Halloween is right around the corner and everybody is excited. However, those of us with younger kids can feel apprehensive since we are trying to find a balance between enjoying Halloween and the holiday feeling too scary for our little ones. Some days my daughter claims to love spooky things and others she shrieks at her own shadow.
The good news is that there are lots of picture books for us to enjoy that are cute with just a hint of spookiness. These titles are great for kids who claim to like ghouls, mummies, and zombies, but might need something more lighthearted.
1. Duck and Goose: Honk! Quack! Boo!
By Tad Hill
Duck and Goose are back, and this time they are getting ready for Halloween. Read along as this adorable group puts together costumes, goes trick-or-treating, and accidentally gets scared by a friend in a very creepy costume. This read is perfect for kids who love trick-or-treating but don’t necessarily love the scary parts of Halloween.
2. Where’s My Mummy?
By Carolyn Crimi
Little Baby Mummy doesn’t want to go to sleep. Instead, he runs off to play hide and seek in the graveyard. As he tries to find his mom, he encounters all sorts of creepy characters, all getting ready for bedtime. This book is slightly scarier, including creepy noises that Baby Mummy hears before each character reveals itself. However, it’s still cute and has a fuzzy, warm ending.
3. Zombie in Love
By Kelly DiPucchio
Mortimer the Zombie wants nothing more than to find the love of his (after)life, but he’s having a hard time. His solution? Write a catchy ad in the local paper. This adorably hilarious book is one of my favorites to read, especially this time of year. It’s not necessarily a Halloween book, but zombies still make it a little creepy. This is perfect for kids who love silly stories that have a lot of heart. (When you’re done with this one, check out Zombie in Love 2 + 1)
4. Pug and Pig: Trick-or-Treat
By Sue Lowell Gallion
This short, heartfelt book is all about two friends who each feel differently about Halloween. One loves it and the other one doesn’t like it at all. It’s a great read for showing kids that it’s okay to like different things, and how we can still share experiences with our friends despite that. Pug and Pig are two of my favorite picture book characters.
5. How to Scare a Ghost
By Jean Reagan
This is a great read for older kids who are skeptical of spooky things. It’s a funny, lighthearted take on ghosts and trying to get away with scaring one. Kids will giggle over the silly illustrations and the different ways the kids attempt to “scare” the ghost and each other. Overall, a perfect addition to the Halloween book rotation!
There you have it! Some of my favorite, lighthearted Halloween reads. What are your favorite Halloween picture books?
