I’m always on the hunt for a good Halloween read. Sort-of-spooky. A little bit silly. The quirkier, the better. Here are the books you’ll find on my family’s bookshelf every October.
Ghosts in the House!
By Kazuno Kohara
The perfect read for children who are a bit wary of Halloween costumes or decorations. Thanks to its playful, confident tone and charming illustrations, your child will never look at a ghost the same way again! We also love The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kohara.
The Little Ghost who was a Quilt
By Riel Nason, Illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler
This clever book has sparked some meaningful conversations with my 6-year-old about individuality and perspective. Though it can feel uncomfortable and frustrating to be “different”, we might possess one-of-a-kind strengths, talents and abilities that we haven’t even discovered yet!
There’s a Ghost in this House
By Oliver Jeffers
The stunning illustrations in this book will make your whole family gasp! Thanks to sheer overlays, a charming crew of ghosts seem to hide and reappear as you turn each page.
Room on the Broom
By Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
This rhyming classic embodies the idea, “There’s always room for one more!” It’s inspired countless hours of play as my children recreate the story and invite one stuffed animal after another to join them on a (pretend) broomstick ride.
Spookie Pookie
By Sandra Boynton
Calling all toddler parents! If you’re searching for a book that illustrates the tradition of dressing in a Halloween costume, this one’s for you. At 4 and 6, my children still reach for this book and can’t help giggling at Pookie’s ridiculous costume changes.
Happy reading and Happy Halloween!