halloween books that little kids love and big kids understand the hidden play-on-word jokes.
Happy Halloween, Stinky Face
The Stinky Face series is always popular and this Halloween twist doesn’t disappoint.
Stumpkin
An absolutely precious book about a pumpkin who doesn’t get bought for Halloween. It’s so sweet and simple.
Ten Little Mummies
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.
Pop-Up Peekaboo! Pumpkin
As I was making this list, my 10-year-old peeked over my shoulder and pointed to this cover. “I still love that book.”
The Spooky Smells of Halloween
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.
Sir Simon
A very adorable tale of a ghost haunting his first house. The book is cheeky – and that’s a pun you’ll understand when you see the back of the book.
Five Little Pumpkins
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
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.
The Little Ghost who was a Quilt
A heartwarming story of a ghost made from a quilt – not a wispy sheet like the other ghosts.
Mouse’s First Halloween
Need a fun first Halloween book? This might be the best place to start your collect.
Creepy Carrots!
The whole Creepy series is fantastic. Creepy Carrots leads the way, but don’t miss Creepy Underwear and Creepy Crayon.
Beatrice Likes the Dark
A wonderful book about sisters – and not exactly an exclusively Halloween book, but it’s giving spooky. One sister likes the darker things in life. The other likes rainbows and butterflies. It’s a great story for elementary aged kids.
Don’t Push the Button! A Halloween Treat
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
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
A classic counting book with a not-scary story line. This was always a favorite when I was teaching.
The Skull
I tell everyone who will listen about this book. It’s an old tale retold about a little girl who befriends a skull. It’s a great short chapter book to read aloud to elementary-aged kids.
The Night Before Halloween
Monster, ghosts, and other not scary beasts get ready for a Halloween party when some unsuspecting children knock on their door…
Skulls!
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
Another great title from the “There was an Old Lady” collection. These always make my kids laugh!
Halloween is Coming!
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
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
A beloved classic that (in my opinion) is a must for any Halloween collection. We read this over and over every year.
The Haunted Ghoul Bus
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
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.
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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!