Why Halloween Books for Kids? 🎃👻
Halloween is just around the corner! 🧙♀️🧛♂️👻 Whether your little one loves all things spooky or just enjoys a fun night of dressing up and trick-or-treating, reading Halloween books for kids is a fantastic way to get them excited about the season. From cute pumpkins to friendly ghosts, there’s something magical about curling up with a spooky (yet kid-friendly) tale to build the anticipation for the big night. 📚✨
In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the best Halloween books for kids to make storytime spooktacular! Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to make these stories even more engaging for your little readers.
So grab a cozy blanket, some hot cocoa, and let’s dive into the best Halloween books that’ll surely have your kids excited to read! 🎃🕷️🧙
🧙♀️ Top 10 Must-Read Halloween Books for Kids 👻
Whether you have a toddler or a grade-schooler, there’s a Halloween book perfect for your child. Below is a list of spooky, fun, and delightful reads to share this Halloween season.
1. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Age Range: 3-7 years
A delightful rhyming story about a kind witch and her cat who pick up a few friends on their broomstick, only to be confronted by a fire-breathing dragon! 🐉 “Room on the Broom” has it all—rhyming, humor, friendship, and a bit of suspense. The colorful illustrations and rhythm of the text will have your kids spellbound.
Fun Tip: Try to use different voices for each character to make storytime even more magical!
2. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
Age Range: 4-8 years
This is a perfect read-aloud book! A little old lady goes for a walk and encounters some strange, spooky objects, but she isn’t afraid of any of them… until they follow her! This interactive book encourages kids to “clomp, clomp” and “wiggle, wiggle” along with the sounds, adding to the fun. 🎃👢
Interactive Idea: Encourage your child to act out the sounds of each object that the lady encounters for an engaging experience.
3. Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds
Age Range: 4-8 years
“Jasper Rabbit” loves eating carrots, but suddenly the carrots start following him! 🥕 This eerie, funny book with suspenseful twists will keep your child guessing what’s going to happen next. The slightly spooky illustrations and clever storyline make this book a must-read for kids who love a fun scare!
Discussion Tip: After reading, ask your child what they think about the ending. Were the carrots really creepy or was it all in Jasper’s head?
4. Five Little Pumpkins by Dan Yaccarino
Age Range: 2-5 years
This classic Halloween rhyme book is simple and fun for younger kids. The story follows five little pumpkins sitting on a gate, and as the night gets spookier, they all decide to roll out and enjoy Halloween. 🎃 The repetitive rhyming pattern helps toddlers and preschoolers follow along and even memorize parts of the book.
Rhyme Time: Make up actions for each line, encouraging your child to clap, jump, or roll their hands to the beat of the rhyme.
5. The Spooky Wheels on the Bus by J. Elizabeth Mills
Age Range: 3-5 years
A fun Halloween twist on the traditional song, “The Wheels on the Bus.” Instead of wheels going round and round, the book features ghosts, mummies, and goblins that kids will adore. 👻🚌 It’s a great way to add a little spookiness to a familiar tune.
Sing-Along Idea: Sing the book aloud to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus” and encourage your child to sing along and add spooky sounds!
6. How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace
Age Range: 4-10 years
Ever wonder what it would be like to catch a monster? This adventurous story is about a little boy who sets out to catch the monster under his bed but ends up finding a new friend instead. 🛏️👹 This book combines just the right amount of fun and fright and will encourage kids to face their fears.
Creative Activity: After reading, ask your child how they would catch a monster. Maybe draw a picture of their monster-catching plan!
7. The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason
Age Range: 4-8 years
This touching and heartwarming story is about a little ghost who isn’t like the other ghosts—he’s a quilt instead of a sheet! As he struggles with his differences, he eventually learns to appreciate his uniqueness. 👻🧶 It’s a beautiful story about self-acceptance with a Halloween twist.
Reflection Time: Talk to your child about the importance of being unique and how everyone has their own special qualities.
8. Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman
Age Range: 4-8 years
In this hilarious story, a witch grows a pumpkin so big that she can’t pull it off the vine. One by one, a ghost, a vampire, and a mummy all try to help, but they need to work together to get the job done. 🎃🧙♀️ This book teaches a valuable lesson about teamwork and cooperation while keeping the Halloween spirit alive.
Storytelling Game: While reading, have your child predict how each character might try to pull the pumpkin off the vine and what might happen next!
9. Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins by James Dean
Age Range: 4-8 years
Fans of Pete the Cat will love this Halloween version of the classic “Five Little Pumpkins.” With vibrant illustrations and a fun, jazzy rhythm, Pete the Cat makes the rhyme extra groovy and exciting for young readers. 😺🎃
Dance Along:Play some jazzy music while you read and have your child dance along to Pete’s rhythm!
10. Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex
Age Range: 4-8 years
This hilarious parody of the classic “Goodnight Moon” adds a spooky twist to bedtime reading. Instead of the gentle scenes from the original book, kids will find werewolves, mummies, and other creepy creatures! 🦇🕸️ A perfect blend of spooky and silly, this book is sure to delight little readers who love some lighthearted frights.
Parody Fun:Compare and contrast the scenes with “Goodnight Moon.” It’s a fun way to talk about different styles of storytelling.
📚 Tips for Making Halloween Reading Extra Special 🎃
Creating an exciting atmosphere for your child can make reading time even more memorable. Here are some ways to enhance the Halloween experience:
🎃 1. Create a Reading Nook
Transform a corner of your home into a spooky reading nook. Add some cozy pillows, blankets, and string lights shaped like pumpkins or ghosts. Your child will love having a special place to read their Halloween books!
👻 2. Dress Up for Storytime
Why not get into the Halloween spirit by dressing up in costumes? Even if it’s a simple witch hat or a superhero cape, dressing up makes reading these books even more magical and immersive.
🕸️ 3. Use Spooky Sound Effects
Create an eerie atmosphere by playing spooky background sounds while you read. Think wind howling, doors creaking, or even gentle ghostly moans! Sound effects can make the stories come to life.
🧙♀️ 4. Act It Out
Get your little one involved by acting out parts of the book. Let them play the role of the witch, the ghost, or even a pumpkin. Role-playing helps children better understand and enjoy the story.
🎃 Conclusion: Making Halloween Magical with Books 👻
Halloween books for kids can add a special touch to the spooky season. Whether your child loves friendly ghosts, singing pumpkins, or magical adventures, these stories bring the Halloween spirit to life through fun, creativity, and imagination. 🎃📚
So gather up your favorite Halloween books, build a cozy fort, and let the spooky fun begin! 📖👻
You can also check this amazing list of bedtime story books for kids