Best Halloween Books for Kids (Not Too Spooky)!
Every family has two kinds of Halloween fans: the kid who wants ghosts, goblins, and creaky doors all month long, and the kid who's thrilled to be a pumpkin as long as nothing jumps out. Luckily, the best Halloween books for kids keep both of them turning pages, with costumes, candy, friendly ghosts, and plenty of giggles instead of nightmares.
To help you find the right fit, we rounded up 29 of our favorite Halloween books for kids, sorted by age. You'll find everything from chunky board books for babies to chapter books and "a little bit spooky" middle-grade picks, and each title gets its own spook level, so you can match the book to your child instead of guessing from the cover.
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How We Picked These Halloween Books for Kids
We looked for books that feel like Halloween, with pumpkins, costumes, witches, skeletons, and ghosts, but that land on warm, funny, or clever rather than truly scary. We checked every title, author, and age range against the publisher or a library catalog, and we skipped anything built around gore or jump-scares.
You will notice a mix of classics your parents may remember and newer favorites that feel fresh. We also leaned toward books that are easy to find at the Los Angeles Public Library or LA County Library.
How to Read Our Spook Level
Every book below has a spook level from 1 to 5. A 1 is cozy and sweet, with zero scary moments. A 3 has a little suspense or a spooky-looking creature that turns out to be friendly. A 5 would be real horror, and you will not find any of those here.
Parent tip: Ages are a guide, not a rule. A sensitive 7-year-old may be happier with a level 1 picture book than a level 3 chapter book, and that is completely fine.
Halloween Books for Toddlers and Babies (Board Books)
Board books are the sweet spot for the littlest trick-or-treaters. They are short, sturdy enough to survive teething, and they introduce Halloween ideas like costumes and pumpkins without anything startling.
Author: Karen Katz
Ages: 1–4
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Baby has lost a pumpkin, and your little one gets to help find it by lifting flaps all around the house. Friendly Halloween surprises hide behind each flap, and the bright, rounded art style is instantly recognizable to toddlers who already love Karen Katz.
Parent tip: Let your toddler guess what is under each flap before lifting it. It turns a two-minute book into a ten-minute game.
Author: Sandra Boynton
Ages: Pre-K to Kindergarten
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Little Pookie cannot decide what to be for Halloween, so he tries on one costume idea after another before landing on a classic. The rhymes bounce along, and the ending gets a laugh every single time.
Parent tip: This is a great one to read right before costume shopping. It opens up an easy conversation about what your child wants to be.
Author: Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Ages: Babies and toddlers
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Little Blue Truck is heading to a Halloween party, and every farm friend along the way is hiding under a costume. Kids lift the flaps to see who is really behind each mask, which is a wonderfully gentle way to show that costumes are just friends playing dress-up.
Parent tip: If your toddler gets nervous about masks on Halloween night, revisit this book. It reinforces that there is always a familiar face underneath.
Author: Anna Dewdney
Ages: 0–3
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Llama Llama picks a costume, chooses a pumpkin, and heads out for a first taste of trick-or-treating. It is short, rhythmic, and paced perfectly for toddler attention spans.
Parent tip: Use it as a "here is what will happen" preview if this is your child's first year going door to door.
Illustrated by: Dan Yaccarino
Ages: Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
Spook level: 1 out of 5
This board book brings the classic fingerplay rhyme about five pumpkins on a gate to life with bold, retro illustrations. Many LA preschools and library storytimes use this rhyme every October, so your child may already know the hand motions.
Parent tip: Count the pumpkins together and hold up fingers as you go. It sneaks in a little early math.
Author: Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Best for: Toddlers
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Biscuit the puppy heads to the pumpkin patch, and a little puppy curiosity leads to a sweet fall adventure. It is more autumn than Halloween, which makes it perfect for kids who are not ready for witches and ghosts yet.
Parent tip: Pair this one with a real pumpkin patch outing. Our huge list of pumpkin patches and fall festivals in and near Los Angeles has plenty of toddler-friendly options.
