Looking for fun and spooky books to keep your kids excited about Halloween?
Whether you’re a parent trying to find the perfect bedtime story or a teacher planning themed reading time, it can be tough to find Halloween books that are just the right mix of fun and fright. You want stories that are spooky but not too scary—something that gives kids the Halloween vibe without the nightmares. That’s where these books come in. This list of spooky books for kids who love Halloween is packed with silly ghosts, magical pumpkins, and mysterious adventures that are perfect for young readers. So if you’re on the hunt for kid-friendly Halloween books that are fun, slightly creepy, and totally engaging, you’re in the right place.
1. Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
Gustavo is a little ghost who loves playing the violin and floating through walls—but he’s also painfully shy. With Día de los Muertos just around the corner, he really wants to make friends but doesn’t know how. This heartwarming story is spooky in all the right ways and explores themes like friendship, courage, and being yourself. The detailed, vibrant illustrations are inspired by Mexican culture and traditions, giving young readers a chance to explore something new. Kids will relate to Gustavo’s feelings of loneliness and celebrate with him as he finds his place among others.
2. Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds
Jasper Rabbit thinks he’s a big bunny now and definitely not afraid of underwear… until his new glow-in-the-dark pair won’t stop glowing. No matter where he hides them, they keep coming back! This hilarious and slightly spooky story is perfect for kids who enjoy silly scares and unexpected laughs. With expressive illustrations by Peter Brown, the story feels cinematic and full of drama in the best way. Young readers will love the mix of mystery and humor, and the twist ending adds just the right touch of surprise.
3. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
This classic Halloween tale features a brave little old lady who faces off with some strange sounds and spooky clothing items while walking through the forest at night. Kids love repeating the rhythmic sounds (“Clomp, clomp! Shake, shake!”), and the suspense builds just enough to be exciting without being scary. It’s interactive, a little eerie, and a lot of fun to read aloud. The story encourages kids to face their fears in a playful, safe way and ends with a clever twist that turns something scary into something helpful. It’s a great choice for classroom read-alouds or cozy storytime at home.
4. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
A friendly witch and her cat fly through the sky on a broomstick, picking up a surprising group of animal friends along the way. But when a dragon threatens her, the witch’s new friends prove to be more helpful than expected. This charming, rhyming book is more magical than spooky, making it ideal for younger kids who like Halloween themes but aren’t into the scary stuff. The rhyme and rhythm make it an enjoyable read-aloud, and the message about inclusion and cooperation really sticks. It’s also a fun way to introduce children to fantasy storytelling in a lighthearted way.
5. I Want to Be in a Scary Story by Sean Taylor
Little Monster wants to be in a scary story—but not too scary. As the narrator tries to help him out, things get funnier and funnier with every page. This interactive story lets kids join in the storytelling fun while gently poking fun at classic scary tales. The back-and-forth between narrator and character creates a fun, theatrical reading experience that works especially well aloud. It’s perfect for kids who like spooky settings but prefer laughs over screams, and it also opens up conversations about bravery and knowing your limits.
Want a FREE children’s book?
Hey! I’m B.C. Stephan the one who put this free site together for fun.
I’m also a children’s book author and I’m trying to build a community of not just parents and teachers, but also people who just love to learn about our world and want to make a positive impact.
So I would love it if you joined the newsletter.
I’ll even bribe you with a free copy of my eBook The Best Worst Day Ever… 😉
