Celebrating holidays with kids is the best. It’s so fun to create memories and tradition, and Halloween always feels like the start of the holiday season for me. It’s a magical time of year for children, filled with costumes, candy, and the excitement of spooky decorations and candy. Halloween is also a great opportunity to introduce children to themed books, which is something I love to do for every holiday. We pull out the fall and Halloween books, and these books give us something new and fun to enjoy throughout the season. Whether you’re looking for fun stories about trick-or-treating, friendly ghosts, or not-too-scary monsters, there are some really great books that are fun, and a little spooky, but not too scary for younger readers.

Here’s a list of some of the best Halloween books for little kids that combine a love of storytelling with seasonal fun. These titles range from board books for toddlers to picture books for preschoolers, offering a variety of reading experiences to suit different ages and stages.

 

The Best Fall and Halloween Books for Kids

 

At 4 and 6, my girls have been already talking about their Halloween costumes for a month or two. And my one-and-a-half-year-old loves board books! Especially interactive ones. I realize there are a lot of books on this list, but we love them all. They’re fun and festive to keep out in their rooms and playroom, and we read them every year, so they feel like a worthwhile investment. I put them away when the season ends and bring them out each fall, and it’s so much fun. And to make things extra fun, I add a seasonal felt garland to their bookshelves, too.

So here are our favorite Halloween books to get your babies, toddlers, and young readers into the Halloween spirit. I’ve included a mix of board books and picture books that your family will treasure each fall. Here’s my list of the best Halloween books for little kids. 

The Best Children’s Books for Halloween and Fall

We read at least 2 of these every night (plus “Be Kind” because she always asks for “kiiiii”). Starting with the ones we love most at the top, here are our favorite books for fall and Halloween.

 

You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie

This very thick board book is one of the best books for babies. My girls loved pointing out the pumpkins, bats, and stars when they were little, and we’ll now get to read this one to their baby brother. It features everything Halloween from a little bat and black cats, and is a fun book for little ones.

Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin

This book is short and sweet, and like all the Duck and Goose books, one of the best books for little ones. A search for a pumpkin ends with duck and goose finding the biggest pumpkin in the patch. Great when you don’t want to skip the tradition of reading a book before bed but baby needs to go to sleep ASAP. It’s pretty cute, too.

Ollie’s Halloween

My 2 year old loves the Ollie book series. If you’re looking for great Halloween books for your kids, you need to add Ollie’s Halloween to your list. It is simple and just a little spooky (but not scary) and ends with the message of Halloween being a time to share so you know I’m into it.

Goodbye Summer Hello Autumn

This book is so beautiful and so, so sweet. We have goodbye autumn, hello winter, too. It’s such a sentimental book to read this time of year – so beautifully written and illustrated. 

Pick a Pumpkin

Nothing will get you in the Halloween mood like Pick a Pumpkin. I love this one so, so much. We have Pick a Pine Tree and that one is a lot more magical and beautiful (because Christmas) but this book is really sweet, too. It’s a sweet story about picking a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and gathering together to carve and decorate with friends.

Mouse’s First Fall

I’ll be the first to admit that this isn’t exactly well-written and it’s a little cheesy for my taste. It isn’t a good book by any means, but it’s cute, short and sweet, and simple for babies and young toddlers, so it made the cut. 

 

 

Cats’ Night Out

This isn’t that Halloween-y but it’s a good book, and I really like the illustrations. I’m also a cat person (don’t you dare judge me) and really wanted to have this on my daughter’s bookshelf for Halloween. From tangoing two cats to boogie-woogie groups of ten, the story introduces children to counting and dance styles through its playful narrative. The text has a rhythmic, lyrical quality that makes it an engaging read-aloud book, while the night-time city setting adds an air of mystery and excitement.

Gilbert the Ghost

Oh, I love Gilbert. He’s a sweet little ghost who goes off to ghost boarding school but doesn’t want to be (and isn’t scary). It’s a great way to get kids talking about kindness, being different, and staying true to who they are. The book’s light, playful tone helps young readers connect with Gilbert’s journey of self-acceptance. The illustrations are soft and endearing, portraying Gilbert as a lovable character who stands out in a spooky world. Gilbert the Ghost is a comforting story about embracing individuality, making it a great read for children who might feel different or out of place.

This best seller is one of our favorite classic Halloween books. It’s the perfect read-aloud for little kids, so much that we have the Room on the Broom Tonie for our Toniebox. This rhyming story is about a kind-hearted witch who, with her loyal cat, flies on her broomstick. Along the way, she meets a variety of animals—a dog, a bird, and a frog—who each want to join her on her journey. When disaster strikes, the witch and her new friends must work together to save the day. The story’s focus on friendship, teamwork, and helping others provides a heartwarming message alongside the Halloween fun.