Best Halloween Books for Preschoolers (Picture Books)
Preschoolers are ready for a little more story, a little more silliness, and occasionally a character who looks spooky but turns out to be lovely. These picture books are also great read-alouds for kindergarten classrooms.
Author: Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Ages: 3–7
Spook level: 2 out of 5
A kind witch keeps making room on her broom for new animal friends, and it pays off when trouble shows up. The rhyming text from the creators of The Gruffalo is a joy to read aloud, and the dragon is more bluster than bite.
Parent tip: Kids love chiming in on the repeated lines. By the third read, your preschooler will be "reading" it to you.
Author: Linda Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd
Best for: Ages 3–7
Spook level: 2 out of 5
On a walk through the woods, a brave little old lady is followed by a growing collection of clomping, wiggling, and nodding clothes. The repetition builds a fun, gentle suspense, and the ending is clever and kind.
Parent tip: Act out the sounds with claps, stomps, and shakes. This is one of the best interactive Halloween read-alouds for a group of kids.
Author: Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Ages: Pre-K and up
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Farmer Brown is not a fan of Halloween, but the barnyard animals have other plans. If your family already loves Click, Clack, Moo, this spooky-season sequel delivers the same dry humor with a costume party twist.
Parent tip: Ask your child what costume they would choose for each animal. It is a fun car-ride game afterward.
Author: Carolyn Crimi, illustrated by John Manders
Ages: 4–8
Spook level: 2 out of 5
Little Baby Mummy does not want to go to bed and would much rather squeeze in one more game before lights out. As he searches for his mummy, he meets some creatures that are supposed to be scary, but the real twist is who ends up frightened.
Parent tip: This doubles as a bedtime book, which makes it a smart pick for kids who get wound up in late October.
Author: Kazuno Kohara
Best for: Ages 3–6
Spook level: 1 out of 5
A young witch moves into a house that turns out to be haunted. Instead of panicking, she and her cat catch the ghosts, toss them in the wash, and find some very practical uses for them. The simple orange, black, and white art is striking.
Parent tip: This is our top pick for kids who are afraid of ghosts. It flips the fear on its head in the most satisfying way.
Author: Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Will Terry
Ages: 3–7
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Bonaparte is a young skeleton with a big problem: his bones keep falling off. With school starting soon, his monster friends pitch in to help him pull himself together. Expect lots of puns and plenty of giggles.
Parent tip: It is a sneaky great book for kids nervous about starting school or a new activity, since the heart of the story is friends helping friends.
Author: Will Hubbell
Ages: 4–8
Spook level: 1 out of 5
After Halloween, a boy named Tim sets his carved jack-o'-lantern in the garden and watches what happens over the following months. It is a gentle, beautifully illustrated look at the life cycle of a pumpkin.
Parent tip: Try it as a science experiment. Put your own jack-o'-lantern in a safe corner of the yard and check on it together every week.
Author: Flavia Z. Drago
Ages: 3–7
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Gustavo can walk through walls and glow in the dark, but making friends is much harder. As the Day of the Dead approaches, he works up the courage to share his love of music. Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago fills every page with delightfully quirky details.
Parent tip: This pairs beautifully with a Día de los Muertos outing, and it is a sweet conversation starter for shy kids.
Author: Lucy Ruth Cummins
Ages: Preschool and up
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Stumpkin is a perfectly round, perfectly orange pumpkin with one difference: no stem. As the other pumpkins get picked for Halloween, he waits. The city-set illustrations are gorgeous, and the story about being different is quietly moving.
Parent tip: Keep tissues nearby for yourself. Parents tend to get more emotional about this one than kids do.
Author: Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Best for: Ages 4–8
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Leo is a gentle ghost whose attempts to be helpful are misunderstood by the new family in his house. He sets out into the city and finds a true friend in an imaginative girl named Jane. It is a sweet story about friendship that works in October or any time of year.
