Halloween is the perfect time to curl up with cozy, not-too-spooky book, and this year’s new releases are especially fun! From laugh-out-loud read-alouds and adorable ghosts to mischievous monsters and plenty of pumpkin-filled adventures, these brand-new Halloween books for kids are filled with humor, imagination, and are completely eerie-sistible. Whether you’re looking for a Halloween classroom read-aloud or a festive story to share at home, there are so many new books here worth adding to your October reading pile!
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The Pumpkin Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater, 2026
(Ages 3 and up)
Another delightful addition to this wildly popular series! Squirrel can hardly wait for his pumpkins to grow, but when they finally appear, they mysteriously begin disappearing. Determined to discover who, or what, is stealing them, Squirrel sets out to solve the mystery with plenty of the humor and charming surprises fans of the series have come to love. The story wraps up in an especially heartwarming way, while fascinating pumpkin facts at the end add a fun nonfiction bonus. A wonderful fall read-aloud for longtime fans and newcomers alike!
Spells to Cast on Your Parents by Pete Holmes, 2026
(Ages 3 and up)
Comedian Pete Holmes gives kids the power to make grown-ups say the most ridiculous things in this hilarious interactive read-aloud that’s perfect for Halloween and all year long! An unseen narrator sets out to prove to a wisecracking dragon that kids really are wizards by inviting young readers to cast silly spells on the adults reading the book. Think The Book With No Pictures, but with laugh-out-loud illustrations and a mischievous dragon joining in on the fun. This one is practically guaranteed to have kids begging to read it again!
Spooky Scouts by Kimberly Shrack, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
With an uplifting message about being yourself woven into an amusing story, this is one of my favorite new Halloween stories. Luna loves being a Spooky Scout and can’t wait for the group’s campout until she realizes it falls on a full moon. In a hilarious twist on the traditional werewolf story, Luna transforms into a girl and worries what her fellow monsters will think. Instead of shunning her, her friends embrace her and reveal some of their own “weird” and embarrassing secrets. I love how this adorable, inclusive story reminds kids that true friends accept you exactly as you are. The expressive illustrations packed with comical details make it even more fun to read aloud!
Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Problem by Christy Mandin, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
Budding botanist Millie Fleur is determined to bring some much-needed color to Garden Glen’s gray autumn by growing a giant pumpkin patch. There’s just one problem, her pumpkins seem to have minds of their own! Whimsical, colorful, and bursting with personality, this charming fall adventure is such a fun addition to the Millie Fleur series. The colorful stickers are an extra treat!
Frankenkitty by Maudie Lowell-Tuck, illustrated by Mini Grey, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
This hysterical story puts a playful feline twist on the classic Frankenstein tale! A mad scientist is convinced his latest creation, Frankenkitty, is wreaking havoc throughout the castle, while his daughter sees nothing but an adorable new pet. Who’s right? Readers can examine the clues and decide for themselves! Mini Grey’s vibrant, expressive illustrations steal the show, adding even more humor to this clever story. A ton of fun to read aloud, this one is definitely joining our annual October reading pile!
Dragon Dog by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
When an evil wizard accidentally creates a dog as fierce as a dragon, Dragon Dog sets off across the countryside trying to figure out where he belongs. An unexpected friendship with an adorable sheep helps him discover that he doesn’t have to choose between being fierce and fluffy, he can be both! With its quirky fairy-tale feel, lovable main character, and wonderfully expressive illustrations, this enchanting story is packed with humor and personality. Funny, slightly edgy, and completely charming, Dragon Dog is such a fun read-aloud!
Little Ghost’s Summerween by Maggie Edkins Willis, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
Who says you have to wait until October to celebrate Halloween? In this absolutely adorable tale, a shy Little Ghost attends his first birthday party and is inspired to throw a celebration of his own, with a delightfully spooky twist! The cozy, sweet illustrations perfectly complement this heartwarming story about friendship, stepping outside your comfort zone, and making a celebration your own. We absolutely loved the first Little Ghost book, and this one is every bit as charming. I’m already hoping there are many more Little Ghost adventures to come!
Monsters Are the Worst by Alex Willan, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
Gilbert the Goblin is back with another hilarious argument for why mythical creatures are simply the worst! When he accidentally brings home a baby monster, Gilbert has plenty of reasons why he absolutely cannot keep it. But as he tries to prove his point, an unexpected friendship begins to form. Filled with the animated illustrations and silly humor that make this series so much fun, this eighth adventure is another winner. We’ve enjoyed every book in the series, and this one is no exception!
