Scary stories channel Halloween spirits
Halloween books are such a deliciously scary way to get ready for the spookiest night of the year. We’ve found the best Halloween titles for your little ghosts and your teenage goblins — and moms might even borrow the young adult selections for themselves!
Halloween books are only one way to enjoy the holiday
Libraries are a great resource for seasonal books if you aren’t sure you want to cram your overflowing bookshelves with titles you’ll only read a few times each year. After you get home, snack on these adorable Chomping Monsters for a special Halloween treat.
Halloween stories for little ears
Kids can’t help but love The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams (Barnes & Noble, $7). Get your reading voice ready for this one — there are loads of fun sound effects to include.
Bats at the Library by Brian Lies (Barnes & Noble, $7) is the perfect book to find on the shelves of your own library. These little bats are fantastic ambassadors for libraries, and your children will be begging you to teach them how to make wall shadows after your first reading.
On a Scary Scary Night (Can You See What I See? Series) by Walter Wick (Barnes & Noble, $12) is a wonderful book for kids who love searching for details. The picture puzzle book contains oodles of Halloween pictures hidden within its pages.
Early readers will love these creepy tales
Trixie the Halloween Fairy by Daisy Meadows (Barnes & Noble, $7) is a Halloween story that won’t keep sensitive children awake at night. Mixed-up costumes and missing candy are some of the mishaps that need to be righted by Rachel, Kirsty, and their newest fairy friend in this triple tale in the Rainbow Magic series.
Early readers can be exposed to vampires without the gore in Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe (Barnes & Noble, $7). A bunny with fangs and a slew of white vegetables are at the heart of this mystery being investigated by Harold and Chester, the dog and cat of the Monroe household.
Neil Gaiman brings his signature blend of fantasy and reality to Coraline (Barnes & Noble, $7). When a young girl finds an alternate version of her home behind a locked door, she needs to outsmart the button-eyed version of her family in order to return to her side of the wall.
Can’t get enough books for your young readers? Check out 10 more children’s books recommendations.
Read these scary young adult books in the daylight
This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel (Barnes & Noble, $15) tells the tale of a young Victor Frankenstein, determined to create the Elixir of Life to save the life of his best friend — and twin brother. Written as a sequel to the Mary Shelley classic, it’s a fantastic introduction to the iconic Frankenstein.
Kami Garcia is the bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series, and she’s got a solo hit with Unbreakable (Legion Series #1) (Barnes & Noble, $8). The first book in the series introduces readers to Kennedy Waters, who must take her deceased mother’s place in an ancient, demon-killing society. Unbreakable is a creepy, compelling introduction to a series you won’t want to stop reading.
Even the most innocent looking doll won’t seem so safe after reading Bad Girls Don’t Die by Katie Alender (Barnes & Noble, $9). Sisters Alexis and Kasey begin to notice strange things happening in their home. Kasey’s newfound anger worries Alexis, but maybe not as much as the small detail of her sister’s eyes changing from blue to green.