Parent tip: Talk about how Leo felt when nobody could see him the way he really was. It is a lovely empathy lesson.
Author: Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown
Ages: 4–8
Spook level: 3 out of 5
Jasper Rabbit loves carrots, until he becomes convinced the carrots are following him. This Caldecott Honor book plays with classic suspense, using moody black, white, and orange art, but the payoff is pure comedy.
Parent tip: This is the perfect "first spooky book" for a preschooler who says they want something scary. It delivers goosebumps and giggles in equal measure.
Early Reader Halloween Books (Ages 5–8)
Once kids start sounding out words on their own, Halloween-themed early readers are a great motivator. These short books have simple sentences, lots of pictures, and just enough seasonal fun to keep beginning readers turning pages.
Author: Lola M. Schaefer
Series: My First I Can Read
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Mittens the kitten is curious about all the Halloween preparations, from pumpkins to costumes. With very short sentences and repeated words, it is ideal for kids who are brand-new to reading on their own.
Parent tip: Let your child read the words they know and you fill in the rest. Shared reading builds confidence fast.
Author: Alvin Schwartz, illustrated by Victoria Chess
Series: I Can Read
Spook level: 3 out of 5
This collection of short ghost stories draws on folklore, retold in simple text for newer readers. The tales have a shivery, campfire feel, but many end with a twist or a laugh.
Parent tip: Preview a story or two first. This is a good fit for thrill-seeking first and second graders, but a very sensitive child may prefer Mittens.
Author: Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Marc Simont
Ages: 6–9
Spook level: 1 out of 5
It is Halloween night and Rosamond's cat, Little Hex, is missing. Nate and his dog, Sludge, set out to solve the case in this classic mystery for beginning readers. There is more pancake eating than scaring here.
Parent tip: Mysteries are a great way to build reading stamina. Ask your child to guess where Little Hex is before Nate figures it out.
Halloween Chapter Books for Kids Ages 7–10
Chapter books let kids spend a little more time in a Halloween story. These picks have short chapters, familiar characters, and a mild dose of spooky that is balanced by humor.
Author: Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus
Ages: 6–9
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Junie B. is nervous about trick-or-treating and all those scary costumes, and she is not shy about saying so. Her hilarious, very honest narration makes this a comforting read for kids who secretly feel the same way.
Parent tip: Read it aloud together. Junie B.'s voice is so much fun to perform that you may enjoy it as much as your child.
Author: Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
Ages: 7–10
Series: Magic Tree House (Merlin Missions)
Spook level: 2 out of 5
Jack and Annie travel to Camelot, where a stolen treasure leads them to a haunted castle on Halloween eve. It is an adventure first and a spooky story second, with plenty of teamwork and magic.
Parent tip: If your child already loves Magic Tree House, this is an easy way to add a seasonal read without introducing a new series.
Author: Jack Chabert
Series: Scholastic Branches
Spook level: 2 out of 5
Sam discovers that his school is literally alive, and it may be hungry. The premise is wild, the chapters are short, and the illustrations on nearly every page make it a great bridge for kids moving from early readers to chapter books.
Parent tip: Branches books are designed to build reading stamina. If your child finishes this one fast, the series keeps going.
Author: Jill Murphy
Best for: Ages 7–10
Spook level: 1 out of 5
Mildred Hubble is a student at a school for witches, and she is not exactly a star. Her broom crashes, her spells go wrong, and her cat is a disaster. This British classic is funny, cozy, and perfect for kids who are not quite ready for bigger wizarding series.
Parent tip: This is a lovely family read-aloud at bedtime. Each chapter is short enough to finish before lights out.
Middle Grade Halloween Books: A Little Bit Spooky
For kids around 8 to 12 who want real atmosphere, these books bring the shivers, but they are balanced by humor, heart, or friendship. We would still call them not scary Halloween books for most kids this age.
