The leaves are changing color, the days are getting shorter, and Halloween is creeping up. This is the time of year I get into ‘spooky book mode’. I put away all the bright summer reading and go straight for my stack of Halloween reads– atmospheric stories that put me in the holiday spirit.
Some of the best works for the season are ones written for children. These quick reads with (usually) simpler storylines range from fun and gross to downright creepy.
Here are five picture books you’ll enjoy, but can share with young readers, this Halloween. So lock the door, grab some candy, and start reading.
The Bake Shop Ghost
Written by Jacqueline K. Ogburn
Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
In life, Cora Lee Merriweather was the best baker around. Now she’s haunting her former bakery and scaring away new buyers left and right. But she might have met her match in Annie Washington…
Los Gatos Black on Halloween
Written by Marisa Montes
Illustrated by Yuyi Morales
On Halloween, all the ghosts, witches, vampires, and more gather at the local haunted house for a ball. These creatures of the night dance and celebrate before the scariest beings of all arrive.
The Widow’s Broom
by Chris Van Allsburg
A lonely widow takes possession of a magic broom left behind by a witch who crash-landed in her garden. After she teaches it to chop wood, her neighbors become distrustful and seek to destroy her new friend.
Perfect Pumpkin Pie
by Denys Cazet
In life, Mr. Wilkerson was a mean old man. In death, not much has changed. But now Jack and his grandma have moved into his old house and he’s deeply hungry for a perfect pumpkin pie.
Only a Witch Can Fly
Written by Alison McGhee
Illustrated by Taeeun Yoon
All one little girl wants is to fly. With her supplies in her cat, she boards her broom and … fails. But then she tries and tries again until … Well, only a witch can fly.
Plucked from the Stacks 
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