Seasonal reading is so much fun, and this list of Halloween graphic novels for kids and teens will put everyone in the mood for carving jack-o-lanterns and eating candy corn.

It's fair to say that most of these books are not Halloween-specific. I chose them because they are stories about creatures we associate with the spooky season. There are witches, ghosts, skeletons, monsters of all varieties, and pumpkins! Although a few titles feature very creepy characters, most of the graphic novels aren't really very scary, so you won't have to worry about your kids needing to sleep with the lights on!

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Ages 6-8

The graphic novels and Halloween comics in this first section are great picks for newly independent readers. Kids will also enjoy the titles on our list of Halloween early chapter books.

Skeleanor the Decomposer by Emily Ettlinger

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Like music? Love puns? This is the adorable and very un-scary Halloween graphic novel you need. Skeleanor longs to play music that others will enjoy. The trouble is that no matter what instrument she tries, everyone seems to run away when she plucks out a melody. The she meets Ms. Ratsimiziva, who runs a music group, and Skeleanor finally gains the confidence to play just the right tune.

I've always been struck by the way Halloween books often include social-emotional learning themes, which is why I put together a list of Halloween books about self-esteem. Skeleanor would feel right at home on it!

Fitz and Cleo (series) by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Heather Fox

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In this beginning graphic novel series the not-scary-at-all, paranormal adventures of siblings Fitz and Cleo are divided into very short chapters. Their supernatural shenanigans also involve the comic reactions of their rescued cat, Mister Boo.

MORE: Graphic novels for beginning readers

A Super Scary Narwhalloween (series) by Ben Clanton

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Clanton's popular Narwhal and Jelly graphic novel series includes this winning installment with a Halloween theme (and glow-in-the-dark cover!). Rest assured, despite the title, it's not actually "super scary." Like the rest of the series, Narwhal and Jelly's friendship takes center stage. Jelly is a bit nervous about the upcoming Halloween holiday, Narwhal is excited and their positive relationship dynamic is the reason everything turns out A-OK.

Olivia Wolf and the Night of the Giant Monsters (series) by José Fragoso

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Olivia the werewolf lives in Monstrosity with her creature and human friends. However, gigantic monsters have invaded! The biggest issue is the giant pink baby lightguzzler who eats light. Fortunately, Olivia's brother seems to be the key to preventing never-ending night from taking over. The story includes some battles, but they are not very scary. Translated from Spanish.

Middle Grade (ages 8-12)

Most of these middle grade Halloween graphic novels are suitable for ages 8 to 12, but a couple I've indicated are great choices for ages 7 and up, others best for 10 and up. For reading aloud during the fall season, choose a book from our list of Halloween novels to read aloud, filled with totally not-scary as well as bone-chilling tales.

Garlic and the Vampire (series) by Bree Paulsen

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How can you not want to read a story featuring anthropomorphized garlic? The adorable Garlic and her fellow vegetable friends work at the village market. They live under the kindly and motherly eye of Witch Agnes who enjoys watching them grow into independent members of a rather unique community. When they learn that a vampire lives in a nearby castle, it falls to the anxious Garlic to muster up the courage to confront him. Fortunately the vampire turns out not to be scary at all. Ages 7 and up.

Yorick and Bones by Jeremy Tankard and Hermione Tankard

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I honestly loved William Shakespeare's "lost graphic novel," so much that the fact that the main character is a skeleton was all the excuse I needed to recommend it as a Halloween book. Yorick the skeleton wakes up and starts looking to make some friends. He enlists the help of Bones, a nearby dog. This clever, clever tale is written in iambic pentameter but the language is completely accessible and so, so, so much fun. Ages 7 and up.

Silverwing (series) by Kenneth Oppel, illustrated by Christopher Steininger

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Does this graphic novel version of the 1997 novel have anything to do with Halloween? No. But it's about bats. Creatures of the night! And that is as Halloween as you can get in my book. Shade, a young bat, is separated from the other silverwing bats during the winter migration. His journey is fraught with peril. Along the way, he meets other creatures, both winged and grounded, all of which are brilliantly brought to life with Steininger's illustrations.

The Okay Witch (series) by Emma Steinkellner

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On Halloween, Moth accidentally discovers that she comes from a long line of witches with a complicated history in her Massachusetts town. All of the witches, except for Moth's mother fled the prosecution of witches and left the human world and live in the parallel of Hecate. Moth's personal coming-of-age story intersects with her school play about town's past and her budding friendship with a descendant of one of the town's 17th century inhabitants. This is an excellent series for readers who enjoy books like Harry Potter.

Lilla the Accidental Witch by Eleanor Crewes

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Lilla and her older sister, Dani, visit their aunt in Italy. While in Italy, the shy Lilla discovers she comes from a long line of witches and studies a magical book to learn how to use her powers. She encounters Stregamama, a malevolent ancient witch, and in order to avoid disaster, Lilla must look within herself and claim her identity. Also, there is an adorable cat! Ages 8 and up.

Hellaween by Moss Lawton

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Gwen is a witch who lives in suburbia. This Halloween, armed with a new magic book, she is determined to prove her supernatural worth to friends who have crossed the boundary between the Hallowlands and the human suburbs. However, there's the little problem of Hiro, a human who wants to expose all things supernatural. One of Gwen's spells go awry and everyone must work together to beat back the threat. Note: at the end of the book, there is a single instance of a word that rhymes with "witch". Nothing your kids haven't heard before! Ages 8 and up.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by P. Craig Russell

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I did enjoy the novel version more, but that's usually the case with me and books which get the graphic novel treatment. However, if you child just won't be reading anything but graphic novels, I recommend Russell's illustrated adaptation of Gaiman's classic tale about the boy Bod, who grows up with his paranormal caretakers. There are two volumes. Ages 9 and up.