Author: Deborah Howe and James Howe
Ages: 8–12
Spook level: 2 out of 5
Harold the dog and Chester the cat are suspicious of the family's new pet rabbit, who seems to drain the color out of vegetables overnight. Could he be a vampire? This comedic mystery has been making kids laugh since 1979.
Parent tip: Chester's over-the-top theories are part of the fun. Ask your child whether they believe him.
Author: Ray Bradbury, illustrated by Joseph Mugnaini
Ages: 8–12
Spook level: 3 out of 5
Eight trick-or-treaters follow a mysterious guide across time and space to find their missing friend, learning the history of Halloween traditions around the world along the way. Bradbury's language is poetic and atmospheric.
Parent tip: The writing is rich, so this works beautifully as a read-aloud over several October nights. It pairs well with our look at the history of Halloween.
Author: Claribel A. Ortega
Best for: Middle grade (roughly ages 8–12)
Spook level: 3 out of 5
Lucely Luna can see the spirits of her ancestors, who live as fireflies in her family's tree. When a spell goes wrong right before Halloween, she and her best friend Syd have to stop a wave of angry spirits. It is funny, full of family love, and action-packed.
Parent tip: Kids who loved the movie Coco often gravitate to this one because of its warm focus on family and ancestors.
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Format: Graphic novel
Spook level: 2 out of 5
Catrina's family moves to a foggy Northern California coastal town for her younger sister Maya's health. There, the sisters learn about local ghost lore and Día de los Muertos. The ghosts are friendly, but the story also deals honestly with serious illness.
Parent tip: Read this one yourself first if your child has recently lost someone or has a sibling with a health condition. It can open a meaningful conversation.
Author: Lee Knox Ostertag (first published as Molly Knox Ostertag)
Format: Graphic novel
Spook level: 2 out of 5
In Aster's family, girls grow up to be witches and boys become shapeshifters. Aster is secretly drawn to witchcraft, and when danger threatens his family, he has to decide whether to be true to himself. It is magical, heartfelt, and gorgeously drawn.
Parent tip: This is a great choice for tweens who want a spooky-season story with more emotional depth than scares.
Reading Halloween Stories With Sensitive Kids
Not every child enjoys a good scare, and that is okay. Halloween can be a lot for little ones: masks, fake cobwebs, animatronic yard decorations, and older kids who love to shout "Boo!" Books can actually help, because they let kids approach spooky ideas from a safe spot on your lap.
Start Silly, Then Build Up
Begin with books where the "scary" thing is obviously funny, like a skeleton losing his bones or ghosts in a washing machine. Once your child is comfortable, you can try something with a touch of suspense, like Creepy Carrots!.
Preview First
Skim a book before reading it aloud, especially folklore collections and middle grade picks. You know your child best, and a quick preview lets you skip a page or change your voice from creepy to goofy.
Give Kids the Controls
Let your child decide when to turn the page, or agree on a "pause word" they can say if a part feels like too much. Having control makes spooky feel fun instead of overwhelming.
Talk About Pretend vs. Real
Ask simple questions like, "Is that a real ghost or someone in a costume?" This builds the same skills kids will use on Halloween night when they meet a neighbor dressed as a zombie. For more Halloween night prep, see our trick-or-treat safety tips every parent should know.
Keep It Out of Bedtime (If Needed)
If your child tends to replay stories in the dark, save the level 2 and 3 books for daytime and keep bedtime for level 1 picks like Llama Llama or Where's My Mummy?.
LA Library Tips for Halloween Books and Storytimes
Both of LA's big library systems have extensive children's collections and free storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
The LA Public Library hosts free events every day across its branches. On the events calendar, you can filter by audience, including Babies and Toddlers and Kids, and by branch. Search "Halloween" or "storytime" in October to find seasonal programs near you.
Parent tip: Place holds on popular Halloween titles by early October. The best picture books get checked out quickly as the holiday gets closer.