Bear Has a Story to Tell

This sweet story is the perfect fall book about a bear who wants to share a story with his friends, but has to hibernate for winter. This is a wonderful story about the importance of patience, kindness, and sharing, with a strong message about the rhythm of nature. Bear Has a Story to Tell is perfect for bedtime reading and offers a quiet, reflective moment for young children.

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves

Fletcher worries that something is very wrong when the leaves start to fall off his favorite tree. But then, a wonderful surprise takes place. This story is sweet, simple, and quite magical.

B is for Boo

Learn the alphabet and all things spooky this halloween. Each letter is paired with a word or concept related to Halloween, from “A is for Apparition” to “Z is for Zombie,” all brought to life with retro-style illustrations. The artwork has a nostalgic feel, blending vibrant colors with vintage designs that appeal to both kids and parents.

Sophie’s Squash

This is the perfect book for ages 3+ and is perfect to read this time of year. I really love the main character – she falls in love with and becomes a mother to a squash that starts to rot, but plants it in the ground and grows baby squash. As Sophie navigates her emotions, the book touches on themes of love, loss, and renewal, making it a meaningful read for young children. Sophie’s Squash is a wonderful story that encourages children to explore the world around them, form connections, and understand the changes that come with time.

The Leaf Thief

The Leaf Thief is darling – a funny, silly story of a neurotic and sort of relatable squirrel who thinks someone is after his leaves. Some helpful animals help him realize it was, in fact, the wind that stole his leaves. The Leaf Thief teaches children about the changing seasons in a light and funny way, making it an excellent book for autumn reading and for introducing kids to the natural world.

Eek! Halloween!

This book about chickens noticing strange things happening during spooky season is short, sweet, and a little weird. And my toddlers have each loved it, as they doo all of Boynton’s books. The illustrations are bright and engaging, capturing the fun of Halloween in a way that is approachable for even the youngest readers. The tone of the book is more silly than spooky, making it a great way to introduce children to Halloween traditions without causing any fear.

The Little Kitten

Another really sweet (and not spooky) story. Ollie and Pumpkin are out enjoying a beautiful fall day when they find a tiny kitten. The story emphasizes themes of kindness, friendship, and the joy of caring for others, as Ollie’s journey leads her to reconnect the kitten with its mother. The minimalistic text paired with captivating illustrations invites readers to slow down and enjoy the details on each page. It’s a sweet and gentle story, perfect for younger readers who are learning about empathy and the changing seasons. 

The Bad Seed: The Good, The Bad, and The Spooky

We got really into the bad seed books this year, so I had to snag this spooky addition for Halloween. With its witty humor and engaging story, the book strikes a perfect balance between entertaining kids and offering them a deeper lesson on emotions. The Bad Seed learns that it’s okay to be scared, but it’s also important to face those fears head-on. The illustrations by Pete Oswald are vibrant and full of personality, bringing the Bad Seed and his friends to life in a way that will resonate with young readers.

I love this book because it’s a great tool for opening up conversations with children about their own fears and anxieties. This makes it a perfect Halloween read or anytime story. Its playful yet meaningful message ensures that it will be a favorite for years.

Little Blue Truck’s Halloween

Another new addition this year, my kids love the Little Blue Truck book. And since I want to have a few seasonal board books in Jack’s room, I ended up adding it to our collection. The simple text, colorful illustrations, and interactive flaps make this a perfect choice for toddlers who love to engage with their books. It’s a gentle introduction to Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating, with a fun and friendly tone that’s ideal for very young children.

You’re My Little Baby Boo

The You’re My Little series of books are so, so sweet. They are very short, so they’re perfect when your baby or toddler is really tired but still wants a book. The book’s sturdy construction makes it durable for babies and toddlers, ensuring that it can withstand repeated readings. We have almost every book in this series, and all 3 of my kids have loved them as toddlers. Beyond the visuals and cute story, “You’re My Little Baby Boo” reinforces themes of love and family, making it a great addition to any child’s library. Parents will enjoy reading this over and over again, creating lasting memories with their little ones.

 

Halloween books for little kids are a great way to introduce young readers to the joys of the season without overwhelming them with too much fright. From whimsical witches and friendly ghosts to interactive flaps and sing-along stories, there’s a Halloween book out there for every child. These titles not only capture the festive spirit of Halloween but also help foster a love for reading and creativity that can last long after the pumpkins are gone.

 

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