Heading into the Halloween season, here are some books (both scary and sweet) that set tone for festivities. The following books are for readers ages 0-12.
BOARD BOOK
SMALL MONSTER, BIG MONSTER: A SERIOUSLY SILLY BOOK OF OPPOSITES, by Allan Sanders, Phaidon Press, Aug. 13, 2026, Board Book, $9.95 (ages 0-3)
Monster gets ON the bus. Passengers get OFF! Refrigerator is EMPTY. Monster is FULL!
From a big monster who wants to play with small humans, to a monster who sleeps all day and plays all night, these silly and surprising creatures make learning opposites outrageously fun!
Filled with laugh-out-loud scenarios, Small Monster, Big Monster supports early learners in building vocabulary and understanding opposites in the world around them. Simple text, irresistible characters, and clever twists invite children to make intuitive connections between words and ideas while giggling at every turn. Vibrant, eye-catching illustrations, printed in neon inks, bring the concept of opposites to life, packing each page with new visual details to notice. —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press
Though not specifically written for Halloween, this time of year is perfect for books about monsters. This big, bright, chunky board book is equal parts silly and educational. Kids will love the friendly monsters and vibrant colors.
FIVE LITTLE GHOSTS (Five Little… Lift-the-Flap Books), by Lily Murray and Holly Surplice, Candlewick Press, July 7, 2026, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 0-3)
Join five adorable ghostlings on a lift-the-flap adventure through a spooky forest. There’s so much to see as Mama Ghost and her ghostlings float through a pumpkin patch, play peek-a-boo in a misty wood, and explore a haunted house. Along the way, they meet all kinds of friendly, festive animals. But wait—the ghostlings are disappearing one by one. Whatever could they be up to? Lift the flaps to find the ghostlings and discover a fantastic surprise ending. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick Press
Based on the nursery rhyme Five Little Ducks, this book is a joy to read aloud. Little ones will love to count along and look for each missing ghost under the flaps. Add in sweet illustrations, and this one is fun for the entire family.
A TRICK OR TREAT SURPRISE, by Layla Sutton and Noël Clark, Sourcebooks Wonderland, July 28, 2026, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 2-5)
Lift a flap. Find a clue. Crack the case. Learn something new!
Come along for a playful mystery with Little Sherlock and his loyal pup, Watson, as they invite your little one to explore a night filled with surprises. With each turn of the page, readers are invited to lift flaps, follow rhyming riddles, and piece together what spooky holiday is just around the corner. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Wonderland
Little mysteries await readers with each turn of the page. Interactive flaps unveil answers and cute illustrations bring them all to life.
PICK A PUMPKIN (Pick A Celebration), by Patricia Toht and Jarvis, Candlewick, July 7, 2026, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 2-5)
Pairing a wonderfully rhythmic read-aloud text with expressive retro illustrations, the creators of Pick a Pine Tree here capture all the excitement and familial feeling of a favorite holiday tradition. Readers will be happy to follow along, from picking out the perfect specimen at the pumpkin patch (be sure to stop for cider and toffee apples) to carting it home, scooping out the insides, carving a scary face, and finally lighting a candle inside—savoring the familiar ritual of transforming an ordinary pumpkin into a one-of-a-kind glowing jack-o’-lantern. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
This sturdy board book celebrates one of Halloween’s most recognizable symbols. With charming illustrations and bouncy text, this is a book that will be read repeatedly.
AGES 3 AND UP
THE SCARIEST BOOK IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD: ONLY READ IF YOU DARE! by Joey Acker, Sourcebooks Wonderland, July 28, 2026, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 3-7)
Warning! Nameless the rock is NOT okay.
He’s TRAPPED.
In a BOOK.
A SCARY one.
Like, full of SPOOKY stuff.
But don’t worry! This is a laugh-out-loud kids book for children ages 4-8, educators, and parents who enjoy funny stories and slightly off-the-rails adventures with characters who really didn’t sign up for this. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Wonderland
With humor reminiscent of The Book With No Picture and the Elephant & Piggie series, The Scariest Book in the Whole Entire World breaks the fourth wall. Though not specifically a Halloween book, this humorous read is perfect for the spooky season.
