Halloween is creeeeping up and I’ve got over 20 terrifyingly terrific new tales you are going to want to check out! These spooktacular stories are full of friendly ghosts, whimsical witches, and mischievous monsters. With upbeat text and charming illustrations, these faBOOlous books capture the magic and fun of Halloween. Grab your costume and flashlight—it’s time to dive into these delightfully eerie reads!
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I Got the Spooky Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
With its lively rhythmic text brimming with onomatopoeia and lush illustrations, this entertaining story following a young girl preparing for Halloween night is an excellent read aloud choice.
Spooky, Scary Skeletons by Andrew Gold, illustrated by Polona Lovsin, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
Rich, lush illustrations are set against the popular song “Spooky, Scary Skeletons” to display a group of children dressed as skeletons on Halloween night. With its spooky onomatopoeia and catch rhymes, this is an excellent choice for a read aloud for young children.
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.
5 More Sleeps ‘Til Halloween by Jimmy Fallon, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This fun-filled sequel to Jimmy Fallon’s 5 More Sleeps ‘Till Christmas captures the thrilling anticipation of a young boy’s favorite holiday – Halloween. Upbeat rhymes follow him as he wrestles with both nerves and excitement in the days leading up to the big night. With expressive illustrations that draw the reader in, this relatable story is sure to be a hit with families.
The Quacken by Justin Colón, illustrated by Pablo Pino, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
My kids and I couldn’t stop laughing at this spooktacular story! When Hector visits Cucamonga Campground, he hears the legend of the colossal creature lurking in the lake. Ignoring warnings to avoid the ducks, he feeds them until he accidentally summons The Quaken—a giant, ferocious duck that wants to devour everything in sight. The vibrant, expressive illustrations bring this playful tale to life, making it a fantastic choice for a Halloween read-aloud or a fun story to share year-round.
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.
Itty Bitty Betty Blob by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
It’s almost picture day at Ghoulington Academy and while Betty Blob wants to fit in her with monster classmates, she finds it’s more important to stay true to herself. This wonderful celebration of individuality is enhanced with eye-catching illustrations with pops of pink.
Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden by Chrisy Mandin, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
When Millie and her mother move to picture-perfect Garden Glen, Millie’s flower beds of strange and exotic plants do not fit in. Despite her neighbor’s grumblings, Millie shares her beloved flora and fauna with others and helps the community find the joy in being wonderfully weird.
The Scariest Campfire Story You’ve Ever Heard by Ron Keres, illustrated by Arthur Lin, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Gather round! It’s time to share a creepy tale that is more likely to have kids laughing than shaking in their boots. Upbeat rhymes describe spooky sounds a family hears while on their camping trip. Their imagination runs wild while trying to decipher who or what could be making those sounds. There is the perfect amount of drama and humor in this story to make it one kids will beg for again and again.
The Little Witch Who Lost Her Broom by Elaine Bickell, illustrated by Raymond McGrath, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Readers will love getting swept up in this delightful tale of a witch searching for her broom. The rhyming text and eye-catching illustrations follow her as she tries a variety of vehicles with little success until the reader is asked to help her locate it. This is sure to become a new favorite read aloud with little ones!
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.
Super Silly Stickers: Halloween by Silver Dolphin Books, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
My daughter absolutely loves this activity book that invites children to add funny stickers to Halloween-themed pages to create comical faces. It’s been our go-to book for waiting in doctor’s offices or while watching her brother’s soccer games.
Trick-or-Treating In the City by Tiffany D. Jackson, illustrated by Sawyer Cloud, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This Halloween, with both her parents working, Janelle is torn between trick-or-treating with friends at an apartment building, a rec center, or a special part of town. After some thought, she creates her own new tradition that lets her see all her friends. It’s refreshing to see a Halloween that offers a fresh perspective beyond the usual suburban setting and focuses on celebrating trick-or-treating in the city instead.
The Not So Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
While the rest of her coven delights in mischief, the smallest witch is kind at heart. Despite their efforts to change her, the witches soon learn in a surprising twist that kindness triumphs in the end.
Spooky Poems Aloud: 25 Poems to Frighten and Delight by Joseph Coelho, Daniel Gray Barnett, 2024
(Ages 6 and up)
This anthology offers a mix of sinister poems paired with eye-catching illustrations. Short educational paragraphs are also seamlessly incorporated to teach readers about poetry.
