Looking for the perfect way to celebrate spooky season with your little ones? Add to the festive fun with Halloween books for kids!
Whether you have a baby, a preschooler, or an older child ready for a chapter book, Halloween books are a wonderful way to mix giggles with just a touch of goosebumps. Create a cozy reading nook and snuggle in with some new fall favorites!
- Add to the festive fun with these spook-tactular Halloween jokes!
Below, you’ll find a curated list of Halloween books for kids organized by age group—babies and toddlers, picture books, and chapter books.
In this post:
- Halloween Books for Babies & Toddlers
- Halloween Picture Books for Kids
- Halloween Chapter Books for Kids
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Halloween Books for Babies & Toddlers
Here are some fun and festive Halloween books for the smallest family members!
Remember to look for books with durable pages, interactive features, and bright, simple illustrations.
1. Where Is Baby’s Pumpkin? by Karen Katz
- Age Range: 0–3 years
- Themes: Peek-a-boo, discovery, holiday fun
- Pages: 14
This interactive lift-the-flap book is a Halloween treasure for the youngest readers.
Baby is looking everywhere for her pumpkin—behind curtains, under blankets, and even in the closet. Each flap reveals friendly surprises like a ghost or a witch’s hat.
The bright, cheerful illustrations paired with simple, repetitive text keep little ones engaged, while the peek-a-boo style play perfectly matches toddler curiosity.
- Check out more of my favorite fun and interactive books for toddlers!
2. Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton
- Age Range: 0–3 years
- Themes: Costumes, humor, imagination
- Pages: 18
Sandra Boynton’s beloved piglet, Pookie, is back and facing the same dilemma as many toddlers: choosing a Halloween costume!
Should Pookie be a dragon? A clown? A superhero? The rhyming text and Boynton’s signature humor make this board book a delight for parents and toddlers alike.
The gentle humor takes the “scariness” out of Halloween and instead celebrates imagination and playfulness.
3. Five Little Pumpkins illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
- Age Range: 1–4 years
- Themes: Counting, rhyme, classic Halloween fun
- Pages: 24
This classic Halloween rhyme is transformed into a vibrant picture book that toddlers can chant along with.
The story follows five cheerful pumpkins sitting on a gate as the wind blows and the witches fly. With repetitive verses and colorful illustrations, it doubles as both a Halloween story and an early counting activity.
Parents will love how it introduces rhythm, rhyme, and math concepts in a playful way.
4. Happy Halloween, Daniel Tiger! by Angela C. Santomero
- Age Range: 1–3 years
- Themes: Costumes, neighborhood, friendship
- Pages: 14
Daniel Tiger and his friends are getting dressed up for Halloween, and they’re a little nervous about costumes at first. But by showing how familiar characters can explore dressing up in a positive way, this book reassures toddlers that Halloween is about fun and community.
The short, simple sentences are perfect for toddlers, while the familiar faces comfort little readers.
5. Llama Llama Trick or Treat by Anna Dewdney
- Age Range: 1–3 years
- Themes: Costumes, candy, rhyming fun
- Pages: 14
Beloved Llama Llama goes trick-or-treating in this short rhyming board book.
Toddlers follow Llama as he tries on costumes, joins his friends, and enjoys Halloween night. The story is simple but playful, making it ideal for introducing little ones to the traditions of the holiday.
6. Peekaboo: Pumpkin by Camilla Reid
- Age Range: 0–2 years
- Themes: Peekaboo play, interactive discovery, Halloween fun
- Pages: 8
This sturdy board book is perfect for babies who love interactive play!
Each page features bright and bold Halloween illustrations—witches, bats, cats, and pumpkins—paired with sliders, flaps, and moving parts that little hands can push and pull. The repeated “peekaboo” prompts invite giggles and engagement, while the final surprise mirror lets babies see themselves in the story.
With its durable design and playful artwork, this is a wonderful way to introduce even the youngest readers to the fun of Halloween.