THE PUMPKIN THIEF, by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, July 28, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-6)
Squirrel and Bird are back, and this time there’s a mystery in the vegetable patch! Bird’s pumpkins keep disappearing, and this time there’s EVIDENCE―footprints, peck-marks, a feather! There is a PUMPKIN THIEF!
With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of Halloween’s preparations are captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along on Squirrel’s forest adventure. Is there truly a pumpkin thief on the loose, or is something else going on? And does it have anything to do with the jack-o’-lanterns appearing on his neighbor’s doorsteps?
Bonus material explaining Halloween’s traditions. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
This humorous companion to The Leaf Thief is an exuberant read. Bright illustrations and energetic characters make this mystery a delight to read aloud.
MYSTERIOUS MITTENS: A MOONTIME CATS HALLOWEEN STORY, by Jordan Morris and Charlie Mylie, Candlewick, July 7, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
It’s a spooky night in the neighborhood as Carl, Biscuit, Peewee, and . . . Mittens (is that you?) gather under the moon to have fun and maybe get into a bit of trouble. Everyone is in disguise, even the cats! Carl’s costume is cute, Biscuit’s is scary, Peewee’s is lovely, and Mittens’s is turtle-ific. As they prowl, the curious cats come upon a haunted house, where they scratch, stalk, peek, and pounce, until suddenly the frightened cats freeze. Nothing to fear, just friends to be made, right? Maybe not! Mistaken identity, a tree-climbing dilemma, and other kitty shenanigans play out in charming illustrations in this story filled with fun, friendship, and plenty of feline antics. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
A case of mistaken identity leads to some silly adventures on Halloween night. Cut kitties star in this sweet picture book. The friendly story is a great entry point to trick-or-treating.
AGES 4 AND UP
SPOOKY SCOUTS, by Kimberly Shrack, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Aug. 25, 2026, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
Tonight is the annual Spooky Scouts’ camping trip, and wolf pup Luna can’t contain her excitement. But when the forecast calls for a full moon, her delight turns to dread. Because Luna has a secret: every full moon, she transforms into something…strange—a creature so beastly and bizarre it’s sure to give her whole troop the ick!
If she doesn’t want to be branded a weirdo, Luna must use all her scouting skills to stop the transformation before it starts. And hopefully in time for s’mores. Full of camping adventure and unexpected surprises, Luna’s efforts to hide lead to new discoveries about friendship, bravery, and the true Spooky Scout spirit. —Synopsis provided by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Spooky monsters become friendly scouts who are embarking on a camping adventure. Cute, simple illustrations take the fear out of Halloween creatures.
THE SCARIEST SLEEPOVER STORY YOU’VE EVER HEARD! by Ron Keres and Arthur Lin, Sourcebooks Wonderland, Sept. 1, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-7)
At a friendly sleepover, a group of boys compete to tell the scariest ghost story, the harsh light of their flashlights casting eerie shadows on the wall. As the stories come to a close, a creeping creature crawls closer. The boys fall silent, and mysterious sounds echo from the house. Each thump, whine, and coo sparks wild imaginations and the question: who could be coming into their room? —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Wonderland
Let your imagination take hold as you settle in for a scary sleepover. This not-too-scary rhythmic read utilizes light and suspenseful prose to set up a big surprise at the end.
WHEN THE WITCH WROTE BACK! by Nathan Christopher and Pablo Pino, Sourcebooks Wonderland, July 28, 2026, Hardcover, $12.99 (ages4-8)
Someone new has moved in next door, and Jake is pretty sure that only one kind of neighbor would be unpacking a cauldron, broomstick, and black cat… Then Jake gets an idea! Surely a Witch will have a spell to help him plan, prepare, and clean for his upcoming Halloween party! When he writes letters requesting her magical help, will Jake get all that he hopes for? Or will the Witch use her powers to teach him a valuable lesson in this delightfully charming story about the Halloween…when the Witch wrote back! —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Wonderland
This hilarious rhythmic read is perfect for kiddos who love rhyming books like Room on the Broom. In fact, it works best as a read aloud with lots of emotion. It’s fun to speed up, slow down and really play into the hijinks.
THE HAUNTED PLAYGROUND, by R. J. Palacio and Brett Helquist, Random House Books for Young Readers, July 21, 2028, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
I cast the spell that brings to life this playground of the night.
Here my phantoms come—but not to spook or fright.
They’re here because they want to laugh, to frolic and be merry.
