Halloween Books for Kids of All Ages
Halloween is a holiday often linked to costumes and sweets, but never underestimate the impact of a captivating, spooky story in igniting that imaginative, eerie vibe.
This season is the ideal time to immerse yourself in tales filled with ghouls, ghosts, witches, and werewolves through the pages of a carefully selected book. Check out these fantastic Halloween reads for toddlers, kids, and teens, perfect for a dark, stormy night or a cozy autumn evening.
Psst… Check Out Your 2025 Halloween Guide: All Things Halloween in NYC and Beyond
Room on the Broom
by Julia Donaldson
Ages 2 to 5
“Room on the Broom” is a delightful picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. It tells the story of a kind witch who invites various animals to ride her broomstick. This charming tale of friendship and teamwork is ideal for preschoolers and early readers who are just learning about Halloween.
Big Pumpkin
by Erica Silverman
Ages 2 to 5
This 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 Littlest Mummy
by Brandi Dougherty
Ages 3 to 5
“The Littlest Mummy” tells the story of a tiny mummy who wants to join in the Halloween festivities but feels too small. This adorable and heartwarming picture book emphasizes the importance of inclusion 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 dark comes to life and leads Laszlo on a mysterious adventure, he learns to confront his fears. After all, it’s the things that initially scare us that often leave us with the fondest memories, just like Halloween itself. This book is perfect for younger children.
Peek-A-BOO Feelings Jellyfish Set
by Slumberkins
Ages 0-8
Perfect for cozy, Halloween-season reading without the scares, this Peek-A-Boo Feelings bundle includes a board book and two expressive Jellyfish Minis, inviting kids to match emotions to faces while practicing naming what they feel. It blends Halloween magic with awareness in one spook-tacular bundle.
The Witches of Anderson House:
A Spell for Disaster
by Jennie Poh with Dave Lowe
5-7 Years
When Henry can’t find his beloved guinea pig, Crumpet, he knows just where to go to ask for help. Myrtle Stormwhisper is coaxed out of retirement to help Henry by using her magic. The problem is, Myrtle is a little rusty. Follow along as Myrtle, with the help of her fellow retired witches, works together in this beautifully illustrated book to reunite Henry and Crumpet.
Troubling Tonsils! (Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales!)
by Aaron Reynolds
6-9 Years
From the creators of “Creepy Carrots!” comes a new spin-off chapter book series, where Jasper Rabbit shares stories of caution. In this first adventure, he recounts the story of Charlie Marmot, whose simple throat surgery begins to take on a life of its own. With eerie sounds, missing tonsils, and a hint of revenge, this mix of chills and laughs is perfect for young readers ready for their first creepy tale.
Goosebumps Series
by R.L. Stine
Ages 7 to 10
No list of Halloween books for children and teens would be complete without R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series. With over 200 spine-tingling tales to choose from, readers can dive into stories of haunted houses, sinister ventriloquist dummies, and shape-shifting monsters. These books are a great stepping-stone for helping young readers get more comfortable handling longer books on their own.
The Witches
by Roald Dahl
Ages 7 to 10
The legendary author Roald Dahl’s whimsical yet spine-tingling storytelling shines in this children’s novel. Follow the young protagonist as he stumbles upon a convention of witches with sinister plans. Dahl’s captivating narrative will keep children and teens enthralled, and maybe even a bit cautious around their elders.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
by Alvin Schwartz
Ages 7 to 11
“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” has been a staple of spooky literature for generations. Alvin Schwartz masterfully weaves a tapestry of bone-chilling short stories for young readers seeking a fright. With haunting illustrations by Stephen Gammell, this anthology is the definition of a Halloween classic. Though some are more lighthearted than others, beware that these stories often deal with themes of paranoia, grief, and death, making them maybe a bit too scary for younger children, especially if they’re reading them alone.
The Halloween Tree
by Ray Bradbury
Ages 7 to 14
Ray Bradbury, the master of eerie atmosphere, gifted October 31st enthusiasts with “The Halloween Tree.” This timeless classic takes readers on a journey through time and space, exploring the origins of Halloween traditions. It’s a captivating blend of history, fantasy, and thrilling adventure that will enchant both children and teens, and maybe even inspire an interest in historical studies.
Coraline
by Neil Gaiman
Ages 8 and up
Neil Gaiman’s “Coraline” is a modern classic that transcends age boundaries. This eerie tale of a young girl discovering 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 kids to the wonderful world of literature. It’s no wonder that this book inspires many future English majors.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
by Kelly Barnhill
Ages 8 to 12
Kelly Barnhill’s enchanting “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” is a spellbinding story that weaves magic, courage, and a touch of darkness into a mesmerizing narrative. 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-grade readers.
The Bone Houses
by Emily Lloyd-Jones
Ages 12 and up
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 journey into a haunted forest filled with reanimated corpses. This book explores themes of family, bravery, and the supernatural, reminding teens that the spirit of Halloween is for all ages.
The Witch of Willow Hall
by Hester Fox
Ages 13 and up
If your book-loving teen has already breezed through all the Halloween classics, consider a more recent story first published in 2018. For teens who enjoy 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
Ages 15 and up
Holly Black’s “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 city called Coldtown after a deadly party. This book is a thrilling blend of horror, romance, and suspense, making it a must-read for older teens.