7. The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Creepy-Crawly Halloween by Eric Carle
- Age Range: 1–3 years
- Themes: Lift-the-flap play, creepy-crawly animals, Halloween fun
- Pages: 10
This festive board book lets toddlers lift sturdy flaps to reveal spiders, beetles, and other creatures hiding in the dark.
With Eric Carle’s signature collage illustrations and simple prompts, it’s an engaging way to introduce little ones to Halloween night without any real scares.
8. Baby Touch and Feel: Halloween by DK
- Age Range: 0–2 years
- Themes: Touch-and-feel textures, Halloween imagery, early vocabulary
- Pages: 14
This sensory board book introduces babies to Halloween with bright, friendly images of pumpkins, kittens, and candy corn.
Each page includes a fun texture for little hands to explore, making it both interactive and durable for the youngest readers.
- Check out more great Montessori-style books for toddlers with real photographs that kids love!
9. Ghost Afraid of the Dark by Sara Conway
- Age Range: 2–4 years
- Themes: Overcoming fears, Halloween night, friendship, bravery
- Pages: 32
Boo the ghost is excited for his first Halloween, but quickly realizes that the dark is full of things that make him nervous—shadows, creaks, and surprises.
With caring monster friends by his side, Boo learns to be brave, discovering that Halloween can be fun even when things seem spooky.
The glowing cover adds a playful twist to bedtime reading, and the rhyming text paired with quirky illustrations keeps the tone light rather than scary, making it a great pick for toddlers dealing with fear of the dark.
10. Five Black Cats by Patricia Hegarty
- Age Range: 2–5 years
- Themes: Counting, rhyme, spooky-but-playful adventure
- Pages: 22
This one has become a favorite in our house around Halloween.
The rhyming text follows five curious black cats as they wander through the night, meeting pumpkins, bats, and other spooky-but-friendly creatures along the way. The rhythm makes it so fun to read aloud, and my kids love joining in with the counting as each new cat appears.
The illustrations are bold and colorful, with just enough Halloween atmosphere to feel exciting without being scary.
Halloween Picture Books for Kids
Here are some of my favorite Halloween, pumpkin, ghost, and witch picture books for kids! As always, look for books that are well written and illustrated.
11. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
- Age Range: 3–7 years
- Themes: Friendship, teamwork, kindness
- Pages: 32
This rhyming classic follows a kind-hearted witch and her cat as they make room on their broom for a series of animals—a dog, a bird, and a frog.
But when the broomstick snaps under the weight, they’re left vulnerable to a hungry dragon. Children love the rhythm of the text, the repeated refrains, and the suspenseful yet heartwarming ending.
At its heart, it’s a tale about generosity, kindness, and the rewards of helping others.
- Check out the movie version of this book and other spooky Halloween movies for kids!
12. Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman
- Age Range: 3–7 years
- Themes: Cooperation, perseverance, problem-solving
- Pages: 32
A witch grows the biggest pumpkin ever, but it’s far too heavy for her to pick up on her own. She enlists the help of a ghost, a vampire, a mummy, and a bat. One by one, they all try to move it, but only when they work together do they succeed.
Kids love the repetition and rhythm of the text, while parents appreciate the clear lesson on teamwork and persistence.
13. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
- Age Range: 3–7 years
- Themes: Bravery, resourcefulness, overcoming fear
- Pages: 32
This slightly spooky but not-too-scary classic invites children to join in as the little old lady is followed by a pair of clomping shoes, wiggling pants, and other animated clothing.
Each item makes its own sound, encouraging kids to stomp, clap, or wiggle along. In the end, she cleverly finds a way to use the “scary” things to make a scarecrow. It’s interactive, empowering, and a guaranteed read-aloud favorite.
14. Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds
- Age Range: 4–8 years
- Themes: Humor, imagination, fear vs. reality
- Pages: 40
Jasper Rabbit loves carrots—until he becomes convinced that the carrots are following him!