They’re here because they need to take a break from being scary.
When all the trick-or-treating is done and children are tucked in, ghosts are drawn to one special place: the Haunted Playground! Ruled by Rex Magnificus, ghosts arrive not to haunt but to play. But will the appearance of two human children interrupt their revelry? —Synopsis provided by Random House Books for Young Readers
Who knew ghosts need a break from being spooky? And where better to take a break than at a playground. This rhythmic read is a fun departure from typical Halloween reads. With movement-filled illustrations and just the right amount of sinister and fun, it’s a great addition to any Halloween library.
NICE TO EAT YOU, by Karen Yin and Carolina Coroa, Orchard Books, July 7, 2026, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
Get ready for Halloween with this Hansel & Gretel-inspired tale full of dark humor and clever wordplay. When a sneaky witch lures a group of children to her house, her verbal gaffes keep them guessing at every turn. Are the kids in for a snack—or are they the snack?! —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books
MILLIE FLEUR’S PUMPKIN PROBLEM, by Christy Mandin, Orchard Books, July 7, 2026, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 4-8)
Autumn has arrived, and the residents of Garden Glen are feeling dreary thinking about the gray months ahead. Lucky for them, Millie Fleur has a plan to bring color back to town. Her unusual pumpkin patch is sure to delight her neighbors.
But when Millie Fleur’s growing gourds take on a life of their own, she’ll have to find a way out of this pumpkin problem!
A new compact storybook featuring kid-favorite character Millie Fleur, Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Problem is the perfect pick for fall! Includes stickers! —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books
Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Patch is a delightful addition to the Millie Fleur series. This celebration of pumpkins features an engaging story and charming illustrations. It’s a great option for fans or readers new to the series.
AGES 5 AND UP
WHERE’S WALDO? SPOOKY SPOT THE DIFFERENCE, by Martin Handford, Candlewick, July 7, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-9)
Search for Waldo and the gang on the hunt for some perfect pumpkins. Watch out for hundreds of spooky differences to spot in the puzzles along the way, but beware of a host of hair-raising characters wandering in the places they visit. Spook-tacularly fun entertainment for brave young fans of Waldo and search-and-find puzzles! —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
Waldo books are always a hit, and this one is no different. From start to finish this book is jam-packed with Waldo puzzles. It’s sure to provide hours of fun.
YARN IS EVERYTHING! (JASPER RABBIT’S CREEPY TALES!), by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, July 14, 2026, Hardcover, $13.99 (ages 5-9)
From the team behind the New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Medal–winning Creepy Carrots! and its sequels comes the third entry in a spin-off chapter book series in which Jasper Rabbit tells the story of a mole whose hobby unravels into horror!
Check out the third installment in Jasper Rabbit’s all-new series of Creepy Tales! Ready for some serious spookiness? Ready to surrender to the goofiness of your imagination? Well, then let Jasper tell you about Winona Mole and her unsettling experience with her favorite thing in the world…yarn!
Winona has one true love, and that is crocheting. She loves it more than anything, to the point where her father took her to the Museum of Woolen Arts and Yarn Stitchery for her ninth birthday. But she may have gotten more than she bargained for when an unexpected souvenir changes her life forever. With a talent that seems to grow overnight, she earns a spot on the hottest show on television, Yarn is Everything!. She might just earn the title of Ultimate Yarn Master crocheter of all time…but at what price?
Because nothing comes for free, and in this creepy tale you better be careful that your fabric obsessions don’t become…everything. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
MAUD AND THE VERY EVENTFUL WEEK (THE ADVENTURES OF MAUD THE VAMPIRE), by Lisa Anchin, Candlewick, July 28, 2026, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 5-8)
Who would have known on Monday that the week ahead would be such a busy one? It all starts when Maud finds a teapot that is obviously haunted (and very hungry). EEEK! The days continue with Maud’s attempt to sell spiders (and juice) from a sidewalk stand; a mega-toothy discovery; a ghost family taking over the dollhouse; and a visit to Agnes the witch, who brews up a dynamite soup. Then comes Maud’s yard sale, which is a lot of work but a great success, rounding out a very full week. But wait, could that be a teapot coming around again, on Sunday? In this slightly gothic tour through the days of the week, the delight is in the details as illustrations portray Maud and her family and friends among the familiar objects and activities of childhood, with just enough of a quirky twist to please the young vampire lovers among us. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
Maud is the friendly vampire we didn’t know we needed. This charming start to a new series is a fun entry in to chapter books. Sweet illustrations with muted colors help take the scare out of traditionally scary creatures.
