The best 21 Halloween books

How do we create content on this page?
1
Halloween Books: I Spy Spooky Night by Jean Marzollo

I Spy Spooky Night

Jean Marzollo

What's I Spy Spooky Night about?

I Spy Spooky Night is a captivating children's book by Jean Marzollo. Filled with rhyming riddles and intricate photo puzzles, it takes readers on a thrilling nighttime adventure. As they search for hidden objects in the eerie scenes, kids will sharpen their observation skills and enjoy a spooky, interactive reading experience.

Who should read I Spy Spooky Night?

  • Children who enjoy interactive and engaging books

  • Parents looking for a fun and educational activity to do with their kids

  • Educators seeking a creative way to teach observation and critical thinking skills


2
Halloween Books: Arthur's Halloween by Marc Brown

Arthur's Halloween

Marc Brown

What's Arthur's Halloween about?

Arthur's Halloween by Marc Brown is a fun and spooky story about Arthur and his friends as they prepare for Halloween. When Arthur and his sister D.W. go trick-or-treating, they encounter some unexpected surprises. With delightful illustrations and a heartwarming message, this book is perfect for young readers eager to celebrate Halloween.

Who should read Arthur's Halloween?

  • Children aged 4-8 who enjoy Halloween and Arthur's adventures

  • Parents and educators looking for a fun and educational Halloween-themed book

  • Readers who appreciate stories with valuable lessons about bravery and facing fears


3
Halloween Books: Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell

Pumpkin Jack

Will Hubbell

What's Pumpkin Jack about?

Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell is a heartwarming children's book that follows the life cycle of a pumpkin named Jack. After a boy named Tim carves a spooky face into a pumpkin for Halloween, he places it in the garden. As the seasons change, Tim observes how Jack transforms and eventually begins a new life. Through beautiful illustrations and a touching narrative, this book teaches kids about the magic of nature and the circle of life.

Who should read Pumpkin Jack?

  • Children who enjoy seasonal and nature-themed stories

  • Parents and educators looking for a book to teach kids about the life cycle of a pumpkin

  • Those who appreciate whimsical and charming illustrations


4
Halloween Books: Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O'Connell

Ten Timid Ghosts

Jennifer O'Connell

What's Ten Timid Ghosts about?

Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O'Connell is a playful and spooky tale about ten timid ghosts who live in a haunted house. When a witch moves in and tries to scare them away, the clever ghosts come up with a plan to reclaim their home. With engaging illustrations and a fun countdown from ten to one, this book is perfect for young readers who love a good Halloween story.

Who should read Ten Timid Ghosts?

  • Children aged 3-8 who enjoy Halloween-themed stories

  • Parents and educators looking for a fun way to teach counting and numbers

  • Those who appreciate colorful and engaging illustrations in a picture book


5
Halloween Books: Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht, Jarvis

Pick a Pumpkin

Patricia Toht, Jarvis

What's Pick a Pumpkin about?

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht and illustrated by Jarvis is a delightful book that takes you on a journey to the pumpkin patch. From picking the perfect pumpkin to carving a spooky face, this charming rhyming story captures the excitement and anticipation of Halloween. With beautiful illustrations and engaging text, it's a must-read for the fall season.

Who should read Pick a Pumpkin?

  • Parents looking for a fun and festive book to read with their children during the Halloween season

  • Teachers who want to incorporate a pumpkin-themed story into their classroom activities

  • Young readers who enjoy engaging and interactive picture books


What's Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich about?

Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex is a collection of hilarious and quirky poems that bring classic monsters to life in a whole new way. From Dracula struggling with his picky eater son to the Creature from the Black Lagoon dealing with his bad hair day, this book offers a fresh and entertaining take on legendary characters.

Who should read Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich?

  • Readers who enjoy humorous and quirky takes on classic monsters

  • People with a love for poetry and creative storytelling

  • Those looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read that doesn't take itself too seriously


7
Halloween Books: Bone Soup by Cambria Evans

Bone Soup

Cambria Evans

What's Bone Soup about?

Bone Soup by Cambria Evans is a delightful children's book that puts a spooky twist on the classic folktale Stone Soup. When Finnigin, a clever and hungry skeleton, arrives in a new town, he sets out to make a delicious bone soup. With humor and determination, he enlists the help of various creatures, teaching them the value of sharing and cooperation along the way.

Who should read Bone Soup?

