Halloween Books

Picture Books

Grimm's Fairy Tales — Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
The real versions of Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White — darker, stranger, and full of witches, wolves, and things lurking in the woods. The original spooky stories, best read a tale or two at a time.

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything — Linda Williams
A little old lady walks home through the woods and picks up a pumpkin head, a pair of gloves, and a pair of shoes — all of which seem determined to follow her home. A giggly, gentle read-aloud with just the right amount of spooky.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown — Charles M. Schulz
Linus spends Halloween night waiting in the pumpkin patch for the Great Pumpkin, while the rest of the gang goes trick-or-treating. A beloved Halloween tradition that's been read every October for generations.

It's Halloween, Curious George — Margret and H.A. Rey
George picks out a costume, helps carve a pumpkin, and gets into just enough mischief along the way. A gentle Halloween pick for toddlers and the youngest trick-or-treaters.

At the Old Haunted House — Helen Ketteman
A rhyming, rollicking counting book packed with monsters, ghosts, and things that go bump in the night — all more silly than scary. Perfect for kids who want a taste of spooky without the nightmares.

The Little Pumpkin Who Wanted to Shine-Adela D
On Halloween night, all the big pumpkins are chosen to glow as lanterns — except one tiny pumpkin, left behind and forgotten in the garden. A gentle story about courage and self-worth, showing that even the smallest pumpkin can shine the brightest. Sweet, cozy, and perfect for bedtime.

Chapter Books

Little Witch — Anna Elizabeth Bennett
A young witch just wants to go trick-or-treating and make friends like a normal kid — if only her mother and the other witches would let her be good. A funny, gentle classic for kids just starting chapter books.

The Haunted Fort — Franklin W. Dixon (Hardy Boys)
Frank and Joe investigate strange happenings at an abandoned fort rumored to be haunted, chasing down clues before the mystery chases them. Mystery and adventure with just enough spooky thrown in.

Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve — Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Tree House)
Jack and Annie travel to a castle on Halloween night to solve a riddle and free a friend from a magical curse. Fast-paced and just spooky enough for the season.

A Good Night for Ghosts — Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Tree House)
Jack and Annie journey to New Orleans to help two young ghosts move on, with a little jazz music along the way. A gentle ghost story with real heart.

Bunnicula — Deborah and James Howe
A rabbit with fangs, vegetables drained of their juice overnight, and a very suspicious cat convinced something's wrong. Funnier than it is frightening, and a Halloween classic for a reason.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow — Washington Irving
A schoolteacher, a headless horseman, and a midnight ride through the woods he never forgets. The original American ghost story — best for older readers ready for something a little more chilling.