THE PRINCESS IN BLACK AND THE TRICK-OR-TREATING TROUBLE, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, LeUyen Pham, Candlewick Press, July 7, 2026, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 5-8)
It’s a dark and silly night, and Princess Magnolia is wearing her Princess in Black cape and mask over her clothes—just enough to pass as a Halloween costume in a hurry. She can’t wait to go trick-or-treating! This year, Princess in Black costumes are popular, and so are monster disguises, like the little orange guy with horns yelling “GOAT!” as the kids shout “trick or treat!” When the little monster devours an onion, however, along with an eraser and a bar of soap (not to mention a rock), and as he politely asks for a goat at each door, it’s clear to Princess Magnolia that something isn’t quite right. And—oh no—the next house is Duff’s goat shack! With half of her monster-fighting outfit at home, who can come to the poor critters’ rescue? Halloween hijinks meet high-spirited heroics in a special Princess in Black adventure that’s a treat all around. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick Press
With everyone dressed in costume for Halloween, The Princess and Black has a hard time discerning who is a real monster and who is pretending. This fun twist for Halloween is the perfect setup for a holiday read. It’s a great option for young readers who want more than a picture book but aren’t ready yet for spooky middle grade reads.
AGES 6 AND UP
THE DARK AND OTHER SCARY STORIES, by Max Brallier and Letizia Rubegni, Scholastic Inc., July 7, 2026, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 6-8)
Read if you dare! This collection of ten terrifying tales by New York Times bestselling author Max Brallier is THE book to share at sleepovers or around a campfire! Each story is illustrated in haunting, full-color artwork by Letizia Rubegni, and told with spare yet scare-inducing text. If you love sleepless nights and monsters that lurk in the dark, then this spine-chilling book is for you! —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Inc.
This collection of 10 scary short stories is a great option for readers who are newly independent.. It’s spooky without being too scary, perfect for readers ages 6 to 8.
JAZZY THE WITCH IN FRIEND FIASCO, by Jessixa Bagley, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, July 14, 2026, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 6-10)
Jazzy gets competitive with a new girl in this second book in the middle grade graphic novel series about a young witch who struggles to find where she fits best—perfect for fans of The Okay Witch and Hooky!
A new friend for Jazzy?
Ever since Jazzy shared her love for cycling with her town, all the other witches want to learn how to ride a bike, and Jazzy is excited to teach them. She is the best cyclist around after all…until a mysterious newcomer shows up who’s a total whiz on a bike! On top of that, the new kid just might have Jazzy’s best friend Aggie beat as the smartest witch in school.
Jazzy and Aggie are determined to teach their smug new classmate a lesson. But as trading pranks turns into an all-out prank war, Jazzy starts to wonder if revenge really is the answer. Could their cozy town be big enough for more than one book-smart, bike-riding witch after all? —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Though the publisher’s suggest age is 8 to 12, this graphic novel feels younger. Larger panels and sparse text make it a better choice for readers as young as 6. And kids older than 10 may find it too simple.
AGES 8 AND UP
PUMPKIN APOCALYPSE, by M. D. Payne, Penguin Workshop, July 28, 2026, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 8-12)
Get pumped for Pumpkin Fest! It’s Friday Night Fright Night, and Adam’s worst fear is about to come to life…
Halloween is a big deal in Little Pine, but newcomer Adam Gibbons doesn’t get the hype. In fact, he’s actively anti-Halloween—and you would be, too, if you were deathly afraid of pumpkins! Yeah…don’t ask.
When Adam is tasked to team up with pumpkin fanatic Molly to plan Friday Night Fright Night, the middle school shut-in event before Pumpkin Fest, he’s forced to confront his greatest fear head…er…jack-o’-lantern-on.
But it soon becomes clear that there is something strange and supernatural brewing in Little Pine. Mind-controlling pumpkins are possessing people and taking over the town, and it’s up to Adam and his small group of friends to smash the infestation and save the world! —Synopsis provided by penguin Workshop
Copyright © 2026 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
