One of my favorite parts of fall is Halloween and everything connected with the holiday. Reading Halloween stories by myself or for storytime is always fun. Explore some of my favorites on these pages. You can check them out at the Free Library of Philadelphia using your library card.
Board Books
“My Baby Loves Halloween”
by Jabari Asim and Tara Nicole Whitaker
In this fun, colorful board book, we get to see all the things baby loves about fall and Halloween. Baby plays in the colorful leaves falling from the trees, picks out a pumpkin to make into a jack-o’-lantern and tries to figure out what costume to wear for trick-or-treat. Explore this fun board book for ages 2 and younger.
“Boo! Haiku”
by Deanna Caswell and Bob Shea
Can you guess what elements of Halloween are being described in the haikus? I love an interactive book where children can guess and be involved. These rhyming haikus give clues to different parts of Halloween and are accompanied by colorful illustrations. Enjoy this read-aloud book with children as
young as 3.
Picture Books
“Herbert’s First Halloween”
by Cynthia Rylant and Steven Henry
Herbert is not so sure about this Halloween thing his dad keeps telling him about. Well, that is, until he finds out about the candy. Now Herbert is determined to practice his tiger roar for trick-or-treat and collect all the candy he can. Go along with Herbert on his first Halloween. This book is ideal for children ages 3-to-5 years old, especially those timid about their first Halloween.
“Stumpkin”
by Lucy Ruth Cummins
All the pumpkins are being chosen by families to become jack-o’-lanterns — that is, all but Stumpkin, whose stem is broken off. As Halloween approaches and the pumpkins dwindle, Stumpkin is very worried they’ll never get picked. This fun and heartfelt read-aloud book is ideal for children ages 4 to 7 looking for a gentle Halloween story with a happy ending, of course.
“Full Of Fall”
by April Pulley Sayre
Sayre has a knack for beautiful nature pictures, and this book is no exception. Lyrical text accompanies beautiful fall-themed photographs featuring colorful leaves and animals scurrying about. Experience this wonderful nonfiction picture book with the nature lovers in your life!
Young Readers
“In the Middle of Fall”
by Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek
We see a transition from summer to fall, when the leaves change colors, fruits and vegetables get harvested and animals begin to gather food for hibernation. Lovely illustrations accompany this story of nature changing. Readers also get a glimpse into a child having fun but also getting ready for what comes next. This fun, simple read-aloud book is perfect for 4- to 6-year-olds who love all the colors of fall.
“The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree”
by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Are you looking for a gently spooky tale for your young ones? This classic Berenstain Bears easy reader stands the test of time. Can Brother and Sister Bear escape the spooky old tree? This book is wonderful for young children not afraid of a little scare. With the easy-reader format, perhaps your beginning reader can take a turn reading aloud.
Middle Readers
“Galaxy Zack: A Haunted Halloween”
by Ray O’Ryan and Jason Kraft
Galaxy Zack is a fun early chapter book series about a kid and his family living on another planet. In this book, Zack firmly believes that ghosts aren’t real. Even when his best friend Drake tells him they are and weird things start happening as Halloween approaches, will Zack change his mind? Have fun with this perfect read-aloud book for children ages 5 and older, or give your independent reader this early chapter book.
“Hoodoo,” “The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away,” “Gloom Town”
by Ronald L. Smith
One of the best parts about Halloween is the spooky tales, and these three middle-grade novels by Smith are perfect for older children looking for more of a thrill. “Hoodoo” is filled with black magic and
a mysterious man called the Stranger. “The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away” is about a camping trip and aliens. Wait, are aliens real? And “Gloom Town” involves a spooky house with occupants who may not even be human. These spooky tales are perfect for horror fans ages 10 and up.
“The Hallo-Wiener”
by Dav Pilkey
Of course, I saved my favorite Halloween book for last! Poor Oscar gets picked on by the neighborhood dogs just because he’s shaped like a hot dog. Oscar doesn’t care because it’s Halloween and he’s excited to trick-or-treat. When his mother surprises him with a new costume, he finds himself even more embarrassed. But don’t worry; this Halloween tale has a happy ending. Enjoy this perfect read-aloud book with kids looking for a mildly spooky, funny Halloween story.
