Whether you’ve got a little child who’s afraid of all the Halloween spookiness, a big kid who wants to learn how to ward off monsters or a tween who is looking for a fun fright-night read, we’ve got the perfect books to help them embrace the season.
From monsters under the bed to monsters between the pages of literature, writers embrace Halloween and its themes of fright in these Halloween-themed books for kids.
Monsters Come Out Tonight! by Frederick Glass
- Best for ages: 0+
With flaps that warn the reader “Do Not Disturb,” “Keep Out” and “Beware of Monster,” the lift-the-flap book welcomes even youngest trick-or-treaters to Halloween monster traditions. With a lilting rhyme and cartoon ghouls, readers are welcomed to the Monster Ball.
My Baby Loves Halloween by Jabari Asim
- Best for ages: 0-4
If it’s your child’s first Halloween, then he or she is ready to discover all about it in this board book. The illustrations will make anyone excited for the spooky holiday.
Are You My Monster? by Amanda Noll
- Best for ages: 2-5
A young pajama-clad artist draws a picture of his monster. As he lists the monsters attributes — teeth size, hair color, finger length and tail size — he finds other monsters. Young readers will enjoy a board book that teaches them about finding properties on a list and matching them to seek out the right monster.
One Spooky Night: A Halloween Adventure by Kate Stone
- Best for ages: 3-plus
One Spooky Night: A Halloween Adventure by Kate Stone takes the fright out of All Hallows Eve for small kids. A little monster ventures into the woods in this book — without an ounce of fear. When he reaches the spookiest spot, though there’s a twist — perfect for tots who fear the ghosts and goblins of the season.
Spooky Wheels on the Bus by J. Elizabeth Mills
- Best for ages: 3-5
Sing to the tune of “Wheels on the Bus” in this Halloween story filled with ghosts, mummies and other monsters. Kids will love the change to the song and it’s something the whole family can sing all month long.
Snack Attack! by Terry Border
Best for ages: 3-7
In the case of this book, the monster is Monster Kid! Not so much a story of Halloween happenings, but more a cautionary tale to future snack pieces, the snacks go on an adventure around the kitchen. The photos lend a real-life look at snacks to readers who love an after-school nibble.
Ghostbusters, by John Sazaklis
- Best for ages: 3-7
Fans of the classic ’80s movie will get a kick out of this Little Golden Book. Ghostbusters is retold in a kid-friendly tone and we bet you’re going to get the theme song stuck in your head after reading. Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!
Skulls! by Blair Thornburgh
- Best for ages: 4-8
Through some illustrations that make the book more suited for Day of the Dead celebrations, kids can learn about their skulls. What is the skull good for, what does it have and not have (like a nose, no noses on a skull)? And kids will learn why it’s important to keep their skulls intact.
The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing
- Best for ages: 4-8
A spooky spin on The Night Before Christmas, find out what monsters, goblins, ghosts and witches are up to when the prepare for another Halloween. And your whole family will get into Halloween mood!
The Monstrous Book of Monsters by Libby Hamilton
- Best for ages: 5-8
They hide in your couch and closet, inside the oven and under your bed — so how do you avoid those smelly, scary, downright disgusting monsters? With the help of Dr. Thomas Jelly! The Monstrous Book of Monsters, is a grossly illustrated monster mash-up with tips on avoiding these creatures, defense tactics, myths, mysteries and more.
The Witches at War by Martin Howard
- Best for ages: 9-12
The Witches at War series begins when the Most Superior High and Wicked Witch dies — and her title is up for grabs. Esmeila Sniff, a warty old witch — along with her apprentice, Sam — prepares for the competition. But will she have what it takes to become the most evil and feared witch in the land? Find out in this humorous, spooky Halloween read for the older kid.
The Big Book of Monsters by Hal Johnson
- Best for ages: 10+
“The Creepiest Creatures from Classic Literature” bounce off the page in discussions of the origins and uses of some of the best monsters in literature. Learn about Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, The Headless Horseman and more as the interest in each monster extends beyond the literature page and into what made the characters tick.
This post was originally published in 2011 and is updated regularly.
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