Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and, of course, spooky stories that send shivers down spines while still keeping things fun and kid-friendly. If you’re looking for the perfect Halloween-themed books to share with your little readers, The Kids Point has you covered! Here’s a list of Top 10 Spooky Kids Halloween Books that are perfect for young readers who enjoy a bit of thrill and adventure without too many sleepless nights. From board books for toddlers to graphic novels for tweens, these selections provide a great way to get into the Halloween spirit.
10 Trick or Treaters by Janet Schulman
Best for: Ages 3-5
This classic board book introduces young readers to the excitement and slight spookiness of Halloween night. In 10 Trick or Treaters, a group of 10 costumed children heads out for an evening of trick-or-treating, but along the way, they encounter various Halloween creatures like toads, spiders, and mummies, causing their numbers to dwindle one by one. This story is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, offering just enough Halloween magic to make the night fun without being too scary. The rhyming text and vivid illustrations keep the tone lighthearted, while the engaging format encourages young readers to count down as the trick-or-treaters disappear. This book also helps little ones practice their counting skills while enjoying a festive tale.
EEK! Halloween! by Sandra Boynton
Best for: Ages 1-4
Sandra Boynton’s EEK! Halloween! is a whimsical, silly take on Halloween that introduces little ones to the holiday in a non-scary way. The chickens on a farm notice something unusual—bats, black cats, and even a friendly witch are all around, but they soon learn that there’s nothing to fear. Boynton’s signature humor and charming illustrations make this a delightful read for toddlers. It’s a great way to introduce Halloween to young children who may be nervous about the strange sights and sounds of the season. The playful rhymes make this a book that parents and children will want to read over and over again.
Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson
Best for: Ages 4-8
For kids who are a little older and ready for some ghostly fun, Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson is a hilarious and heartwarming tale. Sir Simon is a professional ghost whose job is to haunt a new house. He’s excited because he believes that haunting an old couple will be easy work. However, things take a turn when the couple’s grandchild, Chester, moves in and starts asking Simon endless questions about his ghostly duties. Simon decides to trick Chester into doing all his spooky chores, like rattling chains and making creepy noises, but Chester isn’t quite up to the task. This amusing book is a great story about friendship, teamwork, and finding joy in unexpected situations. Atkinson’s detailed and colorful illustrations bring Simon and Chester’s world to life, offering plenty for young readers to discover on each page.
Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Best for: Ages 3-7
Stumpkin is a nearly perfect pumpkin. He’s round, plump, and vibrantly orange—everything a pumpkin should be. However, he’s missing a stem, and as other pumpkins are picked up from the grocery store to decorate homes for Halloween, Stumpkin worries that no one will choose him because of his missing stem. Stumpkin is a charming and beautifully illustrated book that delivers a message about self-worth and being unique. It’s an ideal Halloween story for young children who can relate to feeling left out or different from others. The stunning artwork combined with a touching story makes Stumpkin a must-read during the Halloween season.
Peter & Ernesto: Sloths in the Night by Graham Annable
Best for: Ages 6-9
For slightly older readers who are ready for a graphic novel adventure, Peter & Ernesto: Sloths in the Night offers a fun mix of humor, spookiness, and friendship. Peter and Ernesto are sloth buddies who realize their friend Bernard has gone missing. Ernesto believes Bernard has been taken by a dragon rumored to live in an abandoned temple, and the duo must venture out into the jungle at night to find him. Along the way, they face their fears of the dark and the unknown. This lighthearted yet suspenseful graphic novel is a wonderful choice for young readers who are just beginning to explore more complex stories. The friendship between Peter and Ernesto is heartwarming, and the illustrations make this jungle adventure a visual treat.
Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories by Max Brallier, illustrated by Letizia Rubegni
Best for: Ages 6-9
For kids who enjoy a little spookiness but aren’t quite ready for full-blown horror, Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories is the perfect collection of short, spooky tales. This book is part of the Mister Shivers series and features five stories that tap into common childhood fears, such as monsters under the bed and toys coming to life. Each story is just the right length for a quick, eerie read, and the atmospheric illustrations add an extra layer of creepiness. Fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark will love this age-appropriate introduction to spooky storytelling.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Best for: Ages 8-12
Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book is a modern classic that has captured the imaginations of both children and adults alike. The story follows Nobody Owens, or “Bod,” a young boy who was orphaned as a baby and raised by the ghosts in a graveyard. Each chapter of the book introduces a new adventure as Bod learns the ways of the dead and navigates the dangers of the living world. This book’s mix of ghostly adventures, suspense, and humor makes it a fantastic choice for Halloween reading. The Graveyard Book is an award-winning novel, having earned the Newbery and Carnegie Medals, and it’s a great read for middle-grade readers looking for something both spooky and heartfelt.
Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
Best for: Ages 9-12
In Small Spaces, 11-year-old Ollie finds herself caught in a terrifying adventure after rescuing a mysterious book from being thrown into a river. The book tells the story of a young girl who made a deal with a sinister figure known as “the smiling man.” When Ollie’s class goes on a field trip to a local farm, she notices that the gravestones on the property bear the same names as those in the book. As strange events unfold, Ollie and her friends must navigate the eerie landscape and face their fears. Small Spaces is a spine-tingling story filled with suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements. It’s a great Halloween read for kids who enjoy thrilling adventures with a touch of horror.
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell, illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks
Best for: Ages 12 and up
Teens Deja and Josiah have spent every fall season of their high school years working at a famous pumpkin patch. Now, in their senior year, it’s their last night working there, and they decide to make it a night to remember. Pumpkinheads is a heartwarming graphic novel filled with friendship, romance, and the cozy vibes of autumn. While not overly spooky, it captures the essence of Halloween and the fall season with its beautifully illustrated pumpkin patch setting and warm, nostalgic tone. Rainbow Rowell’s charming story, combined with Faith Erin Hicks’ artwork, makes this book a perfect choice for teens who want to get into the fall spirit without too many scares.
We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix
Best for: Ages 14 and up
For older teens who enjoy horror with a dash of dark humor, We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix is a thrilling, chilling novel that offers a unique twist on the “deal with the devil” trope. The story follows Kris Pulaski, a former guitarist of a heavy metal band, who discovers that her old bandmate sold the band’s souls for fame and fortune. As she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, she encounters terrifying situations and strange, otherworldly forces. We Sold Our Souls is not for the faint of heart, but for teens who love horror, this novel will provide an intense, page-turning experience with a perfect blend of scares and satire.
Finding the Right Halloween Books for Kids
Halloween is the perfect time to curl up with a good book, and these Top 10 Spooky Kids Halloween Books offer something for every young reader. Whether your child is a toddler just starting to enjoy stories, a young reader seeking fun and friendly ghosts, or a teen looking for a chilling adventure, there’s a spooky Halloween read on this list that will fit the bill. From adorable board books to eerie novels, these tales bring the magic, fun, and mystery of Halloween to life in a way that’s perfect for kids. The Kids Point is proud to recommend these titles to help you and your little ones celebrate the spookiest season of the year with fun, adventure, and just the right amount of fright!