With enticing prompts to inspire creativity, this book is an excellent resource for classrooms, blending fun with learning in one engaging collection.
Trick or Treat on Scary Street by Lance Bass, 2024
(Ages 5 and up)
As a group of children cruise down a sinister looking street, they encounter several traditionally spooky residences that result in them fleeing to the next establishment. Perfect for kids seeking something a bit more thrilling than the usual Halloween picture book, this story strikes just the right balance of frightful fun. The rich, detail-packed illustrations will have children pouring over every page of this captivating story.
How Do Dinosaurs Say Trick or Treat by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
This welcome addition to the beloved How Do Dinosaurs series is perfect for sparking important conversations about proper behavior while trick-or-treating. By exploring scenarios like taking too much candy or disturbing yard decorations, it helps adults teach children how to be respectful and politely ask for treats on Halloween night
Griselda Snook’s Spectacular Books by Barry Timms, illustrated by Laura Borio, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
When a young boy named Henry meets the enchanting Griselda, she introduces him to the magical world of books where anything is possible. Readers will be captivated by the vibrant pops of neon throughout the illustrations, bringing to life the whimsical store and its unusual patrons.
Vamos! Let’s Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos by Raúl the Third, illustrated by Elaine Bay, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Using his signature artwork, Raúl the Third expertly bridges two favorite fall holidays: Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. After dressing up and trick-or-treating with friends, Little Lobo helps his neighbors prepare for Día de los Muertos. I just love how the community comes together to honor their loved ones with so many cherished traditions. Sprinkled with Spanish vocabulary, the cheerful text and detailed illustrations capture the joy found in both holidays. The book is further enhanced with a glossary and Dia de los Muertos activity.
Little Orange Pumpkin by Erin Guendelsberger, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Frustrated that her parents won’t let her go trick-or-treating alone, Little Pumpkin throws a tantrum and rolls into a magical world filled with creepy creatures who show her a surprisingly great time. When she returns, Little Pumpkin apologizes for her outburst and snuggles up with her parents for a Halloween story. Given its length, this exceptionally cute book is perfect for cozy reading with a loved one rather than sharing with a group of children.
A Mischief of Mice by Christie Matheson, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
When a mischief of mice goes missing, a scurry of squirrels tries to solve their cryptic disappearance. I adore the way this book introduces collective nouns in an eerie fall setting shrouded in mystery. This is a good story to use to practice predictions with students and introduce the concept of hibernation and how some animals survive the winter.
Things That Go Bump in the Day by Melinda Beatty, illustrated by Charlene Chua, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This is such a clever book to reassure children who are scared of the dark. In a comical twist, a little vampire is terrified by everyday sounds such as a postman delivering mail, so his mother comforts him by explaining that what he is hearing are typical monster noises. Filled with onomatopoeia, this story is soothing and entertaining!
This Book is Definitely Not Cursed by Megan Woodward, illustrated by Risa Rodil, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This silly story is told from the point of view of a tricky monster who tries to convince readers they are jinxed with a plethora of nonsensical curses. They must then engage in a series of ridiculous activities to reverse the curse. Give this one to a group of kids who love funny books.
Esi the Brave (Who Was Not Afraid of Anything) by Bernard Mensah, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
(Ages 4 and up)
Esi has always bravely faced any situation, but when she loses her parents in a sea of masked monsters at the annual Kakamotobi Festival, she becomes unnerved. The bold illustrations beautifully capture Esi’s Ghanaian culture and are perfectly paired with playful onomatopoeia and artful alliteration.
The Ofrenda That We Build by Jolene Gutiérrez and Shalan Gutérrez, illustrated by Gabby Zapata
(Ages 4 and up)
This vibrant, cheerful story follows a family lovingly preparing to celebrate Dia de los Muertos by participating in the cherished tradition of building an ofrenda together. With educational backmatter, this is a must for teaching children about this special holiday.
Click HERE for my favorite books celebrating Dia De Los Muertos Day of the Dead Celebration.
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.
Spooky Celebrations Around the World by Matt Ralphs, illustrated by Veronika Kotyk, 2024
(Ages 5 and up)
Expand children’s world view by teaching them about 21 different celebrations from around the globe that focus on various spirits. Brightly colored illustrations draw the reader in as the short, but informative text ignities children’s curiosities about the world around them.
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