The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
Told through a series of short stories, this utterly charming book follows the unlikely friendship between a garden-loving skeleton and a witty black cat. I especially love the contrast of the skeleton surrounded by beautiful plants and cozy home décor, which adds a subtle humor that both kids and adults will appreciate. Sweet, quirky, and delightfully cheeky, this is one of those books that’s impossible to read without smiling. I’m already hoping for more adventures with Skeleton and Cat!
Cackle Crackle: Letters From the Witch by Annie Atkins, illustrated by Taryn Knight, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
This enchanting interactive story introduces readers to witches and warlocks from around the world who help local children while corresponding with one another through charming letters and spells cleverly written as concrete poems. Readers can remove the letters to discover each magical message before all the witches finally come together for a delightfully whimsical convention. The interactive letters make reading this book feel extra special and add another layer of magic to this spellbinding story.
Have You Seen Ghost by Daniel Kwan and Julia Pott, illustrated by Sean Lewis, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
Rich, soft colors set the scene for this delightful story about a shy little ghost feeling anxious about an upcoming party. Although Ghost may be invisible, its attempts to get ready reveal themselves in several hilarious and unexpected ways. Sweet, clever, and wonderfully original, this charming story is sure to leave kids smiling and asking to read it again!
The Underwear Wolf by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Charles Santoso, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
A young boy’s birthday gift lands him in a hilariously hairy situation when he turns into a werewolf! Kids will howl with laughter at this wildly ridiculous adventure, packed with over-the-top fun and playful chaos.
Leonard Grows a Haunted Garden by Mike Ciccotello, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
Filled with clever, comical wordplay, this adorable story follows a group of ghosts as they help their friend Leonard plant a garden. Along the way, they keep encouraging him to make it spookier and spookier—only to be disappointed when it turns out to be more of a delight than a fright. But when new neighbors arrive, they’re thrilled to discover that with ghosts involved, the garden is just scary enough after all. With its playful humor and fresh twist on a garden story, this one is full of kid appeal and sure to charm young readers.
Where’s Waldo? Spooky Spot the Difference by Martin Handford
(Ages 4 and up)
My kids can never get enough of Where’s Waldo?, and this spooky spin on the classic search-and-find books is perfect for Halloween! Kids can pore over a variety of detailed, Halloween-themed scenes while trying to spot all the differences. Challenging, entertaining, and packed with things to discover, this is a fantastic choice for hours of screen-free fun.
I Want Everything by Sophy Henn
(Ages 4 and up)
A little ghost who wants absolutely everything begins to reconsider when his friend points out that “everything” also includes plenty of things he definitely doesn’t want, ultimately helping him realize that what matters most may already be right in front of him. Funny and sweet, this charming story is a wonderful celebration of friendship and appreciating what you already have.
Here a Creak, There a Shriek! by Kelly Conroy, illustrated by Nikolas Ilic, 2026
(Ages 3 and up)
Perfect for Halloween storytime, this spooktacular twist on the classic “Old MacDonald” song follows a group of children as they make their way through a haunted farm filled with silly surprises. The familiar rhythm makes it impossible not to join in, and kids will have a blast chiming in with the chorus. Such a fun, interactive read-aloud!
School Spirits by Charlotte Gunnufson, illustrated by Rebecca Crane, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
Does every school need school spirit…or ghosts? One boy discovers just how much fun a haunted school can be in this imaginative back-to-school story.
Vampurr by Justin Colón, illustrated by Lenny Wen, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
Pops of neon color bring this adorable story about a very unusual kitten to life! When Victor spots a mysterious cat in the graveyard, he immediately senses there’s something special about it and wonders if this could be the purrrfect pet for him and his father. Sweet, funny, and just spooky enough for Halloween, this is a fangtastic story.
Lilly’s Surprise Pumpkins by Beth Charles, illustrated by Anna Aronson, 2026
(Ages 4 and up)
When Lilly discovers a mysterious sprout growing from the compost pile, she spends the summer watching it grow into a patch of pumpkins! Along the way, she learns about pollination, protects the tiny pumpkins from hungry animals, and eventually discovers the joy of harvesting some while leaving others for wildlife. Warm and engaging, this lovely fall story seamlessly weaves science and nature into Lilly’s experience. Pumpkin facts and recipes for pumpkin pie and toasted seeds make the backmatter especially fun for curious kids!
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