Halloween Books for Kids
Halloween is around the corner and it’s time to fill your shelves with Halloween books for kids! Whether your child is into picture books, early readers, or chapter books, these Halloween stories will get them ready for spooky season.
From ghost stories to haunted houses, witchy tales to trick-or-treating tales, each of the children’s Halloween books on this list will have your kids giggling with glee.
The Best Halloween Books for Kids
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
About Trick or Treating
Trick or Treat Crankenstein by Samantha Berger – Jump to section
Witch
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson – Jump to section
Vampire
Vald the Fabulous Vampire by Flavia Z Drago – Jump to section
Ghost
Poultrygeist by Eric Geron – Jump to section
Monster
Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler – Jump to section
Not-so-Scary
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles Schultz – Jump to section
Haunted House
Hardly Haunted by Jessica Sima – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Trick or Treating Halloween Books
Trick or Treat, Crankenstein
Author: Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
More info: Crankenstein #3
Plot
Crankenstein is back with a Halloween adventure. Crankenstein’s favorite holiday is ruined because of all kinds of pumpkin, costume, and candy-induced problems. Can Crankenstein get over his bad mood and turn this holiday around?
Why Kirsten loves it
Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite children’s books about Halloween. I think it’s the best of the Crankenstein series!
Find this book in: Halloween Books for Kids / Monster Books
5 More Sleeps ‘Til Halloween
Author: Jimmy Fallon
Illustrator: Rich Deas
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3-6
Plot
Jimmy Fallon is back with a sequel to his popular Christmas kids’s book – this time for Halloween! This book is a fun and spooky Halloween night countdown that will excite children for trick-or-treating!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the way Fallon uses a sleeping countdown to prepare the kids for Halloween. It’s a perfect way to up the excitement leading up to the holiday.
Find this book in: Halloween Books for Kids / New Halloween Books
Trick or Treat on Scary Street
Author: Lance Bass
Illustrator: Roland Garrigue
Year: July 23, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4-8 Years
Plot
A cute little trickster entices local children to trick-or-treat on Scary Street. As they meet ghouls and spooks along the way, their numbers dwindle until only our guide is left. He reveals himself to be a werewolf, and when you start to worry about the kids, he reveals everyone is at a Halloween party!
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s hard to bring a sense of spooky to a picture book, but on first read, I was genuinely worried for the little kiddos until the big reveal! I loved the illustrations, the rhyming words, and the suspense of the story. I highly recommend is for kiddos looking for a little spook!
Find this book in: Halloween Books for Kids
Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins
Year: 2023
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
More info: Mother Bruce #9
Plot
Mother Bruce is back in a brand new Halloween picture book! In an effort to get Bruce into the Halloween spirit, the animals try to get him to act out the legend of Soggy Hollow. As they act it out, they just might find out it’s not a legend after all!
Why Kirsten loves it
Mother Bruce will forever be in my home. I’ll be saving this entire series to read to my grandchildren someday, they are that great! This silly retelling of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow is no exception.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2023 / Best Halloween Books for Kids
The Good, The Bad, and The Spooky
Author: Jory Jon
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 8
Plot
Bad Seed LOVES Halloween but this year is different and he doesn’t have a costume. He is afraid that he will be out-costumed this year. He decides to trick everyone into thinking Halloween is a different night. Can Pumpkin Seed help him embrace the Halloween spirit?
Why Kirsten loves it
The Jory Jon & Pete Oswald team can’t be beaten. Between the story with a moral lesson, funny pictures of foods in costume, and the stickers included – this is one of my favorite Halloween books to give as a present.
Find similar books in: Christmas Books for Kids
Children’s Halloween Books with Witches
Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Year: 2003
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 8
Plot
A friendly witch takes to the night on her broomstick, but as the wind blows away her hat, her bow, and her wand, she finds some cute friends to join her on her ride. Will her friends be able to save her from a hungry dragon? This classic Halloween book for kids is now a cartoon movie!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a year-round book in my house. The sweet tale by Donaldson and the fun illustrations by Scheffler will have this on your favorites list long after Halloween is over!
Why Jackie loves it
The wonderful rhymes in this book tell the story of friendship and inclusivity. This is one of my favorite books to promote reading readiness.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Halloween Picture Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Rhyming Books
Plot
In this new Halloween picture book for 2023, Wilma the witch has been so excited to get her pet cat! She’s planned all their future adventures until she goes to the pet store and is sold a wombat instead! Now Wilma needs to keep an open mind and find a way to appreciate and love her new wombat.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore this sweet story and its charming message. The wombat is such a sweet pet, what’s not to love?
