Scary stories are a staple of the Halloween season, and reading books that are just a little bit spooky can be just as much fun for kids as it is for adults. There are plenty of books to help kids get into the Halloween spirit, but it can be hard to narrow them down.
So we picked 16 classic children’s books that are only slightly scary and will get kids ready for Halloween night.
Picture books
“Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson
A witch and her cat have to make room on their broomstick for their animal friends — but will they all be able to fit? And will the animals be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?
“Go Away, Big Green Monster!” by Ed Emberley
Perfect for teaching young children to take control of their fears — a great reminder around Halloween.
“Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins” by Kimberly and James Dean
The classic children’s song “Five Little Pumpkins” retold by kid favorite Pete the Cat.
“What Was I Scared Of?” by Dr. Seuss
This story about someone chased through the woods by an empty pair of pants is not only fun, but teaches children about fears and tolerance.
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” by Kara McMahon and Charles M. Schulz
Whether in movie form or the picture book adaptation, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is a Halloween classic.
“The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” by Linda Williams
A spooky story that’s perfect for reading aloud.
“It’s Halloween” by Jack Prelutsky
These kid-friendly poems will help the whole family get into the Halloween spirit.
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
While not a traditional Halloween story, Max’s mysterious and imaginative adventures with the “wild things” are a great fit for this time of year.
Middle grade books
“The Witches” by Roald Dahl
With the new movie version of “The Witches” now on HBO Max, it’s a great time to revisit the classic novel that it’s based on.
Best for ages 9 and up, according to Common Sense Media.
“Coraline” by Neil Gaiman
The novel “Coraline” is just as eerie and unsettling as the film version that came out in 2009.
Best for ages 8 and up, according to Common Sense Media.
“The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman
This story about a boy who is raised in a graveyard is just spooky enough for Halloween.
Best for ages 9 and up, according to Common Sense Media.
“Welcome to Dead House” (“Goosebumps,” Book 1) by R.L. Stine
The “Goosebumps” series is iconic, and the good news is that there are more than enough books in the series to keep busy with through the entire Halloween season.
Best for ages 8 and up, according to Common Sense Media.
“Scary Stories for Young Foxes” by Christian McKay Heidicker
Though this novel just came out last year, it won the Newbery Honor in 2020 and is a perfect Halloween read.
Best for ages 10 and up, according to Common Sense Media.
“The Secret of the Old Clock” by Carolyn Keene/“The Tower Treasure” by Franklin W. Dixon
Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys series may not be traditional Halloween stories. But the classic mysteries have enough thrills to keep kids up all night turning pages.
“The House with a Clock in Its Walls” by John Bellairs
This gothic mystery novel was also recently turned into a movie starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett.
Best for ages 8 and up, according to Common Sense Media.