Did you know Americans are projected to drop over $12 billion on Halloween this year? That is a lot of candy! After all that trick or treating, I cannot think of anything better than settling down with some Halloween story books kids will absolutely adore. As a parent and book lover, I have put together a list of my personal favorites that are fun, keep kids engaged and have the perfect amount of spookiness before bedtime. Whether your kids want to laugh or get a little spooked, I promise there is a story here that they will enjoy.
Why Read Halloween Bedtime Stories?
Sharing Halloween bedtime stories with your kids has so many benefits. These books give you a wonderful chance to bond with them during a season that really gets their imagination going. I have found that these stories can also take away some of the scariness of the holiday and make those scary thoughts seem fun. Plus, reading out loud helps them learn to read and makes bedtime a time that they will look forward to every night.
Our Top Halloween Book Choices for Children
I have spent hours and hours looking through tons of kids Halloween books to find the best ones. I am excited to share my top choices with you; these are guaranteed to make your child smile (and maybe shiver a little!). These are some great spooky stories for kids!
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
This delightful story tells the tale of a nice witch who lets different animals ride on her broom. When a dragon is about to eat her, her new friends step up to save her. This story teaches kids about friendship, bravery and how great teamwork can be. The pictures are beautiful, and the rhyming makes it so much fun to read out loud.
Click, Clack, Boo! A Click, Clack Book by Doreen Cronin
Farmer Brown is not a fan of Halloween, but the farm animals sure are! This funny book shows the animals trying to have a Halloween party and the strange sounds Farmer Brown hears when he is trying to sleep. Cronin is known for her humor, and kids of all ages will love this book.
Little Blue Truck’s Halloween by Alice Schertle
Come along with Little Blue Truck and his buddies as they celebrate Halloween! Little kids will love this board book with flaps that lift up to show the truck’s animal pals in their costumes. This simple, sweet story introduces Halloween in a way that is gentle and keeps kids interested.
Llama Llama Trick or Treat by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama loves Halloween! Watch him as he puts on his costume, goes trick or treating and has fun with all the Halloween activities. This book is part of a popular series and is great for toddlers and preschoolers. This reassuring story shows the fun side of Halloween without being too scary.
Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton
Pookie, the sweet little pig, cannot decide what Halloween costume to wear. Boynton’s funny characters and rhymes make this book a joy for little kids. If your kids have never celebrated Halloween before or are a little worried about it, this is a great book to read.
The Hallo-wiener by Dav Pilkey
The person who created Captain Underpants wrote this funny story about a dachshund named Oscar who gets teased for being so long. For Halloween, Oscar’s mom dresses him up like a hot dog, which only makes the teasing worse. But when some monsters need to be saved, Oscar’s unique body helps save the day. This heartwarming, funny story is about accepting who you are.
Corduroy’s Halloween by Don Freeman
Corduroy is excited about his first Halloween. Lisa helps him pick a costume, and they go trick or treating. This sweet story shows a beloved bear having fun at Halloween. Corduroy is innocent and it makes this a great story for little kids.
Mouse’s First Halloween by Lauren Thompson
Follow Mouse as he sees, hears and smells all the things that make Halloween special. From pumpkins to costumes to candy, Mouse gets to see everything that makes the holiday special. Babies and toddlers will love this book because it is easy to read and the pictures are so bright.
Creating a Spooky Atmosphere for Story Time
If you want to make your spooky stories even more special, try setting the mood. Turn down the lights, light a candle (but keep it away from kids!) and play some quiet, spooky music. You could even make some Halloween snacks to enjoy together. These little things can make story time truly magical. And do not forget to check out our spookie t-shirts in our store!