If you live in an unincorporated area or one of the many cities served by LA County Library, its events calendar lists storytimes, crafts, and seasonal programs by location. The library's kids' page is also a helpful starting point for booklists and reading programs.
Parent tip: Library storytimes are a gentle way to introduce Halloween to toddlers. Many families bring kids in costume to seasonal storytimes, but check each event listing for details.
Borrow Digitally, Too
Both library systems offer free eBooks and audiobooks through their apps with a library card. Audiobook versions of chapter books like Bunnicula are great for car rides to pumpkin patches.
LA Bookstores With Great Kids' Sections
If you would rather browse in person (and let your kids pick their own Halloween book), these beloved independent shops are worth a visit.
2207 Honolulu Ave.
Montrose, CA 91020
Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Founded in 1966, Once Upon a Time calls itself America's oldest children's bookstore, and it feels like stepping into a storybook. The staff are wonderful at matching books to kids, so ask for their favorite not-too-scary Halloween picks. The store also hosts regular story times, including a Wednesday morning story time and a Friday morning PJ story time.
Parent tip: Montrose's Honolulu Avenue is very walkable, so plan a stroll and a snack after your book haul. Check the store's website for the current story time schedule before you go.
10580 1/2 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
This Westside favorite is packed floor to ceiling with books for babies through teens. It is a great place to find both classic Halloween picture books and newer releases, and the knowledgeable booksellers can steer you toward titles that match your child's spook tolerance.
Parent tip: The store is closed on some major holidays, so check its website before making a special trip.
Turn Halloween Books Into a Family Tradition
Books are an easy way to stretch the Halloween fun across all of October, not just one night. Here are a few low-effort ideas that families love.
Wrap a Halloween book for each night of the last week of October and let your kids unwrap one after dinner.
Host a Halloween book-and-movie night: read Room on the Broom, then pick a film from our list of 32 spooktacular Halloween movies for kids.
Dress up as a favorite book character for Halloween. Mildred Hubble, a Room on the Broom witch, or a friendly Leo ghost are all simple to make.
Swap scary stories for silly ones at the dinner table with our 90 spooky and silly Halloween jokes for kids.
Once you have read your way through October, plan some real-world spooky fun using our list of 89 best family-friendly Halloween events in Los Angeles.
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Takeaway
The best Halloween books for kids meet your child where they are. Toddlers get cozy board books with flaps and pumpkins, preschoolers get silly skeletons and brave witches, and older kids can dip a toe into gentle mysteries and a little spooky atmosphere.
Start with a low spook level, grab a few titles from your local LA library, and let your kids tell you when they are ready for more. With the right stack of books, Halloween can be all treats and no nightmares.
Halloween Books for Kids FAQs
What are good Halloween books for toddlers that are not scary?
Look for board books with flaps, rhymes, and costumes rather than monsters. Where Is Baby's Pumpkin?, Little Blue Truck's Halloween, Llama Llama Trick or Treat, and Spooky Pookie are all gentle, short, and toddler-tested.
What is the best Halloween book for a preschooler who is afraid of ghosts?
Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohara is our top pick, because a young witch treats the ghosts like laundry. Gustavo, the Shy Ghost and Leo: A Ghost Story are also great, since both ghosts are shy and friendly.
At what age can kids handle slightly spooky Halloween books?
Many kids enjoy mild suspense around age 4 or 5, with books like Creepy Carrots!, but every child is different. Watch for signs of worry, preview books first, and move back to sillier stories if bedtime gets rocky.
Can I borrow Halloween books for free in Los Angeles?
Yes. The Los Angeles Public Library and LA County Library both offer free library cards to residents, with print books, eBooks, and audiobooks. Place holds early in October, because popular Halloween titles go fast.
What are good Halloween chapter books for 8-year-olds?
Try Junie B. Jones #24: BOO...and I MEAN It!, Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve from Magic Tree House, The School Is Alive! from Eerie Elementary, or Bunnicula for a funny vampire-bunny mystery.
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