  • Children who enjoy spooky and humorous stories

  • Parents and educators looking for a fun Halloween-themed book to read aloud

  • Readers who appreciate quirky and imaginative illustrations


What's Go Away, Big Green Monster! about?

Go Away, Big Green Monster! is a children's book written and illustrated by Ed Emberley. Through bold and colorful cut-paper artwork, the book allows young readers to conquer their fear of monsters by deconstructing the big green monster one feature at a time. With each page turn, the monster gradually disappears, empowering children to take control of their fears.

Who should read Go Away, Big Green Monster!?

  • Parents and caregivers looking for a fun and interactive way to help children overcome their fear of monsters

  • Early childhood educators who want to engage young learners in a creative and empowering storytelling experience

  • Kids who enjoy interactive books with bold and colorful illustrations


9
Halloween Books: Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming

Pumpkin Eye

Denise Fleming

What's Pumpkin Eye about?

Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming is a delightful children's book that follows a group of animals as they explore a mysterious jack-o'-lantern on Halloween night. With beautiful illustrations and playful rhymes, this book captures the magic and excitement of the holiday. It's a perfect read for little ones during the Halloween season.

Who should read Pumpkin Eye?

  • Parents looking for a fun and not-too-scary Halloween book to read to their young children

  • Preschool and kindergarten teachers who want to incorporate seasonal stories into their curriculum

  • Kids who love the excitement and magic of Halloween and enjoy playful, rhyming language


10
Halloween Books: The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

The Halloween Tree

Ray Bradbury

What's The Halloween Tree about?

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury is a captivating tale that takes readers on a magical journey through time and space. When a group of friends sets out to rescue their friend Pip, who has been taken by a mysterious figure, they are guided by a strange man named Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud. As they travel through different historical eras and cultures, they learn about the origins and traditions of Halloween. This book beautifully combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and history, making it a perfect read for the spooky season.

Who should read The Halloween Tree?

  • Readers who enjoy spooky and atmospheric stories

  • People who are curious about the history and traditions of Halloween

  • Those who appreciate lyrical and poetic writing styles


11
Halloween Books: Goodnight Goon by Michael Rex

Goodnight Goon

Michael Rex

What's Goodnight Goon about?

Goodnight Goon by Michael Rex is a hilarious parody of the classic children's book Goodnight Moon. It takes us on a spooky bedtime journey through a monster-filled castle, bidding goodnight to all the creepy creatures lurking within. With clever rhymes and eerie illustrations, this book is a delightful twist on a beloved tale.

Who should read Goodnight Goon?

  • Children who enjoy spooky and funny stories

  • Parents looking for a playful bedtime book with a Halloween theme

  • Educators who want to engage young readers with a creative twist on a classic tale


12
Halloween Books: The Shining by Stephen King

The Shining

Stephen King

What's The Shining about?

The Shining is a gripping novel by Stephen King that tells the story of the Torrance family, who move into the isolated Overlook Hotel for the winter. As the hotel becomes snowbound, terrifying supernatural forces start to take hold, driving the father, Jack, to madness and putting his wife and son in grave danger. This chilling tale explores themes of isolation, addiction, and the power of the supernatural.

Who should read The Shining?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological horror and supernatural phenomena
  • Fans of Stephen King's writing style and storytelling ability
  • Those interested in exploring themes of family dysfunction and the human psyche

13
Halloween Books: Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge

Dark Harvest

Norman Partridge

What's Dark Harvest about?

Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge is a gripping tale set in a small Midwestern town where every Halloween, a brutal competition takes place. The locals must hunt down a mysterious figure known as the October Boy, who emerges from the cornfields. With a blend of horror and coming-of-age themes, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read Dark Harvest?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and atmospheric horror stories

  • Fans of Halloween-themed fiction

  • Those who appreciate unique and inventive takes on classic horror tropes


What's The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree about?

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree is a children's book by Stan and Jan Berenstain. It follows three brave little bears as they embark on a thrilling adventure through a spooky old tree. With its engaging story and colorful illustrations, this book is sure to captivate young readers and ignite their imagination.

Who should read The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree?

  • Parents looking for a fun and slightly spooky read for their young children

  • Children who enjoy adventurous stories with a touch of mystery

  • Educators who want to teach kids about facing their fears and working together as a team


15
Halloween Books: Scaredy-Cat, Splat! by Rob Scotton

Scaredy-Cat, Splat!

Rob Scotton

What's Scaredy-Cat, Splat! about?

