These spooky-season picture books come with some serious risks: kindness, courage, creativity, and kids who think it’s perfectly normal to befriend a skeleton. Read at your own risk. 🎃
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Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
A kind witch keeps making room for new friends on her broom, and when trouble shows up, those friends save the day. The rhymes beg to be read aloud.
⚠️ Side effect: Kids who believe there’s always room for one more.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
A brave little old lady is followed home by some very spooky clothes, and she solves the problem in the most creative way. Kids love joining in on the sound effects.
⚠️ Side effect: Kids who face their fears (and might ask you to face yours, like making dinner).
https://amzn.to/4ihxNmy
Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds
Jasper Rabbit loves carrots until he’s convinced they’re following him. A funny, mildly spooky Caldecott Honor book with a clever twist.
⚠️ Side effect: Kids side-eyeing their vegetables.
https://amzn.to/4yhRPCk
Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins
A pumpkin without a stem waits and hopes to be chosen. A sweet story about feeling different and finding where you belong.
⚠️ Side effect: Kids who insist on bringing home every wonky pumpkin.
https://amzn.to/4yLQ5lJ
Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler
Skeleton can’t get rid of his hiccups, so his friend Ghost tries everything to help. Silly, short, and perfect for little ones.
⚠️ Side effect: Kids asking to play with the Halloween decorations.
https://amzn.to/4eaqXNj
Gustavo the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
Gustavo is great at ghostly things but too shy to make friends, until he finds the courage to share what he loves. A heartwarming story with Día de los Muertos charm.
⚠️ Side effect: Kids inviting ghosts over for dinner.
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