Halloween Storytime: Spooky (But Not Too Scary) Books for Kids

Halloween is the perfect time to dive into spooky stories—but when it comes to young kids, we want to keep things fun and not too frightening! A great Halloween storybook strikes the right balance between a little bit of spooky fun and a lot of kid-friendly excitement. Whether you're planning a Halloween storytime or looking for bedtime reads, here are some spooky but not too scary books for kids that will bring the Halloween spirit to life!
- "Room on the Broom" by Julia Donaldson
This delightful story of a kind witch and her animal friends is perfect for younger children. The witch welcomes new friends on her broom as they go on an adventurous journey. It's filled with rhyming text, colorful illustrations, and just the right touch of Halloween magic.
Why kids love it:
- The witch’s friendly and funny character keeps things lighthearted.
- Kids will enjoy the repetitive text, making it a fun read-aloud choice for Halloween.
- "The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything" by Linda Williams
This classic Halloween story is about a little old lady who encounters some strange things on her walk through the woods, but she isn't scared! Kids will love the rhythm and repetitive phrases that build up to a funny and non-scary conclusion.
Why it’s a hit:
- The interactive nature of the story invites kids to join in on the fun.
- It’s a great mix of mild suspense and a heartwarming message.
- "Creepy Carrots!" by Aaron Reynolds
A fun and slightly spooky tale of a rabbit who believes carrots are following him. This story adds a bit of mystery but ends on a humorous note, making it perfect for kids who enjoy a small thrill without the real scares.
Why kids enjoy it:
- The unique storyline and humorous ending make it unforgettable.
- The quirky illustrations add a spooky vibe while keeping it kid-friendly.
- "Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody" by Michael Rex
A playful Halloween twist on the classic "Goodnight Moon." In this version, the gentle bedtime routine is turned upside down by a spooky goon and other monsters. It's fun, quirky, and a great choice for kids who enjoy a light scare.
What makes it fun:
- The familiar format makes it an easy introduction to spooky Halloween themes.
- The fun illustrations and clever wordplay keep the story light.
- "The Scariest Book Ever" by Bob Shea
A humorous book where a scared ghost narrates the story, but it turns out that what’s scary to the ghost isn’t so frightening to kids! The book takes kids on an adventure that’s filled with goofy humor and playful interactions.
Why it's great for kids:
- The book's humor helps kids overcome any fear of ghosts.
- It encourages kids to be brave through laughter.
- "Skeleton for Dinner" by Margery Cuyler
In this funny, not-too-scary book, Skeleton is mistakenly invited to dinner. But instead of being frightened, the skeleton becomes part of the celebration. It’s a wonderful story about misunderstanding and friendship that offers a cute Halloween twist.
What makes it a favorite:
- The funny storyline keeps kids entertained while staying lighthearted.
- The friendly skeleton helps kids embrace the spooky side of Halloween.
- "There’s a Monster in Your Book" by Tom Fletcher
This interactive Halloween read is full of fun surprises as a friendly monster causes mischief right inside the pages of the book. With interactive prompts, kids will be invited to shake, tilt, and even tickle the book, making this a great pick for active storytime fun.
Why it’s a hit:
- The interactive nature of the book keeps kids engaged.
- The cute monster adds just the right amount of silliness to Halloween.
Tips for a Fun Halloween Storytime
- Create a cozy atmosphere: Dim the lights, add some flickering lanterns, and maybe even put on a soft spooky soundtrack in the background.
- Encourage interaction: Let kids guess what happens next or join in with fun sound effects.
- Add a fun craft: After storytime, invite kids to make their own spooky crafts, like paper pumpkins or friendly ghosts.
Conclusion
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, and with these kid-friendly Halloween books, you can keep the frights at bay while still embracing the spirit of the holiday. From interactive stories to playful tales with a spooky twist, these books are perfect for keeping little ones entertained and excited for Halloween without the real scares.
Gather your kids, grab a blanket, and settle in for a Halloween storytime full of laughs, spooks, and maybe even a few goofy monsters!