Pre-K
Growing Reader
Going Fright-Free: 12 Not-So-Scary Picture Books for Halloween
by Dena McMurdie
Are you looking for Halloween books that won’t frighten your kids? If so, I’ve got you covered! These books are a surefire way to get your kids into the Halloween spirit without giving them nightmares.
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One, Two…Boo!
Little readers count their way through a spooky house, lifting flaps and finding a few bats, ghosts, and witch’s brooms along the way. This fun board book is the perfect treat for those still too little for candy.
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Boo-La-La Witch Spa
What’s a worn-out witch to do after an exhausting Halloween? Fly right on over to the fab-BOO Witch Spa! There she can get a scalp rub by spiders and relax in a sauna filled with hot dragon-breath. Rhyming text and fun puns make this an adorable Halloween read.
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How to Scare a Ghost
In this installment of the How to… series, two kids explain how to attract, scare, and play with a ghost for some extra Halloween fun. Kids will delight in seeing a ghost (dressed as a robot!) going door-to-door for treats.
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Little Goblins Ten
Children can count ghosts, bats, and goblins in this rhyming book from Pamela Jane. They will love the rhyming text and Halloween fun contained in its pages.
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We’re Off to Find the Witch’s House
When a group of kids sets out on Halloween night to find the witch’s house, they come across a host of creatures like a skittle-skattling skeleton and the herky-jerky Frankenstein along the way. Colorful illustrations and a singsong-like rhythm make this the perfect Halloween read-aloud.
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The Sweetest Witch Around
When a young witch takes a liking to human candy and decides to go trick-or-treating, her big sister must rescue her before the humans catch on. This sugary story is perfect for fans of candy and humor.
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Shivery Shades of Halloween
Shivery Shades of Halloween may have a spooky title, but the inside is pure fun. Charming illustrations and rhythmic text encourage kids to learn all the colors of Halloween.
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Pumpkin Cat
For an educational Halloween experience, give Pumpkin Cat a read. Along with themes of friendship and patience, kids will get to see a pumpkin grow from seed to squash as Cat and Mouse work together through the seasons.
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And Then Comes Halloween
What happens when leaves turn orange and the weather cools off? It’s time for Halloween! This book celebrates autumn, traditions, and the fun surrounding Halloween. The cheerful illustrations will get kids excited about dressing up and collecting candy.
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I Am a Witch’s Cat
A little girl lists the reasons she thinks her mom is a witch. This sweet and humorous book puts a magical spin on everyday life. It may even convince your kids that having a witch for a mom is pretty awesome.
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Curious George Goes to a Costume Party
When Curious George tries on a bunch of costumes at a party, he accidentally frightens the other party guests. George’s penchant for mischief and humorous antics manage to get him into (and out of) trouble.
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Druscilla’s Halloween
Why do witches ride broomsticks? In this highflying story, an old witch with creaky knees can no longer tiptoe around on Halloween. Desperately, she searches for a new mode of transportation and finds that a broomstick is the perfect solution.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2018.