Children's Book Suggestions | Halloween Picture Books

Not-too-scary picture books for readers age 3-7.

Updated October 5, 2023
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I want to be in a scary story
Taylor, Sean
Paper Book
Monster may think he wants to be in a scary story, but then again . . . A hilarious return by the team that brought us Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise. Our author would like to write a funny story, but his main character -- Monster -- has a different idea. He...
She wanted to be haunted
Ewert, Marcus
Paper Book
This delightfully spooky picture book answers the important question of how you can be your very best self. If only I were haunted-I'd never be alone! But look at me: I'm cheerful! I've got to change my tone! Clarissa the...
There's a witch in your book
Fletcher, Tom
Paper Book
UH-OH! An adorable little witch has landed in YOUR book! An exciting Halloween adventure from the creators of There's a Monster in Your Book. A cute little witch has thrown a magic spell at you! Use your finger wand to make magic yourself in this interactive book. But, be...
Moldilocks and the three scares : a zombie tale
Lynne Marie
Paper Book
A zombie-tastic take on a favorite fairy tale!   "A horror spoof with a big heart: Lorenzo's acrylic and colored pencil cartooning offers a warm glow, and readers will cheer for this undead family that finally feels complete." --Publishers...
Stumpkin
Cummins, Lucy Ruth
Paper Book
From the critically acclaimed author and illustrator of A Hungry Lion comes a unique Halloween story about a stemless pumpkin who dreams of becoming a jack-o-lantern. Stumpkin is the most handsome pumpkin on the block. He's as orange as a traffic cone! Twice as round as a...
The little old lady who was not afraid of anything
Williams, Linda
Paper Book
"A splendiferous Halloween story." --The Horn Book "A great purchase for Halloween or any time of year." --School Library Journal (starred review) Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the...
The scariest book ever
Shea, Bob
Paper Book
A silly (and actually not TOO scary!) story perfect for Halloween read-alouds, from favorite funny man Bob Shea! "A delight for kids who have graduated from Hervé Tullet's work and such classics as There's a Monster at the End of This Book." -- Kirkus Reviews ...
Creepy carrots!
Reynolds, Aaron
Paper Book
In this Caldecott Honor-winning picture book, The Twilight Zone comes to the carrot patch as a rabbit fears his favorite treats are out to get him. Jasper Rabbit loves carrots--especially Crackenhopper Field carrots. He eats them on the way to school. He eats...
Monster trucks
Denise, Anika
Paper Book
"Monster-truck fans won't want to miss this Halloween showdown." --Kirkus "Full-throttle Halloween fun." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) Readers will delight in this lively read-aloud story with a clever and surprising twist at the end--perfect for Halloween and...
Fright Club
Long, Ethan
Paper Book
This monster mash-up from Geisel winner Ethan Long doles out the laughs and the chills in equal measure. Each year, on Halloween eve, Fright Club meets to go over their plan: Operation Kiddie Scare. Only the scariest of monsters can join Fright Club--Vladimir the Vampire, Fran...
Dia de Muertos: Numeros : A Day of the Dead Counting Book
Tonatiuh, Duncan.
Paper Book
From award-winning and beloved author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh comes this celebratory bilingual picture book centering on a Día de Muertos ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar), constructed annually to honor the memory and welcome the spirit of a loved one. The book uses a counting structure, from one...
Pumpkin trouble
Thomas, Jan
Paper Book
Did that pumpkin just quack?
Pumpkin cat
Mortimer, Anne.
Paper Book
Through the seasons, Cat and Mouse work together in the garden. Together, they watch seeds that turn into plants in the spring, and plants that turn into flowers in the summer, and flowers that turn into pumpkins in the fall! And when their pumpkins are finally ready,...
Over in the hollow
Dickinson, Rebecca.
Paper Book
Over in the hollow, where the cobwebs are spun, Live a giant mother spider and her little spidey one. Who else lives over in the hollow? A papa mummy and his little mummies two, a mama owl and her little owlets three...and more! And they all have something to say, whether...
Los gatos black on Halloween /
Montes, Marisa.
Paper Book
Follow los monstruos and los esqueletos to the Halloween party Under October'sluna, full and bright, the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall.Las brujas come on their broomsticks.Los muertos rise from their coffins to join in the fun.Los...
Zen ghosts
Muth, Jon J.
Paper Book
Stillwater, the beloved Zen panda, now in his own Apple TV+ original series!It's Halloween. The trees are ablaze in fiery reds. Excited children don colorful costumes. And there's mystery and fun around every corner!When Addy, Michael, and Karl finish trick-or-treating, their bags are...
Gustavo :
Drago, Flavia Z.,
Audiobook
I am scary
Gravel, Elise
Paper Book
Key Selling Points In this cute and funny board book, a young child refuses to be scared by a monster. Author and illustrator Elise Gravel is very well known for her art and books, which include the Olga series (HarperCollins), The Cranky Ballerina(HarperCollins) and The...
How to help a pumpkin grow
Wolff, Ashley
Paper Book
What does it take to help a pumpkin grow? Find out in this warm, rhyming tale of gardening and unexpected friendship. Dog is planting a garden, doing all he can to help his pumpkins grow: protecting them from snow, weeding and watering their patch, and keeping them safe from...
Runaway pumpkins
Bateman, Teresa
Paper Book
Roll into pumpkin season this autumn with a fall favorite perfect for storytime. A field trip to the pumpkin patch almost ends in disaster in this rollicking tale of resourcefulness and resilience. The old adage of "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade" is...

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