Halloween is a special time for children to get lost in their imaginations and enjoy spooky stories.
With the Halloween quickly approaching, anything with a spooky profile is suitable for this time of the year – be it a house decoration, a few items for your garden or perhaps some books to keep your little one excited.
The good news is there are plenty of movies to enjoy with your kids around Halloween, but there are even more books – more suitable for young kids or toddlers.
All in all, here are some of the best Halloween books for kids, as well as what you should expect from them. We put the book’s recommended age just under their title, most of the books in our selection is illustrated.
What Are The Top Children’s Books For Halloween?
How to Catch a Witch, by Alice Walstead (2022)
(For 5 year olds)
The book is part of Alice Walstead’s How to Catch series. The book utilizes STEAM concepts in the story and beautifully illustrated by Megan Joyce.
Something strange is happening on Halloween night and it’s not the costumes or pumpkins for sure. When the Catch Club Kids go out trick-or-treating, there are lots of strange and spooky things out on the streets! Our heroes notice a witch who has opened a portal that leads to a distant scary place.
Will our heroes save Halloween and close that mystic portal? Let’s find out!
Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson (2003)
(For 3 year olds)
Room on the Broom features some stunning illustrations from Axel Scheffler to keep your little one entertained. The story is quite simple and direct. You have a good witch, as well as her cat. The witch invites a few other animals to ride with her and her cat – a frog, a bird and a dog kick in for some fun.
The story will then follow all the adventures these characters will go through. It is an unusual crew and there is plenty of action for entertainment. Moreover, while there is a witch involved, this story is less likely to give your toddler nightmares – instead, it is the type of story that will instill a few values.
Your little one will learn what it takes to be kind and polite, but they will also discover the power of a solid friendship. All in all, the story is so well rated that it has been translated into 22 different languages. Moreover, it has won a bunch of book awards over the past years.
Little Blue Truck’s Halloween, by Alice Schertle (2016)
(For 3 year olds)
This is one of the most exciting Halloween books for kids and for some good reasons. Most importantly, it will put your little one in the best possible mood for Halloween – a holiday that does not necessarily have to be scary and terrifying, but just about having fun in a unique costume.
Little Blue Truck is getting ready for a costume party, but the truck will not go there alone. On the way, the truck has to pick up some of his best friends. Each of his friends has a different costume – unique ideas that will definitely surprise your toddler.
The book is mostly aimed at young kids and toddlers. It is sturdy and comes with flaps for even more entertainment. It comes with funny rhymes and unique illustrations. It is a book about friendship, colorful adventures and great entertainment – what else can you ask for?
Creepy Carrots!, by Aaron Reynolds (2012)
(For 5 year olds)
This is the type of book that will give your little one some thrills, but also teach them a few things – being greedy is never a good idea. When it comes to Halloween, you probably know already your kid is about to exaggerate a little with all the candy around the house. Now, this children’s Halloween book will teach them a lesson.
This book tells the story of Jasper Rabbit. The funny rabbit loves carrots – his favorite treats. He eats them when he goes to school, walking home, relaxing, going to various activities and so on. But one day, the carrots seem to start following him. The rabbit is now worried that carrots might be coming after him.
The book features a delightful text in a hilarious style. At the same time, it features a few fun games for your kid. It is perfectly enhanced with Peter Brown’s unique illustrations, so you have a bit of everything to keep your kid entertained this Halloween.
Big Pumpkin, by Erica Silverman (1995)
(For 4 year olds)
This is the type of story that will give your kid a good laugh, but also teach them a lesson. Plus, it is the type of story that will get you to ask yourself what is going to happen next. All in all, it tells the story of a clever bat – not the scariest story in the world, but it features some Halloween-specific characters.
A witch decides to grow the biggest pumpkin in the world. The Halloween is approaching, so she wants to get herself some pumpkin pie. However, she succeeds in growing a massive pumpkin – so big that she cannot even move it. She cannot even take it off the vine.
A ghost joins to give her a hand, but no one can move the pumpkin. A vampire tries the same thing – mission impossible. The mummy is there as well, but no one can move the pumpkin. It looks like there may not be any pie for Halloween, but a clever bat has an incredible idea to save Halloween.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, by Linda Williams (2019)
(For 4 year olds)
The title of this book is self-explanatory. It tells the story of a lady who was simply not afraid of anything. She was old, but she was also little. With all these, nothing could scare her. She knew that nothing could hurt her and she would take one challenge after another to prove her skills.
But then, something happens. It was a cold night of autumn. The little old lady was walking in a forest when she suddenly heard some noises around her. The noises were quite unusual and different from what she was familiar with.
She had the shock of her life. What was it? There is only one way to find out. This children’s Halloween book features illustrations by Megan Lloyd and tells a fun Halloween story that will put your little one in the right mood for Halloween.
Spooky Pookie, by Sandra Boynton (2017)
(For 2 year olds)
Halloween is close and Pookie has no idea what to do this year. The holiday is Pookie’s favorite time of the year, but this year, the funny character is out of ideas – pretty much like your kid when about to choose the right costume for Halloween.