Baba Yaga's Assistant by Marika McCoola, illustrated by Emily Carroll

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Baba Yaga's Assistant is a reimagining of a traditional Slavic folk tale. Distraught at the fact that her father is remarrying, Masha decides to try out for an assistant gig with the local witch. She gets into the house on chicken legs but Baba Yaga puts here through a series of magical tests. Masha draws on her intelligence to outsmart the devious witch. Age 10 and up.

MORE: Graphic novels with a fairy tale theme

YA (Young Adult)

All of these Halloween-ish books have a light romance theme that pushes them into the YA category. I would only consider Hollow, a reworking of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, to be scary. Our list of Halloween audiobooks for families also has some great choices for teens!

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, illustrated by Wendy Xu

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Teen witch, Nova Huang (she wears hearing aids), works at her grandmother's bookshop. After she rescues her werewolf friend, Tam, the two work together to take down the demon who was after him. This is an engaging YA graphic novel with both disability and queer representation that contains magic, adventure and a sweet romance. Ages 12 and up.

Hollow by Shannon Watters and Branden Boyer-White, illustrated by Berenice Nelle

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Isabel Crane has just moved to Sleepy Hollow. Yep, the Sleepy Hollow of Washington Irving fame. While the town is getting ready for the Halloween madness, Izzy befriends Vicky Van Tassel, a descendant of the famed character in the local legend. Together with fellow classmate, Croc Byun, they discover that the legend of Sleepy Hollow may actually be real. Now, along with all the angst (and a little romance) that accompanies being a teenager they must thwart a Headless Horseman and his evil plans. Ages 12 and up.

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell, illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

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Here's another fun Halloween graphic novel for a YA audience that mixes holiday icons with teenage romance. High school seniors Deja and Josiah work together at the Succotash Hut pumpkin patch every autumn. This Halloween is their last season together and the two are going to make the most of it, including helping Josiah finally talk to his crush. Funny, cute and a little emo, too. Ages 14 and up

The post Sweet and Spooky-ish: Halloween Graphic Novels appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

You should know I am not a horror fan. I don't like scary movies and I don't usually like scary books. To accommodate those of you with weak constitutions like mine, this list is separated into scary and non-scary Halloween books.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

What's your preference? Ghosts? Witches? Flying pumpkins? Spooky forests? I've got you covered.

Non-Scary Halloween Novels

These Halloween themed short novels are great for families with sensitive kids, and those with young children will also enjoy the titles on our list of Halloween Early Chapter Books.

The Little Leftover Witch by Florence Laughlin

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Mischievous Felina is a young witch and one Halloween she breaks her broom and can't get back home. She spends a year with a mortal family learning all about what it means to be loved.

Jenny's Moonlight Adventure by Esther Averill

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Jenny and her urban feline friends gather together on Halloween to hear a performance from nose-flutist Madame Butterfly. But, oh no! The nose flute has gone missing. I love the Jenny and the Cat Club series and your kids will enjoy these classic books that easily stand the test of time.

Little Witch by Anna Elizabeth Bennett

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Published over 60 years ago, this book still enchants me. Minikin, a nine year old witch, wishes she were an ordinary mortal girl—not one with a witch for a mother. (I could make a joke about that, but I will resist.) Her current goal is to conjure up a fairy. She starts a real school despite her mother's prohibition against it, and makes a mortal friend, Frances. A book with lots of magic, kindness and old-fashioned fun.

The Witch Family by Eleanor Estes

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Eleanor Estes (an author with multiple Caldecott honors to her name) penned this book about two seven year girls who create an elaborate story about an imaginary "Old Witch." They decide that Old Witch needs to start mending her wicked ways or else there will be no Halloween. The blurred boundary between reality and make-believe worlds is just what every child hopes for. Ages 8 and up.

The Worst Witch (series) by Jill Murphy

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This series takes place at a  boarding school for magic kids. In the introductory novel, Mildred begins her first year by getting a black cat and a broom. Poor Mildred, however, is not exactly the most skillful, coordinated witch in her class and her cat is a tabby! She mixes up potions and spells causing all sorts of chaos (and fun, of course).

The Little Witch by Otfried Preussler

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First published in 1957, Preußler's The Little Witch has been released in translation by the New York Review Children's Collections. After she sneaks away from Walpurgis Night, the other witches take away Little Witch's broomstick as punishment. In order to get it back, she must exhibit witch-worthy behavior for a year. But the little witch finds out that she likes being a good witch much better! The way she manages to be a good witch in every sense made for a very satisfying ending.

Invisible Inkling: Dangerous Pumpkins by Emily Jenkins

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I absolutely adore this series set in Brooklyn, and so do my two boys. This is the second book about fourth grader Hank Wolowitz whose invisible pet loves Halloween and decides to take charge of the holiday. Quirky, kooky and lots of crazy hijinks that will have your kids laughing out loud.

The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson

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The chaos-creating band of kids from the classic, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, bring just as much mayhem to Halloween as they did to Christmas. When the Herdmans cause too much trouble with their mischievous ways and pranks, the mayor threatens to cancel Halloween. If what you really want is a funny Halloween book, this is the one to check out!

Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones, illustrated by Paul O. Zelenski

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I found Diana Wynne Jones’ final book fairly odd, but then so is the main character (you might expect the same from a girl named “Earwig”). Earwig was adopted by a very bizarre, but very magical couple. Shes hopes to learn magic, but is treated as a servant instead. However, the clever Earwig and a talking cat are soon able to outwit their guardians. This is for kids who love pure fantasy with odd-ball humor.

No Such Thing as a Witch by Ruth Chew

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You could chose any one of Chew's classic Matter of Fact Magic series for a magical Halloween holiday read. Nora and Tad have a new neighbor who loves animals and whose delicious fudge has magical properties. But there's no such thing as a witch! Or is there?

Slightly Spooky and Scary Halloween Novels

Families with older kids will enjoy these scary Halloween novels. They vary in range of spookiness, but they are not for the easily scared! For more books in this vein, peruse our list of gothic middle grade novels! Check the age range for each book, they range from 8 and up to 10 and up.

Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery (series) by Deborah and James Howe

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I remember all the kids talking about this book when I was growing up. It's told from the viewpoint of Harold the dog, which makes for some fun read aloud moments. Bunnicula is a vampire rabbit who sucks the juice from—wait for it—vegetables. Ages 9 and up.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls (series) by John Bellairs, illustrated by Edward Gorey

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What would Halloween be without Edward Gorey illustrations? I'm sure I don't know. Add this 1973 classic to your read aloud list if you're looking for a weird and gothic Halloween mystery. The orphan (it's always an orphan, isn't it?), Lewis Barnavelt, goes to live with his warlock uncle in a great big house. Lewis discovers that the house's previous owners (evil as they were) placed a clock in the walls. A clock that was programmed to destroy all mankind. Dun dun dun. Ages 10 and up.

Small Spaces (series) by Katherine Arden

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In this spine-tingling horror story, 11-year-old Ollie spends her time reading stolen books. She reads a ghost story about a "smiling man" who will grant a wish at a steep price. On a class trip, Ollie starts to believe the smiling man may be real. When her wristwatch gives her the warning to run, she and two classmates head towards the woods. Super, super creepy. Ages 10 and up.

The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright

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This book scared the bejeezus out of me when I was a kid. I am still freaked out thinking about it! Amy hears mysterious sounds coming from her dollhouse at night and her Aunt Claire is exceeding distressed about the dolls. Amy wonders if the dolls have a connection to the murders of her great-grandparents. If your kids like a good scare, this is the book to read this Halloween.  Best for families with kids ages 10 and up.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

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This is a wonderful, beautifully written book, bittersweet and magical. Nobody Owens, or Bod as he is known, was supposed to be murdered the night his parents were. But as a toddler, he managed to escape. Now he lives in the graveyard where he is raised by ghosts. The narrative is formatted into small, episodic stories and makes a great read aloud, especially when the wind is whistling and the leaves are swirling. Gaiman's Coraline is another good read aloud choice. Ages 9 and up.

Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost (series) by Cornelia Funke

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We read Funke's Santa book at Christmas, so it's only natural we would turn to her at Halloween, too! Nine-year old-Tom becomes an apprentice ghosthunter after finding a ASG (Average Spooky Ghost) in the basement. Lots of fun, and also a good independent read for kids ages 7-10.

A Tale Dark and Grimm (series) by Adam Gidwitz

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In this subversive re-imagining of "Hansel and Gretel," a sly and snarky narrator offers warnings, observations and opinions on the action.  The story, in which the siblings journey on to try and find a set of decent parents, somehow manages to merge eight different Grimm fairy tales into one cohesive tale. An engaging story, but not for the faint of heart. Ages 9 and up.

The Witches by Roald Dahl

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When I was a kid, this is another novel that scared the bejeezus out of me. Other children may not feel the same way, but the whole idea of witches turning little kids into mice did not sit well with me. Perhaps your kids will feel otherwise. Nevertheless, this book has all of Dahl's wonderful trademark weirdness. Ages 8 and up.

Doll Bones by Holly Black

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Three kids, Poppy, Alice and Zach have spent their childhood in make-believe worlds and adventures in which a bone china doll is The Great Queen. When Zach's father forces him to stop playing, Poppy says that the doll is actually made from the bones of a dead girl, Eleanor, and that the three kids must give her a proper burial so Eleanor can finally be put to rest. (Newbery Honor Book). Best for families where all the kids are ages 9 and up.

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

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This book oozes atmosphere and will remind you of a good Victorian gothic novel. It will be much too scary for sensitive children. The Night Gardener is a malevolent spirit that haunts the grounds of an old English manor house. Two Irish siblings, trusty Molly and courageous Kip meet the Night Gardener and become embroiled in the strange, creepy curse that envelops the place. Ages 10 and up.

Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega

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Ortega's ghost story draws upon Dominican mythology. Despite the creepy themes, this story of friends, Lucely and Syd, who accidentally awaken evil spirits in their St. Augustine home also manages to be funny and sweet. Lucely's father runs a ghost tour business and when her grandmother's spirit disappears during one of the tours, Lucely and Syd hunt for a spell book to wake her up. Ages 8 and up.

A Properly Unhaunted Place by William Alexander

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Rosa Diaz and her mother have just moved to Ingot, the only unhaunted town in the country. However, Rosa's mother is a library ghost appeasement specialist so Rosa doesn't understand why they have come to Ingot. Rosa and her new friend Jasper start to discover that reason Ingot is no longer haunted and they set out to restore the balance by letting the spirits back in where they belong. Recommended for ages 8 and up, only slightly spooky.

The post Scary & Non-Scary Halloween Novels for Family Read Aloud Time appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

These Halloween chapter books are generally for kids ages 5-10 (depending on reading level, of course!) and for kids who love comic books you'll find several more choices on the list of Halloween graphic novels. For chapter books for kids ages 8-10, that also make excellent family read alouds, check out these fantastic Halloween novels. And for many hundreds more early chapter books for kids ages 5-10 see all of my lists in the archives here.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Halloween Chapter Books for Ages 6-10

I made an attempt here to arrange the books from the earliest reading level to the latest. Nate the Great starts us off with a Halloween book that is close to an easy reader and Invisible Inkling easily qualifies as a middle grade book that is great Halloween reading for 8-10 year olds.

Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Mac Simont

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This series is perfect for kids on the upper level of easy reader books who are excited about moving on to books with real chapters. Nate the Great is a classic, reliable series. In this book he helps a friend find her lost cat.

Dragon's Halloween by Dav Pilkey

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Words cannot express how much I love the hysterical misadventures of Dragon. This whole series is a hoot, especially if you like dry, tongue in cheek humor. It's Halloween and Dragon is going in search of the biggest pumpkin so he can make a super scary jack o'lantern. But all that is left in the pumpkin patch are 6 tiny pumpkins! This is a very easy to read, very early Halloween chapter book that will have kids in stitches.

Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

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Porcine wonder Mercy Watson is a seriously crazy pig and of course Halloween with her will be both disastrous and hilarious. It will also include buttered toast.

Princess Posey and the Monster Stew by Stephanie Greene, illustrated by Stephanie Roth Sisson

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There are a number of early chapter book series that have Halloween editions. This Princess Posey edition is quite enjoyable. I found it surprisingly charming and it thoughtfully addressed anxieties over the Halloween scare factor.

The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen

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I adored the weirdness of this tale. On a dark night, Otilla meets a talking skull who becomes her friend. Otilla aims to protect Skull from headless skeleton chases, which pursues him each night. More oddball than spooky, Klassen's signature illustrations and wry humor are on full and glorious display.

Crimson Twill: Witch in the County by Kallie George, illustrated by Birgitta Sif

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In the sequel to Crimson Twill: Witch in the City, the eponymous witch invites her friends from New Wart City to Cackle County. Things go a little haywire, however, when it starts to rain rotten applesauce and magic broom straw causes Wesley to float away. Not to worry–with humor, word play and a cauldron of stew, Crimson Twill will figure things out.

Jenny's Moonlight Adventure by Esther Averill

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Jenny and her urban feline friends gather together on Halloween to hear a performance from nose-flutist Madame Butterfly. But, oh no! The nose flute has gone missing. I love the Jenny and the Cat Club series and your kids will enjoy these classic books that easily stand the test of time.

The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The chaos-creating band of kids from the classic, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, bring just as much mayhem to Halloween as they did to Christmas.

Invisible Inkling: Dangerous Pumpkins by Emily Jenkins

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

I absolutely adore this series set in Brooklyn, and so do my two boys. This is the second book about fourth grader Hank Wolowitz whose invisible pet loves Halloween and decides to take charge of the holiday. Quirky, kooky and lots of crazy hijinks that will have your kids laughing out loud.

Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine

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I won't lie. I have never enjoyed horror genre books. However, that's not to say your kids won't love the very popular Goosebumps series. It goes without saying that this is the most Halloween-ish of Halloween chapter book series! Ghosts, monsters, witches, slime and spooky scares galore. There are several spin-off series, including Goosebumps House of Shivers.

If your child has a favorite early chapter book series, whether it be My Weird School or Katie Kazoo or Ready Freddy, check the shelves because there is sure to be a Halloween themed book in the series!

The post Halloween Early Chapter Books for Kids appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

NOTE: Recommended ages are listening ages.

This post contains Audible and Libro.fm affiliate links. Libro.fm supports independent booksellers. Use code CHOOSEINDIE at Libro.fm to receive 2 free audiobooks with your membership. You can try Audible out for free here which also gives you 2 free audiobooks.

MERCY WATSON: PRINCESS IN DISGUISE by Kate DiCamillo

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You can never go wrong with Mercy Watson! Princess in Disguise is the perfect non-scary Halloween audiobook for families with young children who want something a bit longer than a picture book. The Watsons squeeze their porcine wonder into a princess costume, but all Mercy can think of is buttered toast. Let the mayhem begin! Ages 3 and up. 20 minutes.

MORE: Non-scary and scary Halloween novels to read aloud

UPSIDE-DOWN MAGIC (series) by by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle & Emily Jenkins

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My son gobbled up the audiobooks of this cute and clever series that centers on a group of kids with unconventional magical abilities. The action follows the adventures of the children as they learn to harness and control their magic while navigating the typical ups and downs of school life. The series was also adapted into a DisneyPlus series. It's not scary at all. Ages 5 and up. 3 hours 8 minutes.

MORE: Magical October Read Alouds for the Whole Family

THE BOGGART by Susan Cooper

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We loved this hilarious book about an invisible, magical and mischievous spirit. The Boggart lives in an old Scottish castle but he accidentally gets transported to Toronto while trapped in an old desk. He has fun making mischief in his new digs but soon he feels homesick and searches for a way to get back to Scotland. Ages 6 and up. 4 hours 48 minutes

THE WITCH FAMILY by Eleanor Estes

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Estes penned this book about two seven year girls who create an elaborate story about an imaginary "Old Witch." They decide that Old Witch needs to start mending her wicked ways or else there will be no Halloween. The blurred boundary between reality and make-believe worlds is just what every child hopes for. Ages 5 and up. 4 hours 42 minutes

THE BEST WORST HALLOWEEN EVER by Barbara Robinson

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The chaos-creating band of kids from the classic, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, bring just as much mayhem and laughs to Halloween as they did to Christmas. This time, when the Herdmans cause too much trouble with their mischievous ways and pranks, the mayor threatens to cancel Halloween. Ages 4 and up. 1 hour 33 minutes

MORE: A Year of Family Audiobooks

THE WITCHES by Roald Dahl

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When I was a kid, this novel that scared the bejeezus out of me. Other kids may not feel the same way, but the whole idea of witches turning little kids into mice gave me the creeps. Perhaps your kids will feel otherwise. Nevertheless, this book has all of Dahl's wonderful trademark weirdness. Ages 5 and up. 4 hours 28 minutes

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

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This is a wonderful, beautifully written book, bittersweet and magical.  Nobody Owens, or Bod as he is known, was supposed to be murdered the night his parents were. But as a toddler, he managed to escape. Now he is being raised by ghosts and lives in the graveyard. There are two audiobook versions–read by the author and a full cast. Go for the full cast reading! Ages 8 and up. 8 hours 24 minutes

THE HALLOWEEN TREE by Ray Bradbury

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When a group boys go trick or treating and one of the boys gets taken away by a mysterious element, it's the creepy Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud who journeys with the boys through time to find him. The journey teaches them the history of Halloween and traditions surrounding death, ghosts and spirits. Older kids and teens will also enjoy Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes. Ages 9 and up. 3 hours 38 minutes

MORE: Thanksgiving Audiobooks

THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW by Washington Irving

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If your kids can handle a scary Halloween audiobook, Irving's 1820 classic ghost story will be right up their alley. Schoolmaster Ichabod Crane arrives in Sleepy Hollow and falls in love with Katrina Van Tassel. However, a local man, “Brom Bones” Van Brun, is also vying for her hand. One fateful night after Ichabod's suit is rejected, he rides home on his trusty horse, Gunpowder, only to meet, with tragic consequences, the ghost of a headless Hessian soldier. Ages 10 and up. 1 hour 17 minutes

VARIOUS WORKS by Edgar Allen Poe

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You'll be able to find a plethora of audiobook versions of Poe's work. I can't say that I recommend one over the other, although Vincent Price is a fun narrator. Choose whatever your library has for you to download into your listening app. A collection of his works will give you and your kids the opportunity to listen to creepy favorites like "The Raven" and "The Tell-Tale Heart." Ages 8-10 and up. Listing times vary.