This Caldecott Honor book blends humor with a touch of suspense, and the moody black-and-orange illustrations set the perfect Halloween atmosphere. Kids will giggle at Jasper’s paranoia while learning that sometimes our fears aren’t what they seem.
15. Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler
- Age Range: 4–8 years
- Themes: Friendship, self-confidence, problem-solving
- Pages: 32
Bonaparte is a skeleton who has a problem: his bones keep falling off! With Halloween coming, he worries about fitting in. His monster friends come up with creative solutions to help him feel whole again.
With playful illustrations and a heartwarming message, this story balances silly humor with meaningful lessons about accepting yourself and leaning on friends for support.
- Check out all the best fall books for kids!
16. The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John
- Age Range: 4–8 years
- Themes: Halloween costumes, self-acceptance, humor, friendship, creativity
- Pages: 32
I really enjoyed this one—if you’re looking for a Halloween book that mixes laughs, a sweet message, and playful artwork, this hits the mark.
The Bad Seed is gearing up for his favorite holiday, but his costume dilemma causes him to insist that trick-or-treating be postponed—until he realizes what really matters isn’t having the flashiest outfit, but having fun with friends.
The illustrations are expressive and funny (those facial expressions steal the show). It’s one of those picture books that leaves you smiling, and a great reminder that Halloween can be more about joy and creativity than perfection.
17. Twisted Sistahs by Mark Kimball Moulton
- Age Range: 4–8 years
- Themes: Humor, imaginative origin story, sisterhood, Halloween fun
- Pages: 32
This playful story imagines how Halloween really began—with three quirky sisters who throw a party on October 31st that sets the tradition in motion.
The rhyming text and whimsical illustrations make it fun to read aloud, while the silly twists keep kids giggling. It’s a great pick for families who like a Halloween story with a little more plot and humor.
18. The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason
- Age Range: 3-7 years
- Themes: Feeling different, self-acceptance, kindness, Halloween night magic
- Pages: 48
This sweet, thoughtful picture book follows a ghost who isn’t like the others. Throughout, you feel his longing, his awkwardness, and his wish to belong.
The illustrations are soft but full of personality, and there’s a gentle, comforting glow to the color palette.
It’s a perfect Halloween book for kids who need a reminder that uniqueness is a strength, not something to hide.
19. The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey
- Age Range: 3–6 years
- Themes: Bravery, self-confidence, friendship, humor
- Pages: 32
This one always gets big laughs when we read it. Oscar the dachshund isn’t thrilled when his mom gives him a hot dog costume for Halloween, but the silly outfit ends up helping him save the day.
The kids love the funny pictures of him waddling around in a bun, and they cheer when Oscar finally becomes the hero. It’s a playful, lighthearted story with a sweet message about being proud of who you are.
20. Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
- Age Range: 3–7 years
- Themes: Shyness, friendship, courage, Day of the Dead
- Pages: 40
This is such a sweet Halloween read. Gustavo is a quiet little ghost who loves music, but he’s so shy that the other monsters barely notice him.
My kids love spotting him hiding in the detailed, colorful illustrations filled with Day of the Dead touches. When Gustavo finally finds the courage to share his violin music, he discovers new friends and learns that being yourself is the best way to be seen.
It’s a gentle, heartwarming story with a message kids really connect to.
21. Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
- Age Range: 4–8 years
- Themes: Community, generosity, harvest, pumpkins
- Pages: 32
I love this book because it feels like fall on every page.
The cozy illustrations are full of orange pumpkins and autumn leaves, and the story has such a heartwarming message. Rebecca Estelle starts out grumpy about the pumpkins taking over her yard, but by the end she finds joy in sharing with others.
My kids enjoy pointing out all the different pumpkin dishes and jack-o’-lanterns, and I like how it turns something unwanted into a celebration.
22. Frankenstein Doesn’t Wear Earmuffs! by John Loren
- Age Range: 4–8 years
- Themes: Humor, costumes, independence, Halloween fun
- Pages: 40
This story always makes my kids laugh!
