Halloween is full of costumes and candy, but it’s also a chance for children to let their imaginations roam through a good story. Halloween-themed books invite young readers to explore the season’s spooky side in a fun, reassuring way while building vocabulary, sparking creativity, and helping them make sense of feelings like excitement and even fear. It’s not all ghosts and monsters, these stories often celebrate courage, curiosity, and friendship.
Here are eight wonderful children’s books to enjoy together this Halloween. Happy reading!
It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse by Laura Numeroff
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise by Kate DiCamilo
Pumpkin Day! by Candice Ransom
The Day of the Dead, El Día de Los Muertos: A Bilingual Celebration by Bob Bamer
There Was an Old Lady That Swallowed a Bat by Lucille Colandro
Mo & Dale Mysteries #2: The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage
Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk by Megan McDonald
The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey
We hope these stories bring a little Halloween magic to your family’s reading time. Wishing you a season full of fun, imagination, and just the right amount of spookiness, which can be none at all!
Looking for more stories to enjoy together? Explore our curated book list and find a new favorite for your next storytime. Military families can request a free book through the United Through Reading app.