MORE: Gothic Children's Books

The post Best Halloween Audiobooks for Families appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Gothic children's books can be scary, but they don't have to be. Yes, this list of gothic novels for ages 8-13 includes some creepy choices, however the terror is sometimes offset by a tongue-in-cheek humor and a cleverly mischievous narrative voice. Nevertheless, they aren't for the faint of heart.

When you think "gothic literature" you probably think of 19th century British literature like Jane Eyre, The Woman in White, Oliver Twist, or perhaps American authors such as Edgar Allen Poe, and Washington Irving.

So dim the lights, get out the candelabras, grab something to hold on to, and crack open the spines of one of these fantastical and whimsical gothic novels for kids.

Note: this post contains affiliate links to Amazon and Bookshop that may earn commission. Bookshop supports independent booksellers.

THE WOLVES OF WILLOUGHBY CHASE (series) by Joan Aiken

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I loved this classic book as a child, and as an adult I love the alliterative title. It takes an ultra talented author like Joan Aiken to turn what could easily be a predictable, gothic plot into an exciting, suspenseful tale. Two cousins persevere against all odds when they are thrown under the protection of rather sinister guardian with the Dickensian name of Mrs. Slighcarp. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Castle Books for Kids

THE GHOST OF MIDNIGHT LAKE by Lucy Strange

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This gothic children's novel has it all! There's the huge English estate, the death of a father that reveals a secret paternity, an evil cousin, a missing priceless family heirloom known as the "Queen's Stone," a blind midwife who holds the secret, and of course the wonderful, eerie atmosphere. When 12-year-old Agatha's father dies, she is booted from the Gosswater estate and sent to live with her newly revealed biological father who is a farmer and stonemason. Agatha is determined to find out the truth about her family history with the help of her friend, Bryn. Full of suspense and intrigue! (Known as The Ghost of Gosswater in the UK) Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Girl Detective Mysteries

THE POLTER-GHOST PROBLEM by Betsy Uhrig

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Uhrig's enjoyable and amusing story of three boys and their encounters with ghosts is among the least scary on this list. While it doesn't have a typical gothic-style narrative voice, it has several key elements of the gothic novel, including an abandoned orphanage that looks "just like a haunted house," long-lost relatives, disinherited children, mysterious pasts and women with three eyebrows. (I threw that last one in there to spark your curiosity.) Three friends are working on a summer project when they are lured to the haunted orphanage inhabited by a gaggle of ghost-children. The ghosts ask for the boys' help in solving the mystery of why they are trapped in the house. Ages 8 and up.

THE WILLOUGHBYS by Lois Lowry

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This is also a not-scary choice. Do your kid like literacy references and tongue-in-cheek, melodramatic humor? Fans of Lemony Snicket will enjoy this tale of four children, Tim, Barnaby A, Barnaby B, and Jane who fancy themselves to be "old-fashioned" in the vein of book heroes and heroines. When their unpleasant parents go off on a world trip, the siblings are left with a not-so-odious-after-all nanny and end up being semi-adopted by their lonely neighbor who has taken in a baby found on his doorstep. I enjoyed this novel, but the rather wicked and irreverent and quirky humor is not for every child. I did like the Lowry included a glossary and a bibliography, written in the same gothic style as the rest of the novel. Ages 8 and up.

THE NIGHT GARDNER by Jonathan Auxier

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This book oozes atmosphere will remind you of a good Victorian gothic novel. It will be much too scary for sensitive children. The Night Gardener is a malevolent spirit that haunts the grounds of an old English manor house. Two Irish siblings, trusty Molly and courageous Kip meet the Night Gardener and become embroiled int the strange, creepy curse that envelops the place. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Scary and Not-So-Scary Halloween Novels for Children

GHOST SQUAD by Claribel A. Ortega

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Ortega's ghost story draws upon Dominican mythology. Despite the creepy themes, this story of friends, Lucely and Syd, who accidentally awaken evil spirits in their St. Augustine home also manages to be funny and sweet. Lucely's father runs a ghost tour business and when her grandmother's spirit disappears during one of the tours, Lucely and Syd hunt for a spell book to wake her up. Ages 8 and up.

SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK (series) by Robert Beatty

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Serafina lives in secret in the basement of the Vanderbilts' Biltmore estate. Looked after by her adoptive father, Serafina's strange body allows her to go unnoticed and contort herself into small places. She uses her abilities in a search for clues to the mysterious disappearance of several children on the estate. Her search ultimately leads her to discover the secret of her origins. All the gothic elements are here: otherworldly beings, secrets and disappearances, orphans, a vast estate and an eerie forest, even a carriage accident! Ages 9 and up.