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Halloween Picture Books
How to Catch a Witch
Author: Alice Walstead
Illustrator: Megan Joyce
Year: 2022
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
The neighborhood kids notice all the creepy critters out trick-or-treating with them and they know a witch is behind it! Can they catch the witch and get her to remove her friends?
Why Kirsten loves it
The cute illustrations and rhyming prose are sure to please any kid! It’s on of our favorite books in the How to Catch a series.
Find similar books in: Witch Books for Kids
Vampire Halloween Picture Books
Vlad the Fabulous Vampire
Author: Flavia Z. Drago
Illustrator: Flavia Z. Drago
Year: 2023
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
More info: The World of Gustavo #3
Plot
Vlad is a vampire with rosy cheeks. Vlad tries to hide his cheeks at first by wearing the traditional black garb of vampires. Eventually, he learns to embrace his signature style.
Why Kirsten loves it
Flavia Z. Drago makes some of the best Children’s Halloween books! Her signature style makes this not-so-spooky story come to life.
Find similar books in: Books that Combat Gender Stereotypes
Vampirina Ballerina
Author: Anne Marie Pace
Illustrator: Leuyen Pham
Year: 2012
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 -7
More info: Vampirina #1
Plot
Vampirina wants to be a ballerina, but learning to do ballet is hard for every little girl. It’s even harder for a little vampire girl trying to learn with humans! Will Vampirina be able to make her dream come true?
Why Jackie loves it
My daughter loves Vampirina in the same way I love Angelina Ballerina. I guess ballerinas never go out of style!
Find this book in: Halloween Books for Kids / Halloween Movies Based on Books
Vampenguin
Author: Lucy Ruth Cummins
Illustrator: Lucy Ruth Cummins
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
The Dracula family goes on a visit to the zoo in this charming tale. When baby vampire decides to hang out with the penguins and put a penguin in his stroller instead. As the rest of the family explores the zoo, he experiences life as a penguin!
Why Jackie loves it
This book is perfect for Halloween but can be kept out all year. It’s so funny to see a fantasy creature in an ordinary location like a zoo. Cummins’ illustrations are so adorable too!
Find this book in: Halloween Books for Kids / Zoo Books
Children’s Halloween Books about Ghosts
Plot
A chicken dies after crossing the road and he becomes a ghoul. His new friends are trying to convince him to scare the readers of the book, but he wants to be a friendly ghoul. He finally ends up scaring the old ghosts to get them to go away.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the funniest children’s books for Halloween. It had my children in stitches.
Find similar books in: Interactive Books
Plot
Sir Simon is finally getting transferred to a home. He’s getting ready to do his ghost chores – slamming doors, flickering lights, and more. But after his chores are done, he wants to slack off, so he’s hoping he doesn’t have any kids in the house!
Why Jackie loves it
I love that in the end, Simon teaches Chester to be a ghost and Chester teaches Simon human chores. It’s so funny and silly!
Find similar books in: Best Books for a 5-year-old
Gustavo the Shy Ghost
Author: Flavia Z. Drago
Illustrator: Flavia Z. Drago
Year: 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: The World of Gustavo #1
Plot
In this story, Gustavo is trying to overcome his shyness so he can interact with the world. If you are looking for a Halloween story that evokes Mexican art, this is perfect for you!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is Drago’s second appearance on our list of children’s books for Halloween – and for good reason. The bright colors and unique storytelling make Flavia’s books stand out from the crowd.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds
The Scariest Book Ever
Author: Bob Shea
Illustrator: Bob Shea
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
The ghost narrating this book is trying to point out all kinds of scary things…except they aren’t scary at all! From a dark hole with a bunny in it, so a dark black cat that just wants a little milk, nothing is as scary as it seems.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a wonderful story for more timid kids. It will help children who are anxious about Halloween because it helps them face their fears.
Find similar books in: Books about Feelings
Children’s Halloween Books with Monsters
Bonaparte Falls Apart
Author: Margery Cuyler
Illustrator: Will Terry
Year: 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
Bonaparte, a skeleton, is falling apart and he needs all his monster friends to help him get put back together. Franky Stein tries to screw him together, Blacky Widow tries to spin a web around him, and Mummicula tries to mummify him. Will they ever be able to help their friend?
Why Kirsten loves it
This monster story is great all year long, but especially for Halloween! It’s a true testament to the value of good friends!
Find similar books in: Monster Books
Creepy Carrots
Author: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Peter Brown
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
Jasper Rabbit loves carrots, but he soon thinks his favorite carrots are out to get him! This funny tale is very Twilight Zone-inspired and it’s awesome. The underwear version is funny too and it glows in the dark!
