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Top 7 Spooky Books to Read with Your Child in October
Sep
October is the perfect month to snuggle up with your child and dive into stories filled with mystery, magic, and just the right amount of spookiness. Reading together not only builds literacy skills but also creates special bonding moments — and what better way to celebrate Halloween than with books that mix fun and fright?
Below are 7 spooky (but kid-friendly) books you and your child can enjoy this October.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Room on the Broom is a beloved children’s picture book by Julia Donaldson, beautifully illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The story follows a kind-hearted witch and her cat who fly through the sky on a broomstick. Along the way, they lose items that are found by a dog, a bird, and a frog. Each helpful animal is invited to hop on the broom, but soon it becomes too crowded—and when danger strikes, teamwork and friendship save the day.
Written in delightful rhyming verse, this book is perfect for children ages 3–7. It highlights themes of kindness, sharing, and problem-solving, all wrapped up in a fun and slightly spooky adventure. With its humor, rhythm, and colorful illustrations, Room on the Broom is a fantastic read-aloud choice for families, classrooms, and Halloween storytime.
Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds
Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds is a hilarious and slightly spooky picture book that kids love, especially around Halloween. The story follows Jasper Rabbit, who thinks he’s too grown-up for regular underwear and insists on getting a pair of creepy, glow-in-the-dark green underwear. At first, he feels cool and brave, but soon realizes these underwear have a mind of their own! No matter how hard he tries to get rid of them, they keep coming back.
With witty writing from Aaron Reynolds and fun, atmospheric illustrations by Peter Brown, this book blends humor with just the right touch of creepiness. It’s perfect for children who enjoy silly scares without being too frightened. A great choice for bedtime reading, classroom fun, or a playful Halloween storytime.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams is a classic Halloween picture book that combines just the right amount of spooky fun with humor. The story follows a brave old lady walking home through the forest one autumn night. Along the way, she encounters clomping shoes, wiggling pants, a shaking shirt, nodding hat, and even a pumpkin head that tries to scare her. Though startled, she cleverly turns the frightening objects into a scarecrow for her garden, showing resourcefulness and courage.
With repetitive sounds and rhythmic text, the book is perfect for read-aloud sessions, letting kids chant along with each “clomp, wiggle, shake, clap, and nod.” Megan Lloyd’s illustrations bring the eerie yet playful atmosphere to life without being too scary for young readers. More than just a Halloween tale, it also teaches children about problem-solving, facing fears, and creativity. Suitable for ages 4–8, this story has become a seasonal favorite for classrooms, libraries, and family storytime.
Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker
Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker is a Newbery Honor book that blends animal fantasy with chilling horror, perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy spooky tales with depth. Told through a frame story, seven fox kits visit an old storyteller who shares the terrifying adventures of two young foxes, Mia and Uly. Their journeys include surviving disease, escaping predators, facing cruelty from humans, and overcoming fears in a harsh wilderness.
The book stands out for its mix of suspense, emotional storytelling, and haunting illustrations by Junyi Wu. While dark and at times unsettling, it also explores themes of courage, resilience, bullying, and survival against the odds. Both frightening and thought-provoking, this is a powerful story that lingers with readers long after they close the book, making it a strong choice for older children seeking something scarier than typical Halloween reads.
Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht
Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht, with illustrations by Jarvis, is a warm and festive picture book that captures the joy of Halloween traditions. Written in rhythmic, read-aloud verse, it takes young readers through the entire journey of selecting a pumpkin at the patch, bringing it home, scooping out the seeds, carving a face, and finally lighting it as a glowing jack-o’-lantern.
Jarvis’s rich, autumn-themed illustrations perfectly match the cozy yet slightly spooky atmosphere of the season, highlighting the excitement of family and community gatherings. Ideal for children ages 3–7, this book not only celebrates Halloween fun but also emphasizes togetherness, creativity, and tradition, making it a delightful choice for both classroom storytime and family reading at home.
Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House by R.L. Stine
Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House by R.L. Stine is the very first book in the legendary Goosebumps series, introducing young readers to a world of spooky thrills. The story follows Amanda and Josh Benson, who move with their parents to a new house in the strange town of Dark Falls. From the beginning, the siblings sense something is off—the house feels eerie, the neighbors act oddly, and the whole town seems shrouded in mystery. As they uncover the truth, Amanda and Josh realize that Dark Falls hides a terrifying secret, and their family may be in grave danger.
This book blends suspense, mystery, and mild horror in a way that is both thrilling and accessible for middle-grade readers. It sets the stage for the entire Goosebumps franchise, making it a must-read for young fans of scary stories who want a chilling but fun adventure.
How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace
How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace (illustrated by Andy Elkerton) is a fun and imaginative picture book that turns childhood fears into an exciting adventure. The story follows a young child who has just been cast as a Ninja Master in the school play. With new courage, the child decides to face the monster hiding in the closet. Armed with a clever “bag of tricks” and creative traps, the child finally captures the monster—only to discover that it isn’t scary at all. Instead, the monster just wants to play and be friends.
This playful twist teaches kids an important lesson: sometimes what seems frightening is simply misunderstood. Filled with colorful, action-packed illustrations, humor, and a lighthearted tone, the book helps children build confidence while sparking their imagination. It’s especially popular for Halloween reading, bedtime storytelling, or as a fun gift for kids ages 4–8.
Spooky stories are a wonderful way to celebrate the Halloween season with your child. Whether it’s a lighthearted witch’s adventure or a classic Goosebumps tale, these books balance fun with just the right amount of fright. Pick a few favorites, grab some blankets, and make October nights extra magical with storytime.