Pookie is pictured trying one costume after another, but nothing seems to work. Finding the right thing for this year’s Halloween seems like an impossible task. The fun character has a big dilemma, but things will work out eventually.
This is the type of story that will entertain both you and your little one. Apart from Sandra Boynton’s unique storytelling skills, the book also features her unique illustrations. Bottom line, this book has become a Halloween classic – definitely worth a read.
Ten Timid Ghosts, by Jennifer O’Connell (2000)
(For 2 year olds)
It is that scary time of the year and everyone is busy trying to do something. But things are quite dull in a haunted house. There are ten timid ghosts hanging around and they have a big problem for Halloween – a bad witch is getting ready to move into their house. Even worse, she is planning to chase them away.
Ghosts are seen disappearing one after the other. They see all kinds of scary things that chase them away – obviously, the witch’s bad tricks. However, one of them is quite clever and discovers the witch’s plan before going away. Things turn to 180 degrees as the ghosts come back together to reclaim the house.
The ghosts team up and aim to push the witch out of the house. The text can be a bit spooky at times, but the fun rhymes will ensure your little one does not get any nightmares. Furthermore, this is the type of story that will teach your little one how to count – even more fun.
Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete, by Kimberly Dean and James Dean (2017)
(For 3 year olds)
This is one of the most exciting Halloween books for kids if your little one cannot read. It makes a good bedtime story and will give your little one a bit of fun with all the flaps. The story? Classic – join Pete the Cat as he decides to go trick or treating this Halloween.
There are lots of costume ideas in this book, as well as lots of adventures for Pete – from pumpkin and candy to costumes and various surprises. Each door has a different surprise for the funky cat and the flaps will make it even better.
Apart from the story revolving around Halloween, each flap has its own spooky surprise, so this is the scary element for your kid. Illustrations are quite detailed and can keep your toddler busy while trying to discover everything.
The Night Before Halloween, by Natasha Wing and Cynthia Fisher (1999)
(For 3 year olds)
If your kid loved The Night Before Easter, chances are they will find The Night Before Halloween just as exciting. The story is simple, fun and exciting for kids – only 32 pages, but full of fun and spooky adventures.
The action takes place in the night before Halloween, in a house full of creatures. Everyone is getting ready for Halloween in one way or another – scary costumes, different ideas for trick and treaters, candy and so on. There is a big preparation in the house, but things are about to go crazy soon.
Each little monster has a different plan for kids knocking on the door. Little humans are about to get the surprise of a lifetime. Your kid will die to find out what happens next – excellent illustrations and funky rhymes to keep them excited for this holiday.
The Witches, by Roald Dahl (2019)
(For 8 year olds)
This book is a classic Halloween books for kids. It is not the average Halloween book, but a so called real story. It is not a fairy tale, but a story about real witches – the types of witches who do all sorts of things, rather than just ride around on broomsticks.
The story will give your little one a different perception of Halloween after going through Roald Dahl’s story. Witches in this story do not wear black clothes or hats. They are bad and detestable – moreover, they are disguised as nice ladies, in order to full people.
So, how can you tell when you meet a witch? If you have no idea what to do in this situation, you better find out quickly because Halloween is approaching. Witches from all over the world are about to take over, so your kid will find this story both scary and fascinating.
The Spooky Wheels on the Bus, by J. Elizabeth Mills (2010)
(For 2 year olds)
This is one of the best Halloween books for kids if you want to teach your little one how to count in a fun and exciting adventure. To keep it simple, this story is about a haunted bus that only comes out on Halloween. Your kid will sing along, get scared and enjoy the ride of a lifetime.
If your kid is familiar with The Wheels on the Bus, this Halloween-themed story takes it to another level. It has some funky rhymes and humorous text, as well as ghoulish adventures and the perfect spirit for a trick or treat adventure.
Teach your kid how to count passengers as the spooky bus travels through the town picking unsuspecting passengers. The book is not just fun to go through, but it also features some stunning illustrations from Ben Mantle.
The Hallo-Weiner, by Dav Pilkey (1999)
(For 4 year olds)
Dav Pilkey is an expert when it comes to books for children and this title will not disappoint your kid. It tells Oscar’s story – a funny dog with a problem about bullying. The problem tends to occur around Halloween.
All in all, the poor dog seems to get more tricks than treats and mostly because bigger dogs tend to bully and tease him. However, everyone has a superpower, and a simple act of bravery turns Oscar into a local hero.
This book shows that a tiny wiener can be a winner. It teaches your kid that bullying is a bad thing and everyone can be a winner.
Final Thoughts on The Cutest Halloween Books For Kids
In the end, any of the above-mentioned titles can classify among the best Halloween books for kids. Indeed, the list can go longer, but these releases will put your kid in the perfect mood for Halloween. The best part about it? Some of them are a bit educational and can make Halloween a fun experience as well.
If you are looking for adult fiction books for Halloween, check out my selection of short horror stories.