Halloween doesn’t just need to be about dressing up, getting candy, and carving pumpkins; it’s also a great time to create an annual tradition by introducing your child to some of the most beloved Halloween books. If you like the idea of snuggling up to your child at the end of a long night of trick-or-treating, the list below contains the perfect (and not too spooky) go-to Halloween books your ghouls and goblins will love! So let’s check out some of our BOO-ks.
The Spooky Old Tree
First published in 1978, The Spooky Tree follows the beloved Berenstain Bears as they put their bravery on display and explore a tree that looks like no other. Along the way, they discover that things which may seem scary sometimes, often end up being harmless.
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever
What happens when two field mice inadvertently choose the same pumpkin to tend to in preparation for two different purposes? The answer is one giant pumpkin that each mouse claims as their own! Will they learn to cooperate and decide what to do with their giant pumpkin before it’s too late? Find out in this charming tale that teaches children about sharing and compromise.
The Monster at the End of This Book
Though not necessarily a Halloween book, The Monster at the End of This Book follows everyone’s favorite Muppet, Grover as he gets closer and closer to encountering a scary monster at the end of the book. Although he is increasingly more frightened with every page turn, Grover teaches kids that when you’re brave and persevere, not only are things not as bad as they appear, but there’s also a good chance you might make new friends by the end of your adventure.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything
When you’re young, things always seem to be going bump in the night—and that can be scary! The protagonist of The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything shows kids that despite all the scary sounds they hear, there is nothing to fear but fear itself.
Clifford’s Halloween
Does your child have trouble deciding what to dress up as for Halloween? If so, they will certainly relate to this fun story that follows Emily Elizabeth and her 30-foot-tall best friend, Clifford, as they struggle to find him a perfect disguise for Halloween night. Talk about a tall order.
Scary, Scary Halloween
What’s that lurking in the darkness? Whose shimmering eyes are those? In this moderately spooky book by Eve Bunting, children will see how the dark can play tricks on their eyes and learn that Halloween isn’t so scary as it is a lot of fun.
Bony-Legs
Perhaps the first truly “spooky” book on this list so far, Bony-Legs is about a child-eating witch with her sights set on adding Sasha to her cauldron for dinner. Fortunately, Sasha gets a little help from a group of woodland creatures, but will she escape before she becomes part of the witch’s next meal?
What Was I Scared Of? A Glow-in-the-Dark Encounter
Extracted from the short story penned by Dr. Seuss, the narrating character is completely spooked by…a pair of pants? As strange as it may sound, the pants might prove to be equally frightened of our main character. The lesson to be derived from this story is to not let your fear get the best of you.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
You may remember watching the Great Pumpkin on television many years ago, but it might surprise you to know that a storybook version of this famous Peanuts allegory only came out in 2008! Who’s the Great Pumpkin, you ask? According to Linus, he’s the magical being who emerges from the pumpkin patch on Halloween to deliver toys to all the girls and boys of the world. Will they spot the Great Pumpkin this year?
In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories
If your child is ready to graduate to something a bit more chilling this Halloween, this collection of seven spine-tingling (yet still kid-friendly) stories will have them gasping as much as giggling as they take their reading abilities to the next level.
So, there you have it: a list of great book recommendations to get your ghouls and goblins reading this Halloween. Be sure to check out Book Outlet for a huge selection of spook-tacular reads you can share with your kids this Halloween season.
