There’s something extra cozy about reading Halloween books in October. Pajamas on, lights dimmed, maybe a pumpkin glowing nearby, and suddenly an ordinary bedtime story feels like part of spooky season.
And the best part? Halloween stories don’t have to be scary. There are silly pumpkins, friendly ghosts, mischievous crayons, curious cats, and plenty of sweet stories that even younger kids can enjoy.
If you’re looking for Halloween Books for Kids to add to your October reading list, boo basket, or Halloween gift, these 15 popular picks offer something for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age kids.
If you have Pinterest, would you mind saving this image for me? 😊
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or sign up through one of my links, I may earn a commission or receive a benefit at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
15 Halloween Books for Kids to Read This October
1. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
A friendly witch, her cat, and an increasingly crowded broom make this such a fun read-aloud. The rhyming story is playful rather than frightening, making it a great choice for younger children who want a little Halloween magic without anything too spooky.
Shop Room on the Broom on Amazon →
2. Little Blue Truck’s Halloween by Alice Schertle
Little Blue Truck fans will love seeing familiar characters dressed up for Halloween. The lift-the-flap elements make this especially entertaining for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy interactive books.
Shop Little Blue Truck’s Halloween on Amazon →
3. The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John
Fans of The Bad Seed will recognize this funny character immediately. This Halloween story follows the Bad Seed as he tries to find the perfect costume, with plenty of humor along the way.
Shop The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky on Amazon →
4. Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds
Carrots following you around sounds ridiculous, until they start feeling just a little creepy. 😂 This clever picture book mixes humor and suspense without becoming overwhelmingly scary.
Shop Creepy Carrots! on Amazon →
5. Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds
Yes, the underwear glows. Yes, it keeps coming back. And yes, kids will probably think the entire situation is hilarious. This is one of those Halloween Books for Kids that makes spooky storytime feel more silly than scary.
Shop Creepy Pair of Underwear! on Amazon →
6. How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead
If your kids already love the How to Catch series, this Halloween version fits perfectly into an October book basket. The colorful illustrations and imaginative traps make it a fun read before Halloween night.
Shop How to Catch a Witch on Amazon →
7. Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete by James Dean
Pete the Cat brings his usual cool personality to trick-or-treating. Kids can lift the flaps to discover who, or what, is hiding behind different doors along the way.
Shop Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete on Amazon →
8. The Spooky Wheels on the Bus by J. Elizabeth Mills
If your child already knows The Wheels on the Bus, this Halloween twist makes an easy seasonal favorite. Familiar rhythm combined with silly spooky characters makes it especially fun to read aloud.
Shop The Spooky Wheels on the Bus on Amazon →
9. The Crayons Trick or Treat by Drew Daywalt
The crayons are ready for Halloween, but they need to figure out exactly what to say while trick-or-treating. It’s short, funny, and a cute addition to a child’s Halloween book collection.
Shop The Crayons Trick or Treat on Amazon →
10. Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman
A witch grows an enormous pumpkin but can’t pull it from the vine. Soon, several familiar Halloween characters arrive to help. The repetitive storytelling makes this a particularly fun choice for preschoolers.
11. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
A little old lady encounters shoes, pants, a shirt, gloves, a hat, and a pumpkin head following her through the woods. The repetitive sounds encourage kids to participate while you’re reading.
Shop The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything on Amazon →
12. Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
Gustavo is a sweet little ghost who loves music but struggles to make friends because he’s shy. The beautiful illustrations and gentle story about friendship make this one of my favorite meaningful Halloween Books for Kids.
Shop Gustavo, the Shy Ghost on Amazon →
13. Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht
This beautifully illustrated story celebrates the whole pumpkin tradition, from choosing the perfect pumpkin to carving it into a jack-o’-lantern. It’s a lovely book to read before heading to the pumpkin patch.
Shop Pick a Pumpkin on Amazon →
14. Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler
Bonaparte is a skeleton whose bones keep falling apart, and his friends are determined to help. It’s funny and sweet, with a friendship theme underneath all the skeleton silliness.
Shop Bonaparte Falls Apart on Amazon →
15. The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano
Spookley isn’t shaped like the other pumpkins, which makes him stand out in the pumpkin patch. This sweet Halloween story offers a kid-friendly message about differences, kindness, and discovering that being unique can be something special.
Shop The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin on Amazon →
Halloween Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers
For little ones, I’d start with colorful, funny, interactive stories rather than anything genuinely frightening.
Books like Little Blue Truck’s Halloween, Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete, and The Spooky Wheels on the Bus work especially well when short attention spans are involved.
Board books and lift-the-flap stories can also make reading feel more like an activity.
Add Halloween Books to a Boo Basket
Books are also one of my favorite alternatives to filling a boo basket entirely with toys and candy.
Choose one or two Halloween Books for Kids, then add Halloween pajamas, stickers, a small toy, and a favorite snack. You’ve got an adorable boo basket with things your child can actually enjoy throughout October.
And the book comes back out next Halloween.
That’s a win in my book.
Create a Cozy Halloween Storytime Tradition
You don’t need to buy 15 new books at once. Pick a couple of favorites and mix them with Halloween books from your local library.
Then make October storytime its own little tradition.
Put on Halloween pajamas, grab a blanket, turn on the pumpkin lights, and let your child choose the night’s story.
You could even wrap a few Halloween Books for Kids individually and let them open one every Friday night in October.
Sometimes the simplest traditions are the ones kids remember.
More Halloween Finds for Kids
If you loved these Halloween Books for Kids, explore MommyRo for more spooky-season inspiration, including Halloween Gifts for Kids, Toddler Halloween Essentials, Halloween Pajamas for Kids, Boo Basket Ideas for Boys, Boo Basket Ideas for Girls, and Halloween party favorites.
Subscribe to MommyRo for new kids’ finds, gift guides, seasonal favorites, and family shopping inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Love discovering new finds? Follow me on Amazon and check out my Amazon Storefront for more kids’ must-haves, mom favorites, seasonal finds, and gift ideas.
And follow MommyRo on Pinterest for more Halloween finds for kids, Amazon favorites, Christmas gift ideas, stocking stuffers, and family shopping inspiration.