THE SCANDALOUS SISTERHOOD OF PRICKWILLOW PLACE by Julie Berry

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I loved this splendidly wicked book. I listened to the audiobook narration of this twist on the Victorian boarding school mystery novel, and it was glorious. I didn't know what to expect and when in the first few pages, the headmistress and her brother drop dead from poison, and the girls subsequently decide to bury them instead of report it, I thought, "how macabre!" The girls, who have wonderful monikers like "Smooth Kitty," "Disgraceful Mary Jane," and "Stout Alice," decide to try and convince everyone that their headmistress is still alive so they can avoid being sent home.  Author Berry is a smart, clever storyteller with a sharp wit. Great for readers who like Roald Dahl. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Mysterious Middle Grade Novels for ages 8-13

THE CROWFIELD CURSE (series) by Pat Walsh

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This is a great choice for kids who like an extra dose of magic in their gothic stories. Set in the 14th century, The Crowfield's Curse tell's the story of Will, an orphan who mysteriously survived a fire that killed the rest of his family. He now lives and works at the Crowfield Abbey, performing menial tasks in exchange for room and board. One afternoon in the woods he rescues a hob from a steel trap. He then learns the secret of the Abbey–decades ago when an angel was shot down and buried on the grounds. Now a mysterious duo is searching for the angel, revealing secrets and magic. Ages 9 and up.

OF SALT AND SHORE by Annet Schaap

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Schaap's gothic novel was first published in Dutch. The narrative tells the story from several characters' point of view. Lampie, a young girl, lives with her grief-stricken father in the lighthouse. One evening a violent storm prevents Lampie from lighting the beacon, causing a terrible shipwreck. Lampie is removed from her father's care and sent to work in the foreboding, "Black House," which is shrouded in tales of a monster living in the turret. Themes of cruelty and abuse make this a page-turning choice for upper middle grade readers. Ages 11 and up.

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

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This is a wonderful, beautifully written book, bittersweet and magical.  Nobody Owens, or Bod as he is known, was supposed to be murdered the night his parents were. But as a toddler, he managed to escape. Now he lives in the graveyard where he is raised by ghosts. The narrative is formatted into small, episodic stories and makes a great read aloud, especially when the wind is whistling and the leaves are swirling. Ages 9 and up.

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS (series) by Lemony Snicket

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You have probably heard of this best selling series (or watched the Netflix series) filled with orphans and guardians worthy of the best gothic Victorian melodramas. The Baudelaire children, upon learning that their parents have perished in a fire are delivered into the hands of the evil Count Olaf who is determined to get a hold of their fortune. The narrator consistently reminds the reader that this book is filled with depressing events and has an unhappy ending (all in good fun of course) so be prepared! Ages 8 and up.

NANCY AND PLUM by Betty MacDonald

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This choice is not scary and is a great read aloud for the holiday season. This 1952 book from the author of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is the perfect recipe for an old-fashioned read aloud:  two orphaned sisters, an unctuous boarding school mistress who feeds them hard oatmeal, a wealthy bachelor uncle, a Christmas setting and a feel good ending in which evil fails and good triumphs.

MORE: Christmas Novels to Read Aloud

Gothic Poetry for Children

THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN RIDES TONIGHT AND OTHER POEMS TO TROUBLE YOUR SLEEP by Jack Prelutsky

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I adore the poetry of the prolific Prelutsky, a former U.S. Children's Poet Laureate. This particular collection of poetry is great for the run-up to Halloween but I don't recommend it for sensitive children who are easily frightened. However, kids who are fascinated by mummies, zombies and other imaginary ghouls will love listening to Prelutsky's imaginative word play. Ages 7 and up.

MORE: Classic and Contemporary Halloween Poems for Children

POETRY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: EDGAR ALLEN POE edited by Brod Bagert, illustrated by Carolynn Cobleigh

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When you think "gothic poetry," no doubt Poe is the first person who comes to mind. Well known for his short story, "The Tell-Tale Heart," which almost every American student reads in school, his spooky poems are also worth a read. This collection includes illustrations alongside poems like "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee." Ages 8 and up.

The post Gothic Children's Books (ages 8-13) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Halloween books about learning to accept oneself makes sense. Donning a literal costume on Halloween makes us think about the figurative costumes and masks we wear in real life.

But enough of philosophy. The main point is that theses Halloween picture books about self-esteem are awesome, they will make you smile—and in some cases laugh out loud.

Trick or Treat and Happy Reading! (Please note: links to purchase books are affiliate links that may earn commission.)

Herbert's First Halloween by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Steven Henry.

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Herbert (who, as you can see, is a cute little pig) is nervous about his very first Halloween. His dad is very understanding and coaches him through the process of getting ready for the big day. They carve pumpkins, put together a swell tiger costume and even practice roaring. Herbert has gained so much confidence and enjoyed the big day's festivities that he even declares that next year he will be a bear!

The Hallo-Weiner by Dav Pilkey

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This is truly the funniest Halloween book you will ever read. When you're a wiener dog it is pure torture to have a mom make you wear a hot-dog costume! All of Oscar's fellow dog friends make fun of him. But soon the joke is on them because the other dogs are actually scaredy-cats! Oscar, it turns out this the bravest wiener dog around and earns his friends' appreciation when he saves the night.

The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz

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What's a pumpkin to do at Halloween when he doesn't look like his fellow pumpkins? No one wants him around. As it turns out, it's best to wait until Thanksgiving when you will discover your real peer group!

MORE: Halloween audiobooks

A Tiger Called Tomás by Charlotte Zolotow, illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

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Renowned picture book author, Charlotte Zolotow penned this lovely story of the new kid in the neighborhood who is too shy to meet his neighbors until he dons a tiger costume. When he discovers that his neighbors all know him despite the costume the result is heartwarming. Zolotow's original, A Tiger Called Thomas, has been re-illustrated several times, so your library may have a different version.

Excuse Me Are You a Witch? by Emily Horn, illustrated by Pawel Pawlak.

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A little black cat named Herbert is quite lonely. He doesn't have a family or friends. And the windy, cold weather makes him feel absolutely miserable. One day he goes into a library and starts to read a book called "The Encyclopedia of Witches." He learns that witches love black cats! If only he could find a witch! So he sets off to find a witch to whom he can belong. At first it's not so easy. But when he gets back to the library, his fortunes change and he finds his place in the world.

The Bumpy Little Pumpkin by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand.

