Being scared can be so much fun when you’re snuggled up safe and warm with a good book! Here are some of our picks for the best Halloween books for kids—we’ve got ghouls, vampires, bats, a very good witch, and a few adorable trick-or-treaters. Find the perfect Halloween picture books and read-alouds, or turn up the thrills and chills with a seriously scary middle-grade book.

Halloween Books for Babies & Toddlers

It’s never too early to dress up! Guess which animals are behind each adorable costume in the adorable board book Masquerade Party, and write a letter to Santa with Ginger the Halloween witch in Merry Witchmas. Manny the bat has a surprise when he loses his fangs in Manny Loses His Fangs!

Halloween Early Readers… Plus Bonus Fun!

If you’re looking for Halloween books with some added brains, try these spooky Kane Press titles—The Case of Vampire Vivian from our Science Solves It series, and The Great Pumpkin Smash from Makers Make It Work. Both feature scary-smart activities to keep your little goblins learning.

The Case of the Haunted Haunted House has detectives-in-training Milo and Jazz using STEM problem-solving skills to try to unravel the mystery when their class’ “haunted house” turns out to really be haunted!

Then there’s the problem of NOT being scared—for a funny take on a monster story, don’t miss The Problem with NOT Being Scared of Monsters.

Seriously Scary Middle Grade & Young Adult Reads Books

It takes a little more to intrigue older readers! The Ghosts of Ordinary Objects series is a deliciously spooky trilogy featuring Bone’s Gift, Lingering Echoes, and The Truce.

Twelve-year-old Bone possesses a Gift that allows her to see the stories in everyday objects in this supernatural historical mystery series, perfect for reading on chilly fall nights by flickering candlelight.

For a new take on a classic scary story, check out the stunning Hansel and Gretel, retold by Neil Gaimen and illustrated by Lorenzo Mattotti. These two creators offer brilliant reimagining of one of humanity’s most enduring tales. Be brave, be bold, and keep your wits about you.

And for young adult readers, discover Keturah and Lord Death. In this spellbinding fantasy romance, a young woman makes a bargain with Death himself—and only true love can set her free.

Whatever Halloween stories you’re reading with your kiddos, class, or library story group—we wish you a safe and spooky Halloween! Order your books now at your favorite BOOkstore.