13 Great Halloween Books for Kids

By Julie Winterbottom
Updated September 09, 2020
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Scholastic Paperbacks

With the help of Justina Ireland, author of the best-selling YA thriller Dread Nation, we rounded up a mix of new popular Halloween books for kids to snag this October, plus classic spook-tacular tales suitable for all different ages.

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The Gruffalo

Puffin Books
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By Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Though famously set in the deep, dark wood, this one’s more cute than scary. The monster winds up afraid of a mouse—a great conversation starter about “what makes something frightening.” Ages 3 to 7

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Scary, Scary Halloween

HMH Books for Young Readers
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By Eve Bunting, illustrated by Jan Brett

A mini thrill for toddlers and preschoolers. “The hidden eyes can feel a little eerie at first, but once kids discover who they belong to, it’s cool.” Ages 4 to 7

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The Witches

Puffin Books
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By Roald Dahl

Not overly scary for most school-age kids. “Being turned into a mouse isn’t the worst thing—plus, the illustrations are fun.” Ages 8 to 12

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Goosebumps series

Scholastic Paperbacks
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By R. L. Stine

One of the early titles in the 200-book series, Welcome to Dead House is just spooky enough for most school-age kids. Looking for a story with more thrills? “A Halloween favorite, The Haunted Mask, is one of the creepiest in the series.” Ages 8 to 12

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Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

HarperCollins
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By Alvin Schwartz

Positively spine-chilling. “It was my favorite book as a kid. I tried to read it to my daughter when she was 10. She saw the illustrations by Stephen Gammell and said, ‘No, take that out of the house!’ ” Ages 10+

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Fright Club

Courtesy of Bloomsbury
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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

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Goodnight Goon

Courtesy of Putnam
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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

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Zombies Don't Eat My Veggies!

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By Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera

Mo Romero is a zombie with a craving...for vegetables! His parents encourage a diet of chili con ojos and armpanadas. But Mo hungers for peppers and onions. The humorous story of sticking to your guts is sure to delight, as will the zombie-themed recipes at the end (shockamole, anyone?) Ages 4 to 7

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Took

Courtesy of Clarion Books
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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

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The Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol Collection

Courtesy of Amazon
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By Andres Miedoso. Illustrated by Victor Rivas.

Eight-year-old Andres Miedoso is a scaredy-cat. Meanwhile, his best bud Desmond Cole is fearless. Together they run a neighborhood ghost patrol. Tagline: “No ghost too tricky.” Kids will love following the unlikely pair as they solve mysteries, encountering goofy monsters along the way. Ages 5-9

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Ghosts

Courtesy of Scholastic
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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

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Ten Timid Ghosts

Courtesy of Scholastic
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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

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A Festival of Ghosts

Courtesy of Amazon
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By William Alexander

The town of Ingot didn’t have a single ghost. That is until the arrival of middle-schooler Rosa Díaz and her librarian mother, “ghost appeasers” who can talk to and calm spirits. Rosa’s latest adventure? Investigating a supernatural being stealing kids’ voices. Ages 8-12

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