Halloween fun doesn’t have to wait until October 31. These five picture books bring witches, ghosts and a little magical mischief to storytime, giving families plenty to read while counting down to trick-or-treating.
An Untold Story of the Halloween Fairy
By Diane Alber
You know the Tooth Fairy, but have you met the Halloween Fairy? This fairy isn’t a fan of spooky things, and she has a plan for all that trick-or-treat candy: trade it for magical dreams. The story offers families a playful way to introduce a candy-swapping tradition, with instructions for creating an invitation for the fairy. Ages 4-7.
When the Witch Wrote Back
By Nathan Christopher
When his new neighbor arrives with a cauldron, broomstick and black cat, Jake thinks he’s found the answer to his Halloween party preparations. Why clean and decorate when a witch could do it with a spell? His letters asking for help set up a rhyming story about taking responsibility – and discovering that even a little magic can’t replace trying. Ages 4-8.
Here a Creek, There a Shriek
By Kelly Conroy
“Old MacDonald” gets a Halloween makeover as readers explore a haunted farm filled with howling creatures, cackling witches and floating ghosts. The familiar rhythm invites kids to join in with spooky sounds as they travel through a corn maze and haunted woods toward a barn dance. There’s also a poster tucked inside the book jacket. Ages 3-7.
The Ghost Who Saved Halloween
By Jen Anyong
Ghost has had enough of candy getting all the attention on Halloween. Determined to put haunting back in the spotlight, he sets out to learn a new trick. With rhymes inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven,” this picture book gives a classic spooky poem a playful twist for young readers. Ages 4-8.
The Witch’s Cat and the Cooking Catastrophe
By Kirstie Watson
Surprising the witch with lunch seems like a thoughtful idea—until her cat mistakes a spellbook for a cookbook. His kitchen adventure quickly turns into a series of magical mishaps. A curious cat with good intentions makes this story an appealing pick for children who enjoy animals, magic and a little mealtime mayhem. Ages 4-8.
This collection of books was curated by freelance writer Lori Orlinsky, an award-winning, bestselling children’s book author and industry expert who lives and breathes children’s books.
