13 Frightfully Fun Stories To Get Your Kids in the Halloween Spirit
by Devon A. Corneal
Get ready for goblins, witches, ghosts, and great Halloween reads! From silly stories to terrific tales with just the right amount of fright, these spook-tacular books are sure to get your little trick-or-treater excited for the big night. So don’t be scared — get reading!
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There’s a Ghost In This House
Available from:Help a little girl search her home for ghosts in this one-of-a-kind picture book. With transparent overlays, Oliver Jeffers’s signature humor, and quirky illustrations, this unique and humorous picture book will get you into the Halloween spirit before you can say, “Boo!” Both you and your child will want to read it again and again.
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Dino-Zombies!
These zombies don’t eat brains — they eat candy! And lots of it. Kids obsessed with trick-or-treating will love this early reader book about a spooky troop of zombie dinosaurs hunting for candy. With its vibrant illustrations and silly characters, it will have your child counting down the days until Halloween.
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In the Dark
Available from:When a group of newcomers appears in the dark woods, everyone thinks they’re witches. But one little girl refuses to let prejudice cloud her judgment and goes to meet them. This book shares a beautiful message about first impressions and open-mindedness when faced with something new.
RELATED: Magical Books About Witches for Kids
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Diary of an Accidental Witch: New Girl
Available from:Young readers will love this charming early chapter book series about a girl who mistakenly ends up in a witch school. Follow her adventures at school and home as she tries to learn spells and keep her new skills a secret. The diary-style narration and plentiful black-and-white illustrations make this book an excellent pick for newly independent readers.
Readers can also enjoy Halloween Ball, Flying High, and Secret Spells.
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Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire
Available from:Vlad the vampire’s bright pink cheeks make him look almost alive! Cursed with such a shocking appearance, Vlad does everything he can to look more dead. This adorable and humorous picture book is perfect for kids who love Halloween, secrets, and surprises!
Also check out Gustavo, the Shy Ghost and Leila, the Perfect Witch.
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The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo!
Available from:This picture book is a must-read if you love classic Halloween stories like Room on the Broom and Tilly Witch. Written in rhyme and accompanied by energetic illustrations, this upbeat story will be a seasonal read-aloud favorite for readers young and old. Follow it up with The Little Witch Who Lost Her Broom.
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She Made a Monster
Available from:The whole family will be fascinated to learn the story of how Mary Shelley, at 19 years old, created the legendary monster of Frankenstein. (Did you know it started out as a contest between friends to write the best ghost story?) A visually gorgeous picture book biography, this one’s a year-round must-have.
RELATED: 9 Fun Halloween Ideas for Kids That Go Beyond Trick-or-Treating
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Stitch Head Series
Available from:Mad Professor Erasmus makes monstrous creatures and then leaves them to fend for themselves in the creepy halls of Castle Grotteskew. Thankfully, his first creation, Stitch Head, is there to help them. Join Stitch Head and an endearing cast of misfits in this humorous, no-so-scary chapter book series.
RELATED: Books That 6- to 8-Year-Old Boys Say Are Must-Reads
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How to Make Friends with a Ghost
Available from:This whimsical guidebook to lifelong friendship presents a few essentials to keep in mind when befriending a ghost. Perhaps most importantly: make sure no one mistakes your new friend for a marshmallow! Charming and sweet, this one’s great during any season.
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Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball
Available from:Amelia Fang tries to be nice to the Prince of Nocturnia, a land where all things sparkly are the stuff of “daymares,” but he’s just so mean! Enough is enough when the spoiled prince claims her beloved pet pumpkin, Squashy, as his own. Filled with hilarious puns, quirky characters, and wonderful illustrations, little monsters will love sinking their fangs into this delightfully creepy series.
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Trick-or-Treating in the City
Available from:Janelle has her Halloween costume all planned out, but neither of her parents can take her trick-or-treating. Discouraged, she turns to her neighbors in New York City for advice. This adorable Halloween picture book celebrates kindness and community, even in a big city.
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The LEGO Halloween Games Book
Available from:With over 50 Halloween-themed games, puzzles, challenges, and activities, this book ensures fall fun for everyone. Grab your LEGO® bricks and get ready for a spooktacular time with friends and family! Tackle escape room puzzles, mix brick-built potions, navigate the monster trap board game, and more!
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Shiver-by-the-Sea Series
Available from:Kids who can’t get enough hair-raising thrills will want to crack the spine on the first book in this spooky series. It’s about two friends who help supernatural creatures in any way they can. Whether they’re helping a young vampire find his family or realizing that a new puppy is a werewolf, Bella and Cooper have no shortage of spooky fun in store.
Don't forget to check out book #2, The Were-woof.
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Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2024.