Why Jackie loves it
Both Creepy Carrots and its sibling book, Creepy Pair of Underwear, are favorites in my household. This is the perfect picture book for older kids. It is simultaneously funny and creepy.
Find this book in: Books for an 8-year-old / Book About Food for Kids / Halloween Picture Books
The Halloween Tree
Author: Susan Montanari
Illustrator: Teresa Martínez
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
All the trees in the Christmas tree lot are excited to be decorated except for one little grumpy tree. When the tree lot goes away, the grumpy tree continues to grow and twist into a gnarly old tree. The kids in the neighborhood love the tree and want to save it from being cut down and then the Halloween Tree is born!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of my favorite Halloween books for kids. It’s funny, clever, and a modern classic perfect for any house.
Find similar books in: Toddler Halloween Books
Not-so-Scary Halloween Books for Kids
It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Author: Charles Schultz
Illustrator: Charles Schultz
Year: 2015
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
It’s Halloween time and the Peanuts gang is ready to celebrate! Costumes, trick-or-treating, Snoopy’s latest shenanigans, and the wait for the Great Pumpkin are all part of this enchanting storybook that is also an animated Halloween movie.
Why Jackie loves it
I’ve been a Peanuts fan since I was a little girl, but this is my favorite story of all! Charlie Brown and the gang make Halloween fun and not at all scary in this charming book.
Find this book in: Halloween Movies Based on Books / Halloween Books for Kids
There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Bat
Author: Lucile Colandro
Illustrator: Jared Lee
Year: 2012
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
A fun Halloween twist on the classic tale involves a little old lady swallowing all
Why Kirsten loves it
If you love the original, this children’s Halloween book is a must! Just change the words and sing along!
Find similar books in: Classic Picture Books
Snowmen at Halloween
Author: Caralyn Buehner
Illustrator: Mark Buehner
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
On a cold Halloween day, it snows. A pair of sisters make some snowmen and decorate them for Halloween. Then they make up all the adventures their snowmen will go on for Halloween.
Why Kirsten loves it
From face painting to trick-or-treating and everything in between, this story covers all the best Halloween activities. I love this charming tale.
Find similar books in: Children’s Books about Winter
Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party
Author: Erin Barker
Illustrator: Erin Barker
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 5
Plot
Mr. Pumpkin is having a tea party and all his spooky friends are coming with items to feed each other and decorate the table. This Halloween picture book is a counting book too as it counts up from 1 to 20.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that this book can help your little one with their counting skills while also getting them in the spooky spirit of the season!
Find this book in: Halloween Books for Kids / Counting Books
Plot
This charming rhyming book is all about a visit to the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin, then take it home to carve it and get it ready for Halloween.
Why Kirsten loves it
The illustrations in this Halloween picture book bring it to life in a non-threatening, totally magical way.
Find similar books in: Christmas Books for Kids
Haunted House Halloween Picture Books
Hardly Haunted
Author: Jessica Sima
Illustrator: Jessica Sima
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 7
Plot
The haunted house on the top of the hill is lonely. Can she find a family that will accept her the way she is and make her a happy haunted house? The ghost family at the end of the book sure seems to love her!
Why Kirsten loves it
What a fun twist on a haunted house story! I just love the idea of finding the perfect people for you – and not having to change to find friends. It’s a wonderful lesson to teach children.
Find similar books in: Best Books for 6-year-olds
Plot
In this story, Otilla is a brave young girl who stumbles upon an empty house while escaping danger. Inside she meets the lone inhabitant, a skull.
Why Kirsten loves it
In this Halloween picture book by famed author Jon Klassen, a classic Tyrolean Folktale is explored. I love the idea of teaching children about other cultures.
Find similar books in: New Halloween Books
At the Old Haunted House
Author: Helen Ketteman
Illustrator: Nate Wragg
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
At the old haunted house, there are lots of monsters, witches, and other Halloween creatures. When children come and trick-or-treat, they find out the creatures are friendly and welcoming.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is fun for everyone. It’s a great story to embrace the holiday season while also teaching your child about counting!
Find this book in: Halloween Picture Books / Counting Books
Helpful Tips
- Use these Halloween picture books as part of your seasonal decor – no need to buy extra decorations!
- Gift your child a spooky story each Halloween and soon they will have a complete seasonal library to share with their kids someday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good Halloween books for kids?
My favorite Halloween picture books are Trick or Treat Crankenstein, Room on the Broom, and Bruce and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
What’s a perfect Halloween gift for kids?
I love giving Halloween picture books to children this time of year. They become keepsakes that will last for years to come!
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Epilogue
Those are the books I like to use to set the mood for Halloween. Did you find any children’s books about Halloween to add to your home library this year? Do you have any recommendations for me? Let me know below!
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