At different ages, kids will appreciate different degrees of being ‘spooked’ when reading or hearing a story; this list gives recommendations for the different ages. These books are future Halloween children’s book classics.
Halloween Board Books
My First Halloween Board Book (DK Publishing, 2004. Ages: Baby-Preschool) and Touch and Feel Halloween (DK Publishing, 2000, Ages: Baby-Preschool) are two books with bright, iconic Halloween images that will delight young babies and preschoolers; either would make a perfect ‘first Halloween’ book.
Haunted House
Originally published in 1979, Haunted House (by Jan Pienkowski, Candlewick, 2005 edition. Ages: 4-8) has been re-released to the delight of lift-the-flap, pop-up paper book and Halloween enthusiasts. The story of the haunted house, its rooms filled with everything from a ghoul in the cupboard and an octopus in the sink to a crocodile in the bath and a black cat peeking around in each room, is enhanced by the intricate workings of the flaps, levers, and pop-ups that bring the story to life.
Ten Timid Ghosts
Ten Timid Ghosts (by Jane O’Connell, Cartweheel, 2000. Ages: 4-8) is a Halloween story that has it all- great illustrations, an easy to read and remember rhyming text, and a tiny bit of spookiness with a big bit of humor. It’s also a counting book; the story revolves around ten ghosts trying to move into a haunted house inhabited by a clever with who wants them out. Kids will love discovering what happens.
The Wicked, Wicked Ladies in the Haunted House
The Wicked, Wicked Ladies in the Haunted House (by Mary Chase, Yearling, 2005. Ages: 9-12) When Maureen walks by the crumbling, haunted-looking mansion, she can’t resist going inside, where she finds seven portraits of wicked, wicked ladies. Maureen wants to discover the history of the family that used to live in the mansion, and a fun adventure awaits readers.
Goosebumps Series
R.L. Stine’s series of Goosebumps books (Scholastic, various years. Ages: 9-12) is proof that kids love to read a spooky story. There are over three dozen books in the collection, from The Headless Ghost to the new Horrorland series. Kids in this age range often find these books to be their Halloween favorites.
There are also Halloween books featuring many of kids’ favorite characters: Curious George, Max and Ruby, the Berenstein Bears, Dora, Spongebob Squarepants, Arthur, Franklin, Disney Princesses and many other animated characters all have their own Halloween stories as well.
