8 Books and Movies to Get Kids Ready for Halloween

From old classics to new yarns, Julie Winterbottom, author of the new book Frightlopedia, gives you the lowdown on the best books to help your kiddo gear up for the 31st.

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Courtesy of Bloomsbury

Fright Club

By Ethan Long

The exclusive Fright Club is for monsters only, so when a bunny tries to join, they shoo her away. Then, to their surprise, they discover that cute critters can cause major terror. Filled with hilarious illustrations and sly jokes! Ages 3-6, Bloomsbury; $8

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Courtesy of Putnam

Goodnight Goon

By Michael Rex

In this clever parody of the children’s classic Goodnight Moon, a young werewolf bids good night to the claws and the jaws, the moans and bones, and the big green goon that inhabit his cold, gray tomb. Ages 3-8, Putnam; $7

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Courtesy of Clarion Books

Took

By Mary Downing Hahn

Soon after the Anderson family moves into an old farmhouse in West Virginia, their 7-year-old daughter goes missing. Was she taken by a local witch? Ages 10-12, Clarion; $8

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Courtesy of Scholastic

Ghosts

By Raina Telgemeier

Cat’s family moves to the foggy coast of Northern California so her sister, Maya, who has cystic fibrosis, can breathe the sea air. But one thing the family doesn’t expect: Their new town is full of the paranormal. Ages 8-12, Scholastic; $10

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Courtesy of Scholastic

Ten Timid Ghosts

By Jennifer O’Connell

One by one, a witch evicts the shy spirits that live in her new house by unleashing a series of scare tactics. Kids can count down from ten to one as each ghost flies away—and they'll love the surprise ending. Ages 4-8, Scholastic; $4

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