Spooky new picture books for Halloween
Picture Books for Spooky Season
This October, I’ve received what might be the greatest gift possible for a person like me: I believe my new (100+ year-old) apartment is haunted. Before anyone worries, I have to say this is thrilling news.
The presence is subtle but undeniable—there’s a shift of air, objects are sometimes slightly askew, there’s that peculiar feeling of being watched when I’m all alone. I’ve heard knocking, faint whisper sounds, and strange noises at stranger hours. But “malicious” isn’t a word I’d use. More like... neutral. Benignly curious, maybe. The kind of ghost that might raise an eyebrow at my choice of reading material, but wouldn’t dream of actually throwing said book across the room.
I’ll keep everyone posted!
Truthfully, the scariest thing this Halloween season isn’t the ghost. It’s the palpable fact that my children are aging out of picture books. Which means I can no longer pretend my already-enormous collection is “for the boys.” I’m the lone adult lingering in the children’s section, holding my pumpkin spice latte in one hand, and a heavy stack of new picture books in the other.
But picture books have never really been for kids alone. They’re concentrated storytelling—pint-sized cathedrals. And spooky picture books are their own perfect genre, equal parts sweetness and shadows.
So with the possible assistance of my discerning ghost, I’ve rounded up a selection of the best new picture books to read during Halloweentime.
Luna and the Witch Throw a Halloween Party
Written by Aubrey Plaza and Dan Murphy, illustrated by Hannah Peck
“Luna Lopez wants to be a witch. Pheenie the witch wants to throw a Halloween party.
Together this unlikely pair strikes a deal: If Luna helps her pull off the best, most spectacular soiree in the neighborhood, Pheenie will teach her the secrets to her potions and spells. There’s only one problem: Getting this party on track is harder than Luna expected. She’ll have to curb every one of the frazzled witch’s creepy, crawly instincts to make sure the evening is full of both tricks and treats . . . and not a festive flop!”
Written by Dan Gemeinhart, illustrated by Hugo L. Cuellar
“In his laboratory high on the hill, Frank N. Stine has a ferocious sweet tooth that snarls to be fed. But when an eerie experiment spills into his Gingerbread batter, a frightening cookie creation comes to life! The Gingerbread Monster is hulking, horrific . . . and hungry. But as Frank is chased by his creepy creation, the young baker begins to wonder what the Monster truly craves. After all, there’s no sweeter treat than friendship.”
By Julien Chung
“The classic alphabet chant gets a Halloween twist as the letters sneak their way up the tree, all donning their spiffiest costumes. But when a witch swoops in, and the letters come tumbling down, will that be the end of their Halloween fun…or just the beginning?”
By Zoey Abbott
“A little girl has been every adorable thing you can imagine for Halloween, and she is done with being cuddly, sweet, and precious. This year, she’s rebelling big-time and going for a totally different vibe: the spookiest thing out there. She’s going to be…a witch! With only a little help from Dad, she works hard on her witchy locks, brew, spells and enchantments, and power to petrify. But what happens when what she sees in the mirror is so spooky, she scares even herself? Nothing that an understanding dad—and maybe a quick restorative nap—can’t handle.”
Written by Justin Colón, illustrated by Kaly Quarles
“What’s that creepy buzzing sound coming from the graveyard ground? ZOMBEES!
When these undead insects invade, they send everyone fleeing in fright. Are they hunting for a snack? Do they like the taste of veins? Have they come to eat your brains?! Find out in this rhyming Halloween tale with an unexpected twist!”
Written by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Laura Hughes
“Pippin has always been a witch’s cat . . . But he can’t help but wonder if there’s more to life! Setting out boldly by the light of the moon, Pippin tries out the life of a pirate’s cat (too much water!), a knight’s cat (too many dragons!), and a pet cat (too many ribbons!). Nothing feels quite right and Pippin wonders if he’s doing something wrong…until he realizes that maybe he’s meant to be a witch’s cat after all!”
By Matthew Forsythe
“Aggie is very excited to live on her own—until she finds out her new house is haunted. But no fear, the situation is nothing that can’t be fixed with a carefully considered list of rules: No haunting after dark. No stealing socks. No eating all the food. But the ghost doesn’t like playing by the rules and challenges Aggie to an epic game of tic-tac-toe—winner gets the house.”
Written by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Charles Santoso
“Evelyn Witch has everything a witch needs. Messy hair, bubbling potions, and perfectly carved pumpkins. But there’s something missing… A pet! Perhaps she’ll get a bat or a griffin, or— Oh. She can only afford the mystery pet: a plain white egg. She watches and waits for it to hatch. Sniveling snails, something has to be done! Evelyn rolls up her sleeves and heads to the library, where they keep all the best spells. It’s time to get serious.”
Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween
Written by A.J. Locascio, illustrated by Laurie Conley
“Who changes the leaves? Summons the autumn winds? Wakes ghosts and spirits to haunt houses and chill the air? Why, Spoops, of course! They hatch from the smallest gourds in your local pumpkin patch at the start of every fall, then tend to your town to ensure everything is just right for Halloween. In this story, young Holly Hollowell loves Halloween more than anything, but her dentist parents are totally against any event that promotes tooth-rotting sweets. While other kids trick-or-treat, Holly watches sadly from her window…until the Spoops arrive to turn things around! With their magical help, Holly can finally show her parents the true spirit of Halloween: not the candy, but the joy of expressing yourself, unleashing your imagination, and letting your spooky side soar!”
Happy Reading! May your Halloweekend be filled with gentle hauntings!