My little boogers and I are always up for spending some time at Barnes and Noble. In fact, we totally have a Barnes and Noble routine (sort of related: Sam and I always call it “Barnes” while Ellie calls it “Nobles,” which tells you an awful lot about her personality).
We walk in and head straight back to the kids’ section, where we wander around picking up some of the featured books that are on the tables and along the back wall. We always end up with at least four or five books (including an obnoxiously noisy one courtesy of Ellie), which we take up into the cafe.
Then we basically read, stuff our faces with cookies and my seasonal latte of choice, and amuse (or appall, depending on the day) the people around us until one or both children starts to melt down, at which point we hightail it out of there.
Anyway, Barnes and Noble trips are kind of our thing, so it shouldn’t surprise you that we’ve read way more Halloween books than any small group of human beings should ever read. It also shouldn’t surprise you that we’re kind of opinionated about them. There are some that straight up stink, but rather than focus on those, we’ve got a list of what we think are the best kids Halloween books out there and why they’re awesome.
This post contains affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you any extra to use them, but I may make money for finding them for you.
5 of the Best Kids Halloween Books
Frankenstein (A Monstrous Parody)
This is, without a doubt, the best kids parody book out there. It’s fun totally on its own (with monsters and bed wetting and headless creatures). You don’t need to know the Madeline story (which this book parodies line by line and picture by picture) to enjoy it. If you do know the story, it just makes the book even better. Instead of Miss Clavel, there is Miss Devel. And instead of twelve little girls in two straight lines, there are twelve ugly monsters in two crooked lines. My girls get a huge kick out of it—and so do I.
The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin
Spookley has a great anti-bullying message. He’s a square pumpkin in a world full of round ones and everyone looks at him a little differently because of it—at least until there’s a bad storm and the quick thinking of one brave square pumpkin saves the day. Kids really feel for little Spookley, which helps to drive the book’s message home.
This one is a cute and totally fun read that had my girls giggling. The little boy is the son of a barber and once a month (when there’s a full moon) he sneaks out of the house with his friend the vampire bat and spends the night giving monsters haircuts. It’s silly and light and even enjoyable for adults.
I remember this book from when I was a kid, so I had to read it to my little ladies. It’s about two little mice who are very different and unknowingly start taking care of the same pumpkin. That little pumpkin gets so much love and attention that it becomes the Biggest Pumpkin Ever. But the mice have very different plans for the pumpkin. The kids are left to wonder what will happen until the end when the two mice meet.
This is another one of those books that I love as much as the kids do. I never shudder when they ask me to read it again. It’s fun and clever and the kids like the rhyming and repetition. Plus, the story has a great message of friendship. The witch keeps making room on her broom for new friends until it snaps in two and she’s captured by a fire breathing dragon who likes to eat witch with french fries. Luckily for the witch, her friends come to the rescue.
Did we miss any of your favorite kids Halloween books?
Looking for more Halloween fun? Check out these posts:
- 8 Quick & Easy Halloween DIYs That Your Kids Will Absolutely Love
- Last Minute Halloween Costume | Fortune Teller
- 12 Not-So-Scary Movies to Watch This Halloween
- DIY Spooky Halloween Wreath
- Five Halloween Costumes I Will Not Be Wearing
Related posts:
Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
Hahaha kids books are always so darn cute! I didn’t know monsters needed haircuts 🙂
Haha! I didn’t either. Apparently skeletons pose a problem because they want to be like their creepy buddies and get haircuts too!
Such great picks…I have to pick one up for my daughter!
I was in BJs the other day doing my grocery shopping when Room on the Broom caught my eye. I couldn’t resist it–especially at a discount! 😉