Broomsticks, jack-o’-lanterns, haunted houses, tricks and treats, ghostly games, neighbourhood parties, skeletons, Frankenstein, candy corn… the list goes on. All things fun and fearsome come out at Halloween. There are children who countdown the days until that frightfully fantastic night when they get to dress up as anything imaginable, hang out with family and friends, and eat bucketloads of candy. The build-up adds to the excitement—carving pumpkins, decorating your home with scary spiders, tombstones and fake zombie arms, picking out your costume, baking apple pies, watching spooky movies and reading Halloween stories.
Throughout October, @kidlitpicks shared standout Halloween-themed books for your children to enjoy. These are sure to delight kids eager for the festivities to start and ease the fears of others that may be a little anxious about the hair-raising holiday. Books are good like that. We hope that you too will dust the cobwebs off your favourite Halloween stories, those scary and those not so scary, and join us! Thanks to Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore for our spooky scary theme! (Thanks also to Mel from letstalkpicturebooks.com for compiling this list)
Bonaparte Falls Aparte, by Margery Cuyler and Will Berry
“Bonaparte Falls Apart, by Margery Cuyler and Will Terry, is a tender story with considered and playful words, one that kids will love because of its relatable subject matter, fun, spooky characters, humorous mishaps, and the sweetest resolve.” — Summer from @readingisourthing
Maurice the Unbeastly, by Amy Dixon and Karl James Mountford
Spells, Baby Jesus, by Emily “Gribbitt” Gravett
“This book can be used as a seasonal book or a book on fairy tales.” — Leah from @astoryaday
Huge Makes a Change, by Scott Emmons and Mauro Gatti
“This is a beautifully designed book and a sweet story all about the world’s cutest little vampire and his adventure discovering fruits and vegetables.” — Clarissa from @book.nerd.mommy
Trick or Treat!, by Thomas Nelsom
“It’s ingenious and so much fun to read!” — Kim from @bookbairn
One Spooky Night: A Halloween Adventure, by Kate Stone
“This festive read is perfect for preschoolers.” — Miranda from @bookbloom
Emu’s Halloween, by Anne Mangan and David Cornish
“Emu’s Halloween puts an Aussie spin on Halloween celebrations.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_
Monster Needs a Costume, by Paul Czajak and Wendy Grieb
“Monster needs to find a Halloween costume!” — Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore
Fright Club, by Ethan Long
“This is a fun Halloween read with delightfully spooky illustrations that had my boys laughing throughout.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
A Monster Alphabet: The ABCs of Screams!, by Gillia M Olson
“From “A” for Afraid to “Z” for Zombies my little guys where howling in delight!” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Goldfish Ghost, by Lemony Snicket and Lisa Brown
“This not-so-scary ghost story is perfect for kids who are spooked by the usual Halloween characters and also reminds us that we all need kindness, companionship and a place to call home.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Lola Levine and the Halloween Scream, by Monica Brown and Angela Dominguez
“Can Lola learn from her mistake and still have a Happy Halloween?” — Charnaie from @hereweeread
Monster Trucks, by Joy Keller and Misa Saburi
“A perfect not-so-spooky tale for monster lovers, truck lovers, and those that just need a good bedtime story.” — Heather from @kidlitbookbits
No Such Thing, by Ella Bailey
“Hopefully your kids will have as much fun as mine did finding all the mischievous ghosts in this not-so-spooky book.” — Anna from @kidlitcrafts
First Day at Skeleton School, by Sam Lloyd
“What a great book to read for Halloween.” — Mel from @kids.books.we.love