A boy insists his Frankenstein costume is perfect, but his parents keep piling on extra gear—jackets, boots, earmuffs—until he can hardly move. The repeated protest of “Frankenstein doesn’t wear earmuffs!” is hilarious to read aloud, and the silly buildup makes the ending extra satisfying.
I love how it’s the perfect way to introduce the idea that sometimes kids will need to add warm layers to their costume for trick-or-treating.
23. There’s a Ghost in This House by Oliver Jeffers
- Age Range: 4–8 years
- Themes: Imagination, hide-and-seek fun, friendly ghosts
- Pages: 80
This book is such a fun mix of spooky and silly.
A little girl insists there are ghosts in her house, though she’s never seen one. With each turn of a transparent page, ghosts suddenly appear in the rooms, which makes it feel like you’re uncovering secrets as you read.
My kids love leaning in to try and guess where the next ghost will pop up, and the layered artwork gives it a magical, interactive feel.
It’s just the right level of spooky for Halloween—more playful than scary—and the kind of book kids want to flip through again and again.
24. Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins
- Age Range: 4–8 years
- Themes: Belonging, being different, Halloween pumpkins
- Pages: 56
Stumpkin is a nearly perfect pumpkin—round, bright, and big—except he has no stem. While other pumpkins are picked for jack-o’-lanterns, he’s left behind.
I love how this story mixes humor and heart, with expressive illustrations and a sweet message about finding your place even when you don’t fit the mold. Kids can’t help but root for Stumpkin.
Halloween Chapter Books for Kids
Here are some great chapter books perfect for independent readers or for reading aloud as a family. They range from silly to scary/creepy, so make sure to investigate themes in order to pick a book that works well for your kids!
25. Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise by Kate DiCamillo
- Age Range: 5–8 years
- Themes: Humor, costumes, family fun
- Pages: 80
Mercy the pig is no ordinary pig—she’s a “porcine wonder.”
In this Halloween installment, her family dresses her as a princess, but Mercy has her own ideas about what Halloween should be.
Short chapters, colorful illustrations, and gentle humor make this a perfect bridge between picture books and early chapter books.
26. Ivy + Bean: The Ghost That Had to Go by Annie Barrows
- Age Range: 6–10 years
- Themes: Friendship, imagination, mystery, problem-solving
- Pages: 136
This installment in the Ivy + Bean series is such a fun Halloween read.
When the girls discover what they think is a ghost haunting the school bathroom, they jump into action with potions, spells, and lots of sneaky antics. The story is spooky enough to feel exciting but still lighthearted, with plenty of humor along the way.
I love how it captures the way kids can turn an ordinary place into something mysterious, and how Ivy and Bean’s teamwork makes the adventure even better.
A perfect choice for young readers ready for a little Halloween suspense without the scares.
27. Geronimo Stilton: The Haunted Castle by Geronimo Stilton
- Age Range: 7–10 years
- Themes: Mystery, adventure, family
- Pages: 128
When Geronimo receives a letter about his cousin’s castle, he finds himself in the middle of a spooky adventure filled with secret passages and family mysteries.
The playful fonts, colorful illustrations, and witty humor make the story engaging for reluctant readers, while still offering a seasonal dose of “spooky” that never gets too scary.
28. The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson
- Age Range: 8–11 years
- Themes: Mischief, community, humor, tradition
- Pages: 144
This sequel to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is just as funny.
The troublemaking Herdman kids cause so much chaos that the town cancels trick-or-treating altogether. Of course, things don’t go as planned, and the result is both hilarious and heartwarming.
I love how it shows Halloween traditions in a new light, with plenty of laughs and a reminder about community spirit. It’s also a fantastic read-aloud—the Herdmans’ antics get kids laughing out loud, making it perfect for family or classroom story time.
