We’ve put together a delightful selection of the best Halloween books for kids—titles we pull out every October to read together as a family.
This list includes books about pumpkin picking and autumn traditions, gentle spooky stories, and picture books that teach kindness and courage through Halloween characters. Reading seasonal books is one of our favorite Halloween traditions and a simple way to build excitement for the season.
Below I share what we love about each book so you can choose the perfect additions for your Halloween kids’ library.
Here are all the best Halloween books for kids that we’ve read so far—great for read-alouds, cozy evenings, or a seasonal bookshelf rotation.
Stumpkin
by Lucy Ruth Cummins
A sweet story about a pumpkin without a stem. Clean, simple illustrations and an urban setting make this a fresh and charming Halloween read for young children.
There’s A Ghost In This House
by Oliver Jeffers
A wonderfully creative picture book where a playful, sneaky ghost reveals itself across the pages. Young readers love the surprise and discovery on every spread.
Leila the Perfect Witch
by Flavia Z Drago
Leila prides herself on being perfect, until baking shows her that making mistakes can be part of the fun. A lighthearted story about learning to enjoy the process rather than aiming for perfection.
Pick A Pumpkin
by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis
From pumpkin patches to homemade decorations, this warm, rhythmic book celebrates favorite Halloween traditions and family moments throughout the season.
Room on the Broom
by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
A beloved read-aloud about friendship and teamwork. The rhythmic text and playful illustrations make this one a crowd-pleaser for storytime.
Gilbert the Ghost
by Guido Van Genechten
A delightful story about a pink ghost who learns to embrace being different. Simple, charming, and reassuring for young children.
The Scariest Book Ever
by Bob Shea
Funny and unexpected, this book turns the usual “scary” story on its head when a timid ghost discovers it’s the one who’s frightened. A top pick for annual Halloween readings.
Bonaparte Falls Apart
by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Will Terry
Perfect for kids curious about skeletons: Bonaparte worries about keeping himself together for the first day of school and learns about friendship and support along the way.
Bone Soup
by Cambria Evans
A playful twist on Stone Soup featuring monsters and mischief. This story highlights sharing, cooperation, and how one character can bring a community together.
A Tiger Called Tomás
by Charlotte Zolotow & Marta Álvarez Miguéns
A bilingual retelling about a shy child who gains confidence through a Halloween costume. Gentle, encouraging, and ideal for building bravery and social confidence.
Snowmen at Halloween
by Caralyn Buehner, pictures by Mark Buehner
A whimsical what-if: what do snowmen do on Halloween when everyone is asleep? Fun illustrations plus a hidden-picture game on each page make this a playful seasonal read.
The Haunted Mansion
by Lauren Clauss, illustrated by Glen Brogan
Modeled after the iconic Disneyland attraction, this picture book walks readers through spooky rooms and surprises—great for Disney fans who enjoy a milder scare.
Arthur’s Halloween
by Marc Brown
A classic from childhood: Arthur’s Halloween offers humor and a gentle lesson about not judging others—or books—by their covers.
Los Gatos Black on Halloween
by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
A poetic, beautifully illustrated story about a Halloween party. Yuyi Morales’ artwork makes this a special and visually rich addition to any seasonal collection.
There’s A Monster In Your Book
by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Greg Abbott
An interactive, lively read that gets kids involved in the story—perfect for readers who enjoy playful, participatory books.
Turkey Trick or Treat
by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper
A clever story about a turkey and farm friends who want to trick-or-treat. They find creative solutions when told they can’t—fun and spirited for young readers.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
by Tim Burton
A classic crossover of Halloween and Christmas that appeals to Disney fans and anyone who enjoys a slightly darker, whimsical story during the season.
The Good, The Bad and The Spooky
by Jory John and Pete Oswald
A humorous story about a grumpy seed who can’t decide on a costume and ends up learning a meaningful lesson—great for teaching emotional awareness with a Halloween twist.
Boo Stew
by Donna L Washington, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler
A spooky, humorous retelling of Goldilocks that’s perfectly suited to Halloween storytimes—quirky and fun without being too scary.
Vampirina Ballerina
by Anne Marie Page, illustrated by Le Uyen Pham
Not strictly Halloween-themed, but a delightful story about Vampirina and her love of ballet. A perfect pick for kids who enjoy dance and friendly monster characters.
What are your favorite Halloween books for kids? We enjoy clearing a shelf in October and rotating in seasonal titles—pro tip: store your regular books where you keep the Halloween books so swapping them each year is quick and easy.