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Growing up, I was all about dressing up and trick or treating for a couple years longer than I probably should have. I would say my Halloween spirit was right on par. Average.
But then, I married my husband. I think it has something to do with his birthday being the week before Halloween, but he LOVES Halloween. He takes the kids to Halloween stores and the Halloween section of Target just to look around and get into the Halloween spirit. I can always count on him to dress up. He prefers something bloody/spooky, but he’s been known to indulge me with a Wesley and Princess Buttercup duo and the like here and there.
MY favorite way to participate in the Halloween festivities is to round up a nice big stack of Halloween books for us to read all month long, but not ones that will give my kids nightmares. Here are a few we all love:
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
We can’t wait to break this one out every year. This is an endearing story of a friendly witch and the animals she happens upon and brings on her journey across the countryside on her broom. We always watch the short on Netflix after. It’s delightful!
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams
This is a classic I read when I was little, so it’s very nostalgic for me. A brave old woman stands up to some spooks who really aren’t so spooky after all.
Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O’Connell
My kids LOVE this one. A witch moves into a haunted house and scares the timid ghosts away, one by one. But the ghosts aren’t too happy about being kicked out of their usual haunt, so they find a way to get it back. My kids love counting the hidden ghosts on every page.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling
What is Halloween without Harry Potter? These illustrated editions are so beautiful, and especially good for introducing Harry to younger kids.
The Widow’s Broom by Chris Van Allsburg
This story of a widow and an enchanted broom is made all the more magical by Chris Van Allsburg’s illustrations. And I love the subtle historical nod to the Salem Witch Trials.
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
If you’ve followed me for a bit, you already know of my adoration for Peter Brown’s books. We discovered this book over the summer and have loved it since. It’s a clever story about a bunny who helps himself to some carrots in a neighboring garden, until they start following him. Eating carrots became far more interesting to my kids after we read this.
How to Make Friends With a Ghost by Rebecca Green
This is the CUTEST guide to befriending (instead of being spooked by) a ghost. One worth owning, not just borrowing.
Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler
This book about a skeleton trying everything to get rid of his hiccups has been a longtime family favorite.
The Little Kitten by Nicola Killen
The sweetest little Halloween book with page cutout surprises.
Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohara
Such a creative book that takes the scariness out of ghosts.
I Am a Witch’s Cat by Harriet Muncaster
A cute little story about a girl who is sure her mom is a witch, but she doesn’t mind, because she’s a good witch. And every witch needs a black cat.
A Job for Wittilda by Caralyn and Mark Buehner
Such a fun (and funny) book about a witch who needs to figure out how to feed her 47 cats.
Julia’s House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke
A darling book about a creative girl who opens a house to unique creatures who need a place to land. But soon, they get a little out of hand, and she has to set some ground rules.
Pumpkin Heads by Wendell Minor
An ode to pumpkins and the different kinds of jack-o-lanterns they can become. The illustrations are fabulous.
Bone by Bone by Sara Levine
Not officially a Halloween book, but my kids think its fascinating. It’s all about the different bone structures of animals, and how our own skeletal systems stack up to theirs.
I’d love to add some of your favorite Halloween books to my list!