29. Bunnicula by Deborah & James Howe
- Age Range: 8–12 years
- Themes: Humor, mystery, spooky fun
- Pages: 128
The Monroe family brings home a rabbit found at a movie theater, but their pets—Chester the cat and Harold the dog—are suspicious.
Is Bunnicula a vampire?
This beloved classic blends light mystery with laugh-out-loud moments. Perfect for kids who want a Halloween-themed book that’s silly rather than frightening.
30. Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
- Age Range: 8–12 years
- Themes: Independence, coming-of-age, responsibility, everyday magic, community
- Pages: ~208
Thirteen-year-old Kiki leaves home to spend a year on her own, starting a broomstick delivery service with her cat Jiji by her side.
I love how real Kiki feels—she’s brave but also doubts herself, makes mistakes, and learns as she goes. Kids love it because Kiki is easy to root for: she’s magical but still relatable, with funny, everyday struggles and small victories that feel big.
The mix of witchy charm, a talking cat, and Kiki’s determination makes this a cozy, magical Halloween-season favorite.
31. Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine
- Age Range: 8–12 years
- Themes: Suspense, humor, monsters
- Pages: 120–160
R.L. Stine’s iconic series has dozens of spooky stories featuring haunted masks, living dummies, and monster-filled towns.
Each story is self-contained, so kids can pick up any book in the series. While creepy enough to thrill, the humor and fast-paced writing keep it age-appropriate.
32. The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel by Natasha Lowe
- Age Range: 8–12 years
- Themes: Magic, school rules, creativity, friendship, identity
- Pages: 288
Miss Mabel is a clever, headstrong witch raised by her adoptive mother after being found in a flowerpot. At Ruthersfield Academy, she quickly clashes with the school’s strict rules.
What I love is how Mabel’s magical adventures mix humor with heart; she makes mistakes, learns from them, and stays true to herself. The historical setting adds charm, while the themes of questioning tradition and embracing creativity feel very modern.
It’s a magical, empowering read that kids really connect with.
33. The Witches by Roald Dahl
- Age Range: 8–12 years
- Themes: Good vs. evil, bravery, cleverness, family bonds
- Pages: 208
This Roald Dahl classic brings just the right amount of spook for older kids.
It follows a boy and his sharp-witted grandmother as they discover that witches are real and hiding in plain sight.
I like how the story blends dark suspense with Dahl’s humor, keeping it thrilling but not overwhelming. The grandmother is such a standout character—wise, funny, and fiercely protective—and kids love the mix of danger, magic, and courage that makes this book unforgettable.
34. The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
- Age Range: 10–14 years
- Themes: Mystery, the supernatural, friendship, courage in the face of fear
- Pages: ~368
This is one of the spookier middle-grade Halloween reads—it leans to the scary side rather than the silly side.
Set in a crumbling English manor, it follows two Irish siblings who uncover dark secrets about a sinister figure known as the Night Gardener. The atmosphere is eerie, full of shadows and tension, and the suspense builds with every chapter.
Kids love it because it feels genuinely creepy—there are jumpy moments, strange noises, and a constant sense of unease—but it also has heart, with the siblings’ bond and courage shining through.
A great choice for readers who are ready for a Halloween story with real chills.
35. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
- Age Range: 10–14 years
- Themes: Belonging, bravery, life and death
- Pages: 320
When a boy’s family is killed, he is raised by ghosts in a graveyard.
The book follows his adventures growing up among the dead while learning to face the living world.
This Newbery Medal winner is beautifully written, atmospheric, and deeply moving—a perfect choice for older kids who love both spookiness and depth.
Final Thoughts on Halloween Books for Kids
From peek-a-boo pumpkins for toddlers to laugh-out-loud skeleton stories and suspense-filled chapter books, these Halloween books for kids make reading together magical in October. Head to the library or your local bookstore to explore all these options!
Whether your child wants giggles, a little scare, or a cozy seasonal read, there’s something on this list for every age.
- Check out these fun and silly Halloween would you rather questions!
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