10 Kids Books To Haunt Your Halloween
What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than with a list of bewitching books that combine a bit of fright with a lot of fun? Here are 10 delightful, spooky, and enchanting books perfect for sharing with your little ghouls and goblins this October.
The Wolf Suit by Sid Sharp
In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel, we follow Bellwether Riggwelter, a sheep who longs to feel brave. He sews himself a wolf suit to help face the big bad world but soon finds that courage isn’t something you can stitch together. Full of heart and wit, this story explores themes of identity, fear, and self-acceptance in a delightfully quirky way that’s perfect for Halloween.
The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea
This hilarious story features a ghost who is just a little too afraid to go out and face the world—or, more accurately, the terrifying things that lurk within it. Full of laugh-out-loud moments and clever illustrations, kids will love the interplay between the ghost’s over-the-top fears and the not-so-scary reality of the situations. It’s perfect for children who want a little bit of spook without the nightmare potential!
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
Gustavo is a ghost with a serious case of shyness, but he loves playing the violin and wishes to make friends. The problem is that no one seems to notice him. This charming tale, filled with vibrant Mexican culture and Day of the Dead themes, is a heartfelt exploration of being seen, understood, and finding your place in the world—just in time for Halloween.
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason
In a world where all the ghosts are sheets, this little ghost feels different—he’s made from a patchwork quilt. But being different isn’t easy, especially when you’re a ghost who’s slower and heavier than the others. This gentle, sweet story is about accepting yourself and finding pride in what makes you unique. A perfect read for snuggling up on a cool autumn night.
The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen
Dark, mysterious, and gorgeously illustrated, The Skull is an adaptation of an old Tyrolean folktale that carries an eerie sense of wonder. A little girl named Otilla stumbles upon a strange skull that seems to have a mind of its own. Klassen’s signature style makes this creepy story feel timeless—a fantastic Halloween read for those who love folktales with a touch of the macabre.
Bone Soup: A Spooky, Tasty Tale by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Inspired by the classic tale of stone soup, Bone Soup takes a delightfully eerie turn as a group of monsters work together to make a delicious feast. With eye-catching illustrations and a playful, spooky twist, this story teaches kids about cooperation and sharing while setting the perfect Halloween tone. Be prepared to cook up some magic in your kitchen after reading!
Millie Fleur's Poison Garden by Samantha Cram
Enter Millie Fleur's whimsical and eerie garden, filled with enchanted plants and magical flowers. Millie is a little witch with a love for concocting potions—some helpful and others a bit mischievous. With beautiful illustrations and a message about embracing your gifts and finding balance in the magic you create, this is a bewitching Halloween treat for budding witches and wizards.
Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire by Flavia Z. Drago
Vlad isn't like other vampires—he loves color, fashion, and living fabulously! While other vampires prefer gloomy castles, Vlad shines in glittering outfits and fashionable capes. This joyful and humorous story turns the vampire genre upside down, reminding us that being yourself is the most fabulous thing of all.
There's A Ghost in This House by Oliver Jeffers
A beautifully interactive book where readers follow along with a little girl who is searching for the ghosts in her house. The book features transparent pages, allowing you to "see" the ghosts as they lurk behind furniture or pop out from the corners. It’s spooky, imaginative, and wonderfully fun for kids who love the thrill of searching for something eerie!
Grandpa's Ghost Stories (Feral Kids) by James Flora
A series of short ghost stories told by a grandfather to his wide-eyed grandkids, Grandpa's Ghost Stories is a blend of folklore, humor, and spooky thrills. Perfect for campfire storytelling or bedtime reading, this book captures the magic of passing down ghostly tales from generation to generation, just in time for Halloween.
Halloween is a time when stories come to life, when the line between the ordinary and the magical seems just a little bit thinner. These books all offer something unique—a little scare, a little comfort, and a lot of imagination. Whether your little ones like their stories with a dose of humor or a sprinkle of spook, these picks will keep them captivated and entertained this Halloween season. Happy haunting!