25+ Best Halloween Books for Kids (Read-Alouds, Picture Books & Chapter Books)

Halloween means costumes, pumpkins, and just the right amount of spooky fun. But beyond trick-or-treating, one of the best ways to celebrate is with a cozy stack of Halloween books for kids. Whether your little one loves silly stories about pumpkins, magical witches, or slightly spooky mysteries, there’s something here for every age group—from toddlers to pre-teens.

We’ve put together a curated list of the best Halloween books for kids—from picture books and read-aloud favorites to chapter books for confident readers. These stories aren’t too scary but are packed with fun, imagination, and just the right dose of Halloween magic.

Why Read Halloween Books With Kids?

Reading Halloween books for kids is more than seasonal fun—it helps create special family traditions while sparking creativity.

• Builds Holiday Excitement: Sharing stories about pumpkins, witches, and costumes sets the stage for festive celebrations.
• Encourages Imagination: From magical broomsticks to friendly ghosts, Halloween tales invite children to explore fantasy worlds.
• Brings Families Together: Perfect for bedtime, library story hours, or classroom read-alouds, these books connect kids and adults through laughter and storytelling.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our guide on reading apps for kids to make storytime even more engaging.

Best Halloween Picture Books for Kids (Ages 2–7)

Nothing sets the Halloween mood better than colorful illustrations and playful rhymes. These Halloween picture books for kids are perfect for toddlers and early readers.

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson – A charming, not-too-spooky story about kindness and friendship.
• Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete – A lift-the-flap adventure that toddlers will love.
• Five Little Pumpkins – A classic Halloween rhyme that kids adore.
• There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat by Lucille Colandro – Silly fun with a spooky twist.
• Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton – A sweet board book about choosing costumes.
• The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing – A fun parody of the holiday classic.
• Little Blue Truck’s Halloween – Interactive lift-the-flap surprises for preschoolers.
• Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell – A gentle tale about the life cycle of a pumpkin.
• Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler – A funny, not-scary skeleton story.
• Duck & Goose, Honk! Quack! Boo! – A silly adventure featuring beloved characters.

Popular Halloween Read-Aloud Books for Kids

If you’re planning circle time or a cozy library event, these Halloween books for kids read aloud are engaging, rhythmic, and fun to perform.

• Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman – A funny folktale retelling with repetition kids love.
• The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams – A Halloween classic with interactive actions.
• Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat by Doreen Cronin – Laugh-out-loud fun with barnyard animals.
• Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler – Silly wordplay for early readers.
• Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds – A Caldecott Honor book with just the right level of spookiness.

Best Halloween Chapter Books for Kids (Ages 7–12)

For older kids ready for independent reading, these Halloween chapter books for kids balance spooky and fun.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl – A timeless favorite full of mischief.
• Bunnicula by James Howe – A hilarious vampire-bunny mystery.
• Goosebumps by R.L. Stine – Choose Halloween-themed titles like Attack of the Jack-O’-Lanterns.
• The Haunted Library series by Dori Hillestad Butler – Friendly ghosts and mystery-solving fun.
• Amelia Fang series by Laura Ellen Anderson – Gothic, quirky adventures.
• Coraline by Neil Gaiman – Slightly creepy, but empowering and beautifully written.
• The Last Kids on Earth: Nightmare King by Max Brallier – Spooky adventures mixed with humor.
• Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker – Creepy yet age-appropriate tales.

Popular & Classic Halloween Books for Kids

Some books never go out of style. These popular Halloween books for kids have become cultural staples:

• Room on the Broom (still topping lists after 20 years).
• The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything (a must for classrooms).
• The Witches by Roald Dahl (a global favorite).
• Goosebumps Halloween specials (a pop culture phenomenon).

These titles not only entertain but also connect generations of readers.

How to Choose the Right Halloween Book by Age

• Toddlers (0–3 years): Stick with board books, lift-the-flap, and silly rhymes.
• Preschoolers (3–6 years): Fun, colorful stories with repetition.
• Elementary (6–9 years): Funny mysteries and interactive read-alouds.
• Older Kids (9–12 years): Spooky-but-safe adventures and chapter books.

Tip: Mix in funny and cozy reads with the spooky ones so Halloween stays fun—not frightening.