The 2025 Halloween season brings a playful mix of picture books that balance just the right amount of spooky and sweet. From silly monsters and friendly ghosts to festive costumes and trick-or-treating fun, these stories are filled with humor, imagination, and vibrant illustrations. Perfect for storytime, they capture the excitement of Halloween night while keeping the scares gentle for young readers.
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Chicka Chicka Tricka Treat by Julien Chung, 2025
(Ages 2 and up)
This delightfully spooky twist on a classic story makes a perfect Halloween read. When costumed letters climb a creaky tree, a ghostly scare sends them tumbling until the friendly ghost helps them back up for a festive Halloween party. A great classroom activity to pair with this book would be to decorate letters in their own special costumes that begin with the same letter.
Creepy Sheepy by Lucy Ruth Cummins, illus. by Pete Oswald
(Ages 3 and up)
Sheepy is determined to have the best Halloween costume this year and simply must be a werewolf! But on Halloween night, the outfit doesn’t feel quite right. Sheepy’s charm shines in this beloved best-selling series.
This Year, a Witch by Zoey Abbott, 2025
(Ages 3 and up)
Tired of cute costumes, a young girl decides to be a truly spooky witch this Halloween…so spooky, she might even scare herself! Bursting with neon color, this charming story about growing independence is utterly irresistible.
I Hate Everything by Sophie Henn, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
When a ghost expresses her dislike of everything another ghost helps her see things in a new light. From the adorable characters to the bold background colors and uplifting message, there is so much to love about this book. It’s an excellent conversation starter on helping children shift out of bad moods by pausing to reflect on the things that bring them joy. Highly recommended.
Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Charles Santoso, 2025
After realizing she is missing a pet in her life, Evelyn Witch purchases a mysterious egg. Impatient for it to hatch, she casts spell after spell with frustrating, but humorous results. When her long-awaited companion finally arrives, Evelyn discovers it was well worth the wait. Bursting with humor and charm, this spellbinding story is a Halloween treat that will enchant readers all year long!
Bob the Vampire Snail by Andrea Zuill, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
When Bob the snail is accidentally turned into a vampire, he must adjust to his strange new life. With witty text, hilarious illustrations, and a fact-spouting bug that kids will adore, this laugh-out-loud story is packed with charm and kid appeal.
How to Catch a Ghost by Rachel Michelle Wilson, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
Eager to make a statement at her first show-and-tell, a new girl sets out to catch a ghost. With comical step-by-step instructions for finding, observing, and capturing her spectral target, this delightful read-aloud is a fun introduction to procedural writing.
Millie Fleur Saves the Night by Christy Mandin, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden, was one of my favorite books of 2024, so I was thrilled to see her starring in a new adventure and it did not disappoint. While the town of Garden Glen fears the dark, Millie embraces it revealing the beauty of nocturnal animals and plants that shimmer under the night sky. A magical celebration of courage and wonder, this story is sure to captivate readers.
The Witch’s Table by Melinda Beatty, illustrated by Stefano Tambellini Little Bee Books
(Ages 4 and up)
When a witch receives a cursed table that has plagued her family for years, she takes an empathetic approach to better understand and respect the table. Humorous illustrations bring this spellbinding story to life creating one enchanting read aloud.
Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythe, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
I adore Matthew Forsythe’s offbeat humor and mesmerizing illustration style, and his newest picture book is a true gem. A young girl named Aggie moves into a haunted house and tries to set some ground rules for sharing the space. Unfortunately, the ghost is not the rule-following type, leading to a comical story about friendship, boundaries, and conflict resolution.
If you’re a fan of quirky, clever stories, I highly recommend Matthew Forsythe’s other books Pocco and the Drum and Mina.
Little Booby Maddie Frost, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
This delightfully spooky sibling story follows a mischievous ghost who swaps his younger sibling, Little Boo, with his friend’s Little Howl leading to hilariously disastrous results.
Zombees by Justin Colón, illustrated by Kaly Quarles, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
When creepy zombie bees rise from the graveyard, the town panics only to discover they bring a special Halloween treat! With playful rhymes and engaging illustrations, this buzz-worthy title is a fun addition to any Halloween collection.
Haunted USA: Spinetingling Stories from All 50 States by Heather Alexander, illustrated by Sam Kalda, 2025
(Ages 8 and up)
The book highlights creepy tales based on folklore and urban legends from each of the 50 states. My kids seriously can’t put it down!
CLICK HERE for more than 40 other new Hallowen releases for 2025.
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