Halloween is a fun time of the year. Many people enjoy dressing up, decorating, Halloween parties, watching scary movies and of course – candy! Halloween can also be a bit scary for young children.

When my children were little I kept our Halloween decorations totally kid friendly. The older they got, the weirder, creepier and scarier they became. Now they are full on scary, but I still keep some of the kiddie ones around our home as a reminder of Halloween when my kids were young.

Our neighbors appreciate our Halloween decorations too. One year I didn’t decorate because my brother and cousin both passed away within months of each other, so I wasn’t in the mood for decorating. Our neighbors would go out of their way to make sure everything was okay because they were concerned why we had no decorations up.

If you want your little one to enjoy Halloween, but in a more kid-friendly way, here are some wonderful books to get you started.

I Love You, Spooky Boo!

Written by Rose Rossner and illustrated by Kathryn Selbert

Puns, sensory features, and adorable Halloween characters come together in this spooky board book.

This is a charming book for little ones that features a lot of cool things they can touch and feel, staring with the color changing sequined ghost on the front cover/first page.

Inside you’ll find sparkly autumn leaves, a furry black cat, a bat flying in the shimmering moonlight and a mirror at the end.

The illustrations are darling. There is nothing scary about this sweet little board book.

Happy Halloween Little One

Written and illustrated by Sandra Magsamen

Share in the fun and joy of Halloween with this adorable board book of love from USA Today bestselling author Sandra Magsamen.

This is a great first book about Halloween for children. It’s bright and colorful and features super adorable illustrations of various animals.

The front pages of this book has a place where you can write to/from, if you are giving this book to your child or grandchild. There is also a section where you can write about memorable moments including what your child wore as a costume, who they went trick-or-treating with an their favorite treats.

I think it would be so cute to look back on this a few years from now and reminisce about your child’s Halloween moments from when you gifted the book. That’s a cute idea.

The Boo Crew and the Pumpkin Patch Rescue

Written by Vicky Fang and illustrated by Saoirse Lou

The Boo Crew are back with an interactive fall adventure! Join Luna, Bones, and Fang to save the day at the pumpkin patch in this follow-up to The Boo Crew Needs YOU!

I loved the story and I especially love the illustrations, especially the way things are colored. This book has more of a autumn vibe than a Halloween book.

I really like the font. I don’t know why, but it stood out to me when I read the story.

I noticed that there is a cat and a crow that appear in many of the pages. I think it would be fun to ask your child to see if they can find them them – sort of like a “Where’s Waldo” sort things (Where is the crow? Where is the cat?).

This book is interactive because it asks your child to do things such as raise their hand, pat butter on the pies, and trace the path to save the day.

The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard!

Written by Ron Keres and illustrated by Arthur Lin

Darkness falls. The power goes out. When two young brothers start hearing strange noises, they must uncover the spooky source of the sounds. With their imaginations running wild, they are forced to ask: what could it be?

I really wanted to review this book (I know, sounds odd to say that). I knew this book would be very unique.

There are very little illustrations at all in this book. This is a children’s book, but it relies on the words more so than illustrations.

It’s not a typical chapter book. It’s not written in that way. Each page features words that are huge, small, curved, different colors and more. I think this also helps to bring this story to life.

This book also has rhyming text, which children love (me too!).

If you are a parent reading this book to your child you can take ques from the text to change your voice, say words louder and softer and more. You can truly bring this story to life.

By the way… it’s not really scary. I just says that in a silly way.

The Scariest Campfire Story You’ve Ever Heard!

Written by Ron Keres and illustrated by Arthur Lin

On a camping trip with their father, two boys learn the legend of Bigfoot. As night falls, the sounds of the woods get louder, closer, and creepier. When the family hears a snap, crunch, and crinkle, they have to wonder: could Bigfoot be real?

This book is written in the same exact manner as the previous book, but this time it’s about listening to a story told around the campfire. The words are shown in creative ways, as well as emphasized differently.

I appreciate this manner of writing. It’s different. I think kids will really respond to it.

Of course, the not-so-little family members might want a spooky read too. If that is the case, check out the next book…

Finders Keepers

Written by Jeff Strand

A scavenger hunt takes a sinister turn for Maggie and her friends. A bone from the cemetery seems like it’s as dark as the game can get, but when they’re asked to bring back a human head, nobody wants to play anymore. But it’s too late to quit…

This book has a trailer too. You can Watch the trailer here.

This is a chapter book, and there are no illustrations.

Finders Keepers would make for a great horror movie. It’s not scary (well, not for me), but the gist of it would make for a good horror movie.

This is one of those books a kid would read under their covers with a flashlight…then be scared of every little sound they hear (just kidding).

It’s a fun book for kids who are into scary reads.

Look for these book at man retail locations, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Kimberly

*I received free copies of these books in order to do a review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.