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I adore this sweet book about the youngest witch of three sisters who wants to make a jack-o-lantern out of not-so-perfect pumpkin. Her sisters poo-poo the idea, but a few friendly animals help her out.

More Halloween books: 

• Diverse Halloween books
• Halloween novels to read aloud
• Halloween chapter books for kids

The post Halloween Picture Books About Self-Esteem appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

I chose to stick to an October reading theme that would remind you of the Halloween holiday festivities at the end of the month but are not necessarily about Halloween! There are some mildly spine-tingling books on this list but mostly they are about magic, fall leaves in action and a ghost or two. For more October reading resources keep the following lists handy:

• Non-scary and scary Halloween read aloud chapter books
• Halloween-themed early chapter books (ages 6-10)
• Halloween picture books that emphasize self-esteem
• Diverse Halloween picture books
• Fall read aloud chapter books the whole family will love!

(Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.)

October Picture Book Read Alouds

These magic and fall-themed books for your October reading list will charm and delight your little listeners!

Miss Turie's Magical Creatures by Joy Keller. This whimsical, rhyming book will appeal to kids of all ages. Miss Turie with her glorious hairdo is an expert at matching kids to the ideal magical pet. She takes a boy on a tour of her enchanting pet shop, offering him a chance to take home any curious creature. She has a unicorn, a chimera, a kraken, and more! But the boy chooses the fiercest animal of all. Can you guess what it is? I love that there is a catalog at the end of the book that gives more information on each of the magical beasts!

The Scarecrow's Dance by Jane Yolen. What happens to scarecrows at night? Do they wander? Do they say their prayers? Yolen's flowing, dancing text tells the story of a scarecrow, freed from his post, who dances through the night, looking in on a boy saying his prayers. Listening to the boy, the scarecrow remembers his purpose and returns to his place, with a renewed spirit.

Storm by Sam Usher. This is an absolutely lovely story about a boy and his grandfather's attempt to fly a kite. A blustery autumn storm stirs up the rainbow of fall leaves, making the challenge of kite flying both inviting and challenging.  Ultimately, the kite adventure on a crisp October day is as rewarding for the boy and grandfather as it is for the reader.

Sir Simon - Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson. My 9-year-old son (never too old for picture books!) got a lot of giggles from this book about a rather sweet ghost. Should you want an October read aloud book that steers close to a Halloween theme, pick up this new title. Sir Simon is a ghost who loves haunting. His new assignment is to haunt a house, which means a lot more work than just haunting the odd object here and there. When he realizes a boy lives in the house he comes up with a brilliant plan to lessen his load, but will it work?

October Poetry Collections

Regularly reading poetry to your kids will make you the greatest parent (or teacher, or grandparent, or caregiver) ever!

The Headless Horseman Rides Tonight and Other Poems to Trouble Your Sleep by Jack Prelutsky. I adore the poetry of the prolific Prelutsky, a former U.S. Children's Poet Laureate. This particular collection of poetry is great for the run-up to Halloween but I don't recommend it for sensitive children who are easily frightened. However, kids who are fascinated by mummies, zombies and other imaginary ghouls will love listening to Prelutsky's imaginative word play.

Autumnblings by Douglas Florian. Florian's wonderful use of inventive words enhance these joyful poems about the pleasures and rituals of autumn. These poems are not scary at all, so you can read one every night during the month of October and your children will slumber sweetly and remember bedtime fondly.

October Chapter Book Read Alouds

One or two of these magical novels will give you a special month of reading with no problem! If you have a younger child who doesn't like scary books try one of the first two (my son LOVED them), but if you and your children like more risky reading, try the second two books!  If these aren't enough for you try one of my fall family read aloud books.

The Boggart by Susan Cooper (trilogy). We loved reading aloud this hilarious book about an invisible, magical and mischievous spirit. The Boggart lives in an old Scottish castle but he accidentally gets transported to Toronto when he is trapped in an old desk. He has fun making mischief in his new digs but soon he feels homesick and searches for a way to get back home. Recommended for listeners ages 6-7 and up.

Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead. Here's another book about a small magical creature far from home. Mass and Stead wrote the book in alternating voices. 11-year-old Livy returns to her grandmother's farm in Australia and finds a small green sprite-like creature in the closet. Bob insists that he and Livy were friends when she was last there when she was five years old, but Livy doesn't remember. Together they set out to figure out who Bob is and where he is from. Recommended for listeners ages 6-7 and up.

Where the Woods End by Charlotte Salter. I loved this suspenseful read and while it's a good book to read in October, it is not for sensitive children. Kestrel hunts "grabbers," frightening creatures that thrive on your fears. Kestrel and her amusing weasel companion work on finding a way out of the woods so Kestrel can escape her grotesque home life and the bullies in her village. But when Kestrel's own grabber starts to appear she must learn how to defeat it or escape before it catches up with her. Recommended for ages 8 and up, but middle school kids and even teens will enjoy this as a family read aloud, too.

A Properly Unhaunted Place by William Alexander is a less scary choice, but one that still has some good October-ish and Halloween-ish vibes. Rosa Diaz and her mother have just moved to Ingot, the only unhaunted town in the country. However, Rosa's mother is a library ghost appeasement specialist so Rosa doesn't understand why they have come to Ingot. Rosa and her new friend Jasper start to discover that reason Ingot is no longer haunted and they set out to restore the balance by letting the spirits back in where they belong. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Not for the very sensitive child, but not nearly as scary as my previous selection.

Don't forget to look out for our other monthly read aloud book lists: 

• January read alouds
• February read alouds
• March read alouds
• April read alouds
• May read alouds
• June read alouds
• July read alouds 
• August read alouds 
• September read alouds
• November read alouds
• December read alouds

The post The Best, Most Magical October Read Alouds appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Some of these books introduce children to traditions and stories from non-western cultures, but most are diverse Halloween picture books that feature children of color enjoying the holiday. (Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links. Affiliate links mean this blog earns a small commission from purchases. Books are chosen solely on merit.)

