Picture books about ghosts invite young readers into a whimsical world where the spooky becomes playful and the eerie turns endearing. These stories often feature friendly, curious spirits who float through adventures filled with lighthearted surprises, mystery, and a touch of magic. Whether they’re learning how to be brave or making unexpected friends, ghosts in picture books offer gentle thrills wrapped in warmth and wonder, perfect for sparking the imagination without the fright.
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We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt by Susan Pearson; illustrated by S.D. Schindler, 2012
(Ages 2 and up)
Inspired by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen’s classic, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, a group of children travel through various spooky scenes while searching for a ghost. It’s rhythmic text makes this a perfect story to read out loud to a class or enjoy one on one. When I read this to my Pre-K students I encouraged them to stand up and act out the different actions in the story. Just as the children in the book look forward to their next ghost hunt, children reading the story will want a repeat as well.
A Wee Boo by Jessica Boyd; illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan, 2022
(Ages 4 and up)
Wee Boo has a problem. She is so cute, she has trouble scarring anyone and earning her haunting license. In a delightful twist, she finds just the right job for an adorable little ghost. With such a charming character, this amusing story is an excellent read aloud for Halloween and all year long!
Gustavo The Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
This adorable ghost story could not be sweeter. Gustavo is a shy ghost and longs to become friends with his classmates. When he bravely shares his favorite hobby with the other creepy creatures, friendships are formed
and Gustavo finally feels seen by the others despite his transparency.
Flavia Drago effortlessly integrates aspects of her Mexican culture in the vibrant illustrations creating a beautiful story that will leave readers cheering for the lovable Gustavo!
Little Ghost Makes a Friend by Maggie Edkins Willis, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This delightful story follows a shy ghost who musters the courage to invite his new neighbor to a Halloween party. With charming illustrations and a heartwarming message about being true to yourself, this exceptional tale beautifully shows that making friends doesn’t have to be scary at all.
How To Scare a Ghost by Jean Reagan ; illustrated by Lee Wildish, 2018
(Ages 4 and up)
Who says ghosts are the only ones who can do the scaring? In this comical “how to” book, children will learn how to attract, identify, and play with a ghost. Amusing illustrations and entertaining storyline make this another winner in this successful series by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish.
Perfect for “how to” units in school, reading aloud to a group, or snuggling up one-on-one, How to Scare a Ghost is sure to become a new Halloween favorite.
Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson , 2015
(Ages 5 and up)
Leo is a friendly ghost, but when a family moves into his home and is frightened of him, he floats away until he meets Jane who thinks he is an imaginary friend. The vintage style collage illustrations particular shine in this sweet friendship story and it is no wonder this beautiful book was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book.
It’s Not Easy Being a Ghost by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Steph Laberis, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Misty, an unhappy ghost, believes she’ll find happiness by becoming someone spookier. She tries costume after costume, convinced that changing her appearance is the key to feeling better. But at a Halloween party, when her friends are thrilled to see her just as she is, Misty discovers the joy of being herself. This charming Halloween story delivers a heartwarming message about self-acceptance in a fun and festive way.
Boo The Library Ghost by Becky Paige, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Boo the ghost delights in haunting his local library and scaring readers away until he meets a girl who teaches him to read. Suddenly Boo wants more people to delight in books as much as he does, so he revamps the library into a welcome space for all. This charming tale is also a great lesson in character development.
How to Spook a Ghost by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Simona Sanfilippo, 2023
(Age 4 and up)
As a group of children are preparing their costumes for Halloween night, they hear noises that give them a fright! Upbeat rhymes follow them as they plan to scare away the mysterious intruder. Enriched with fascinating facts about Halloween, this is a great addition to the Magical Creatures and Crafts series.
Boo Who? by Ben Clanton, 2017
(Ages 3 – 7)
Little Boo, a transparent ghost, is new to school. His friendly classmates (a dinosaur, robot, a unicorn-bunny, and a monster) are very accepting and invite Boo to join their games, but Boo still feels like he has trouble fitting in. He can’t catch a ball, or pick up twigs, or play tag, but he soon discovers that he excels at hide-and-seek. The story’s ending line, “This is Boo. He’s new, but he fits right in,” should help ease fears for students who may be new to school or anyone who has felt like they don’t belong. This is a great book for building empathy and reinforcing the importance of inclusion.
Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson, 2018
(Ages 5 and up)
Sir Simon is a professional super scarer, but has met his match when he moves into a house and meets Chester,
a curious child. This book is full of humor that had our family laughing out loud and left my children begging for multiple readings. This feel-good friendship story is more sweet than scary and one I know we will reread often.
We also love the Sir Simon graphic novel series.
The Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything by Nadia Ahmed, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This tender tale follows a ghost named Finn who works hard to overcome his fear of flying in time for Halloween. Readers will root for the sensitive Finn as he slowly makes progress until he accomplishes his goal in a gratifying ending.
The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea, 2017
(Ages 4 and up)
A skittish ghost invites the reader to join him in the deep, dark woods. We soon learn that the ghost is putting up a front and is really quite scared of the woods. He comes up with excuse after excuse to avoid entering the spooky forest.
Meanwhile, the story flashes to the “spooky” woods to reveal the adorable forest creatures who spend their time pumpkin picking and preparing for a costume party. When the ghost finally ventures out, he sees the forest friends in their Halloween attire and is frightened away, but happily joins in the fun once he realizes they are in costumes.
Full of sarcasm, wit, and Bob Shea’s trademark whimsical illustrations and sharp humor, this book will definitely make a great read aloud to a group or be enjoyed one-on-one.