Scaredy-Cat, Splat! by Rob Scotton is a delightful children's book that follows the adventures of Splat the Cat as he faces his fears on Halloween. With charming illustrations and a heartwarming story, it teaches kids about bravery and the power of friendship. It's a perfect read for the spooky season!

Who should read Scaredy-Cat, Splat!?

  • Children who enjoy Halloween and spooky stories

  • Parents and educators looking for a fun and entertaining book to read aloud

  • Those who appreciate colorful and engaging illustrations


16
Halloween Books: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Washington Irving

What's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow about?

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a classic tale of horror and mystery written by Washington Irving. Set in the early 19th century, the story follows the superstitious schoolteacher Ichabod Crane as he becomes entangled in the legend of the Headless Horseman. Filled with eerie atmosphere and unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for fans of spooky stories.

Who should read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?

  • Readers who enjoy classic American literature

  • Those interested in folklore and ghost stories

  • People who appreciate atmospheric and descriptive writing


17
Halloween Books: Ten Orange Pumpkins by Stephen Savage

Ten Orange Pumpkins

Stephen Savage

What's Ten Orange Pumpkins about?

Ten Orange Pumpkins by Stephen Savage is a delightful Halloween counting book that takes young readers on a journey as ten pumpkins disappear one by one. With its engaging rhymes and bold illustrations, this book is perfect for teaching children numbers and counting while getting them into the Halloween spirit.

Who should read Ten Orange Pumpkins?

  • Parents looking for a fun and engaging Halloween-themed book to read to their children

  • Teachers who want to incorporate a counting and Halloween-themed story into their lesson plans

  • Children who enjoy colorful illustrations and playful rhymes


18
Halloween Books: The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg

The Widow's Broom

Chris Van Allsburg

What's The Widow's Broom about?

The Widow's Broom is a children's book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. It tells the story of a widow who discovers a magical broom in her barn. With the help of the broom, she is able to do her chores effortlessly. However, when the townspeople find out about the broom's powers, they become afraid and try to destroy it. The book explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the power of imagination.

Who should read The Widow's Broom?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and whimsical tales

  • People looking for a thought-provoking story with beautiful illustrations

  • Those interested in exploring themes of friendship, loss, and resilience


What's The Scariest Book Ever about?

The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea is a humorous and interactive picture book that pokes fun at the concept of scary stories. With its bold illustrations and witty narration, the book invites readers to face their fears and discover that things aren't always as scary as they seem.

Who should read The Scariest Book Ever?

  • Children who enjoy humorous and interactive storytelling

  • Parents and educators looking for a fun read-aloud book for young kids

  • Those who appreciate clever and creative illustrations in a picture book


20
Halloween Books: Where's My Mummy? by Carolyn Crimi

Where's My Mummy?

Carolyn Crimi

What's Where's My Mummy? about?

Where's My Mummy? by Carolyn Crimi is a delightful children's book about a little baby mummy who gets scared and goes looking for his mummy. As he searches through the dark, spooky forest, he encounters various other creatures who try to comfort him. The book is filled with charming illustrations and a heartwarming ending that will capture the hearts of both kids and parents.

Who should read Where's My Mummy??

  • Children aged 3-7 who enjoy playful and slightly spooky stories

  • Parents or caregivers looking for a fun and engaging bedtime story to read with their little ones

  • Educators or librarians seeking a book to entertain and captivate young readers during storytime


21
Halloween Books: The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

The Exorcist

William Peter Blatty

What's The Exorcist about?

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty is a chilling novel that delves into the terrifying world of demonic possession. When a young girl named Regan begins exhibiting strange and disturbing behavior, her mother seeks the help of two priests to perform an exorcism. Blatty's masterful storytelling and intense portrayal of good versus evil will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Who should read The Exorcist?

  • Those who enjoy suspenseful and chilling stories
  • Readers with an interest in the supernatural and exorcism
  • People who appreciate well-written, psychologically complex characters

Related Topics

Halloween Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Halloween book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard I Spy Spooky Night as the ultimate read on Halloween.

What are the Top 10 Halloween books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • I Spy Spooky Night by Jean Marzollo
  • Arthur's Halloween by Marc Brown
  • Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
  • Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O'Connell
  • Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht, Jarvis
  • Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex
  • Bone Soup by Cambria Evans
  • Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley
  • Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming
  • The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

Who are the top Halloween book authors?

When it comes to Halloween, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Jean Marzollo
  • Marc Brown
  • Will Hubbell
  • Jennifer O'Connell
  • Patricia Toht, Jarvis