13 Halloween books for kids of all ages

Halloween books for children of all ages

Halloween may be a holiday most associated with costumes and candy, but you should never doubt the power of a good scary story to conjure up that imaginative spooky spirit.

Halloween provides the perfect opportunity to delve into a world of ghosts, ghouls, witches and werewolves through the pages of a well-chosen book.

Here are some of the best Halloween books for toddlers, kids, and teens that are perfect for a dark, stormy night or a cozy fall evening.

Psst… Check out these 10 movies for a Halloween family movie night!

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

Ages 2 to 5

Room on the Broom is a beautiful picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. It tells the story of a friendly witch who invites various animals to join her on her broomstick.

This charming story about friendship and teamwork is ideal for preschoolers and beginning readers just learning about Halloween.

Big Pumpkin by Erica Zilverman

Ages 2 to 5

Big Pumpkin is a fun Halloween-themed book about a witch, a pumpkin, and a cast of quirky characters who all want nothing more than to enjoy pumpkin pie.

The playful language and vibrant illustrations make this book a great way for little ones to get into the Halloween spirit.

The smallest mummy by Brandi Dougherty

Ages 3 to 5

The littlest momy tells the story of a little mummy who wants to join in the Halloween festivities, but feels too small. This adorable and heartwarming picture book emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and finding a place to belong.

The dark by Lemony Snicket

Ages 2 to 6

Beloved children’s author Lemony Snicket is the mind behind this beautiful and inspiring story. The dark is an expressively illustrated picture book that tells the story of Laszlo, a young boy who is afraid of the dark.

When the darkness comes to life and leads Laszlo on a mysterious adventure, he learns to face his fears. After all, it’s the things that scare us in the first place that often give us our fondest memories, just like Halloween itself.

This book is perfect for younger children who can find comfort in the kind message.

Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine

Ages 7 to 10

No list of Halloween books for kids and teens would be complete without R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. With more than 200 chilling tales to choose from, readers can delve into tales of haunted houses, sinister ventriloquist dummies and shape-shifting monsters.

These books are a great stepping stone to help young readers become more comfortable with handling longer books independently.

The witches by Roald Dahl

Ages 7 to 10

The whimsical but chilling stories of legendary author Roald Dahl shine in this children’s novel. Follow the young protagonist as he stumbles upon a gathering of witches with dark plans.

Dahl’s compelling story will keep children and teens fascinated and perhaps even a little wary of their elders.

Scary stories to tell in the dark by Alvin Schwartz

Ages 7 to 11

For generations, Scary stories to tell in the dark has been a staple in the field of creepy literature. Alvin Schwartz masterfully weaves a tapestry of chilling short stories, created for young people looking for scares.

With poignant illustrations by Stephen Gammell, this anthology is the definition of a Halloween classic.

While some are more light-hearted than others, keep in mind that these stories often deal with themes of paranoia, sadness, and death, which may make them a little too scary for younger children, especially if they read them alone.

The Halloween tree by Ray Bradbury

Ages 7 to 14

Ray Bradbury, the master of the spooky atmosphere, gave October 31st enthusiasts a gift The Halloween tree. This timeless classic takes readers on a journey through time and space and explores the origins of Halloween traditions.

It’s a captivating mix of history, fantasy and thrilling adventure that will enchant children and teenagers alike, and perhaps even spark an interest in historical studies.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

From 8 years and older

Neil Gaiman Coraline is a modern classic that transcends age boundaries. This creepy story of a young girl who discovers a parallel world behind a secret door offers a perfect blend of creepy and captivating storytelling.

With its unique blend of fantasy, horror and thematic creativity, Coraline is a fantastic way to introduce children to the wonderful world of literature. It is no wonder that this book inspires many future English majors.

The girl who drank the moon by Kelly Barnhill

Ages 8 to 12 years

Kelly Barnhill is enchanting The girl who drank the moon is an enchanting story that weaves magic, courage and a touch of darkness into an enchanting tale.

Follow Luna, a young girl with an extraordinary gift, as she confronts the secrets of her world. This beautifully written novel is a Halloween treat for middle-aged readers.

The bone houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones

From 12 years and older

Another contemporary entry is this 2019 young adult novel. The bone houses combines fantasy, horror and adventure. It follows Ryn, a teenage gravedigger, and Ellis, a mapmaker, as they travel to a haunted forest full of reanimated corpses.

This book explores themes of family, courage, and the supernatural, and reminds teens that the spirit of Halloween is for all ages.

The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

From 13 years and older

If your book-loving teen has already gone through all the Halloween classics, consider a more recent story first published in 2018.

For teens who like historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural: The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox is an excellent choice. Set in 1821, this novel tells the story of a family plagued by rumors of witchcraft and a sinister presence in their new home.

It’s a haunting and atmospheric read that captures the essence of Halloween.

The coldest girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

From 15 years and older

Holly Blacks The coldest girl in Coldtown is a young adult novel that reimagines the vampire genre.

Set in a world where vampires exist, Tana must navigate a dangerous vampire town called Coldtown after a deadly party. This book is an exciting mix of horror, romance and suspense, making it a must-read for older teens.