Books about Costumes and Trick or Treating

A Tiger Called Thomas by Charlotte Zolotow, illustrated by Diana Cain Bluthenthal. This is one of my all time favorite Halloween books and I will keep my copy forever and ever! A lovely story of the new kid in the neighborhood who is too shy to meet his neighbors until he dons a tiger costume. When he discovers that his neighbors all know him despite the costume the result is heartwarming. (Note: The original 1963 edition does not feature an African-American protagonist.)

Behind the Mask by Yangsook Choi is an excellent and unique addition to your Halloween story time! Kimin has a mysterious memory of seeing his grandfather with a scary face. One day he finds a box containing the face and Kimin realizes what he saw was actually a mask! He learns that his grandfather was a Korean mask dancer and Kimin decides to wear the mask as part of his Halloween costume. His unique costume brings the neighborhood kids together and they try a little Korean dancing of their own.

Halloween Monster by Catherine Stock. Halloween is coming and after Tommy is worried about monsters and other creatures he innocently hears about from his friend Billy. His understanding mother helps him through his anxiety and they come up with a costume idea together so Tommy can join his friends for trick or treating. The text here is straightforward and the resolution is easy, but the book is also friendly and well-written. Preschoolers will enjoy recognizing traditional fall activities like jumping in leaves and roasting pumpkin seeds and may even see themselves in Tommy as he checks for monsters under the bed and in his closet.

Sweets and Treats by Toni Trent Parker, photographs by Earl Anderson. This is a great book for toddlers and preschoolers with inviting photographs and lively rhymes about Halloween traditions. The series includes titles for other holidays, as well.

Books about Ghosts

These diverse Halloween books about ghosts will help children reimagine the scariness of ghosts! Only one of these titles has a specific Halloween theme but any of them are excellent choices for Halloween reading or any time during the year when children have an interest in, or a fear of, ghosts.

Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson. Leo is a ghost. He is looking forward to introducing himself to the new family moving into his house. The new family doesn't quite feel the same way, so Leo goes out into the world where he meets Jane, a young girl who loves imaginary play, and the two develop an authentic and charming friendship. Plus, author Mac Barnett's storytelling is so very, very clever. Robinson's illustrations are marvelous and offer the perfect amount of ghostly-ness.

Ghosts for Breakfast by Stanley Todd Terasaki, illustrated by Shelly Shinjo. A Troublesome Trio of neighbors informs Farmer Tanaka that there are ghosts out in his farm. The farmer takes his son out to investigate but it turns out the ghosts are actually daikon radishes! I loved the contrast between the fun-seeking father and his somewhat nervous son when they head out to solve the ghost mystery. A fun book that is different from the usual fare.

The Closet Ghosts by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Shiraaz Bhabha. Anu's family has moved and she now has ghosts in her closet! Since no one believes her she must call on the help of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god. But a new friend at school helps Anu find a solution to the problem and overcome her fears. Although this is a story about ghosts, it is not scary.

The Bake Shop Ghost by Jacqueline Ogburn, illustrated by Marjorie A. Priceman. Cora Lee Merriweather now haunts the bake shop she once owned and where she made the absolute best cakes and pies. New owners abandon the shop, unable to stand up to Cora Lee's ghost. But when Annie Washington, she is determined not to give in and sets out to bake the one cake that will convince the ghost to allow her to be the new owner of the shop.

Zen Ghosts by Jon J. Muth. While the three main protagonists in this book are white, I am including it because the haunting ghost story about a woman who seems to live in two places at once and told by Stillwater the panda come from the Zen Buddhist tradition. The scenes of neighborhood trick-or-treating include children of color.

Books about Witches, Monsters and Other Creatures

Which Witch is Which by Pat Hutchins. A group of diverse children at a Halloween party speculate on which identical twin is "which witch." A wonderful choice for preschoolers, and even though the text is simple, it asks questions that encourage children to pay attention to the details of the story.

The Pomegranate Witch by Denise Doyen, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. The main protagonist of this marvelous story is a white boy, but he is accompanied by a diverse group of neighborhood kids, all of whom covet the delicious fruit on the local pomegranate tree located in the yard of a suspected witch. The lyrical, rhyming text is a real treat, as are the tricks both the witch and the kids play in order to get the fruit and have a joyful Halloween. (Note: Chronicle Books sent me a review copy.)

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales. This wonderful bilingual poem is a little spooky and a little funny. The text, describing the fantastical journey of spooky creatures on their way to a haunted ball is mostly in English, but includes Spanish words that non-Spanish speakers are less likely to have heard. Children will have no trouble understanding, however!  (Not to worry: a glossary is also included for us grown-ups.) A wonderful and unique multicultural Hallowee nbook to add to your holiday reading line-up.

Monster Trouble by Lane Fredrickson, illustrated by Michael Robertson. Winifred Schnitzel wants to get some sleep but she has a monster problem! She puts her creative skills to use and designs and builds a trap but it turns out the solution is quite simple: monsters don't like to be kissed.

We're Off to Find the Witch's House by Richard Kreib, illustrated by R.W. Alley. A diverse group of kids test their fears on Halloween night as they try to make it all the way to the witch's house. A great Halloween book for preschoolers.

Books about Pumpkins

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. With the focus on numbers and classroom calculations, I really love this book about a class that compares how many seeds are in each child's pumpkin. There's enough skip counting, addition and estimations to keep even the most dedicated little mathematician happy. Perfect for elementary grades.

Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming. I've always loved Fleming's signature torn paper collage illustrations and her rhythmic, spunky text. In Pumpkin Eye, children of color enjoy the festivities of Halloween. A great Halloween book for children of all ages, and especially preschoolers.

More fall and Halloween reading: 

• Autumn read alouds for families
• Halloween picture books about self-esteem
• Halloween read aloud chapter books for families
• Multicultural Thanksgiving picture books
• Halloween chapter books for kids

The post Diverse Halloween Books for Kids: All Treats and No Tricks! appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.