25 Book Recommendations for Little Pumpkins 🎃 📚

From pumpkin giggles to flashlight frights, these 25 “Little Pumpkins” reads bring the magic of the season to children ages 2-12 and up. Some have already been well-loved in our home, while others are on the “to be read” list for near-future adventures. Together, they celebrate the joy of stories that make us laugh, shiver, and imagine - the kind children return to again and again.

Whether it’s silly rhymes for toddlers, school-day spooks for early readers, or brave magical quests for older kids, this collection offers something for every stage of childhood. May these pages bring your little pumpkins comfort, courage, and just the right dose of seasonal sparkle.

🎃 A Pumpkin-Sized Start (Ages 2-5)

Gentle rhymes, pumpkins, and silly spooks - perfect for little pumpkins just beginning their Halloween fun.

Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton (Ages 1-3)

A sweet and silly Halloween board book perfect for toddlers! Pookie tries on all kinds of costumes - from a clown to a dragon - before finally choosing the best one for a night of trick-or-treating. With Boynton’s trademark rhymes and cheerful illustrations, this story makes dressing up for Halloween fun feel cozy and not too spooky.

The Spooky Wheels on the Bus by J. Elizabeth Mills (Ages 2-3)

A Halloween twist on the classic children’s song, this playful picture book takes little readers on a ride with a bus full of ghosts, mummies, witches, and more. Each verse adds a silly, spooky passenger until the bus is filled with Halloween fun. With its catchy rhythm and bold illustrations, it’s perfect for singing aloud and getting toddlers excited for the season.

At the Old Haunted House by Helen Ketteman (Ages 2-5)

In this lively Halloween counting book, readers explore a spooky old house filled with mummies, goblins, and ghosts galore. With its rhyming, sing-song text and playful illustrations, children can count along as more and more creatures join the fun. A little spooky but mostly silly, it’s a great pick for preschoolers who enjoy interactive, rhythmic stories.

The Big Halloween Forest Party by; La Ferté-Bernard (Ages 3-8)

My youngest has this book in her classroom at school and enjoys it so much that she wants her own at home to enjoy as well. She recommends this pick!

All the animals in the forest are getting ready for a big Halloween celebration - costumes, decorations, treats, and fun! With colorful illustrations and an upbeat story, this book captures the excitement of preparing for a party and celebrating together. Lighthearted and festive, it’s a perfect choice for younger children who love Halloween fun without the scare.

👻 Giggle-Delights & Friendly Frights (Ages 5-8)

Familiar characters and school-day silliness with just the right sprinkle of spook.

The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone (Ages 2-5)

This Sesame Street classic stars the lovable Grover, who pleads with readers not to turn the pages - because there’s a monster waiting at the end! With its interactive style, silly suspense, and Grover’s dramatic reactions, kids can’t resist giggling all the way through. First published in 1971, it’s become a timeless family favorite that many parents (and grandparents!) remember from their own childhoods, making it just as fun to share year after year.

How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead (Ages 4-8)

Part of the popular How to Catch series, this playful story follows a group of kids setting clever traps to catch a mischievous witch on Halloween night. Full of rhymes, bright illustrations, and silly surprises, it’s perfect for giggles and repeat readings.

In our home, we’ve made a tradition of collecting each new seasonal release from this series - it’s always exciting to bring home the newest book and share it as a surprise bedtime read with the little ones.

Creepy Crayon! by Aaron Reynolds (Ages 4-8)

From the creators of Creepy Carrots! and Creepy Pair of Underwear! comes another quirky, slightly spooky tale. Jasper Rabbit discovers a crayon that always helps him ace his schoolwork - but soon, the crayon seems to have a mind of its own. With funny-but-chilling illustrations and just the right mix of silly and eerie, this story is a hit for kids who like a little spookiness with their laughs.

My daughter picked this one out herself for the season, and we’re excited to add it to our stack of Halloween reads!

Amelia Bedelia Scared Silly by Herman Parish (Ages 6-10)

Amelia Bedelia is back with her usual mix-ups and literal-minded humor - this time with Halloween twists! Full of silly misunderstandings, wordplay, and festive fun, it’s a lighthearted chapter book that keeps kids laughing.

For us, Amelia Bedelia is more than just a character; I grew up loving her stories - sometimes reading them myself, sometimes hearing my dad read them to me - and now I get to share that same joy with my own kids. Choosing this book feels like keeping that tradition alive, and it’s such a delight to see the laughter carry on.

Junie B. Jones, Boo…and I Mean It! by Barbara Park (Ages 6-9)

Junie B. is nervous about Halloween - between scary costumes and things that go bump in the night, trick-or-treating doesn’t sound so fun! But with her usual spunky personality and laugh-out-loud antics, Junie B. shows that even being scared can turn into an adventure. This series has a way of pulling kids right in with its humor and relatability. It’s been such a joy to keep Junie B.’s stories on our shelves. Junie B. and Boo…and I Mean It! is the perfect pick for Halloween.

The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches by Alice Low (Ages 4-8)

This classic Halloween tale follows Wendy, a young witch who feels overshadowed by her bossy older sisters. But when she’s invited to go trick-or-treating, Wendy discovers that being herself is more powerful than any spell. With whimsical illustrations and a heartwarming message about courage and confidence, it’s a Halloween story that’s stood the test of time.

Eerie Elementary Series by Max Brallier (Ages 6-9)

In this spooky chapter book series, Sam Graves discovers that his elementary school is alive- And it’s hungry! With the help of his friends, he battles locker-sized monsters, haunted playgrounds, and eerie mysteries in fast-paced stories full of cliffhangers and illustrations. Perfect for newly independent readers who love a good scare without going overboard.

My daughter asked for this set, and I was glad to say yes - the box set includes four books, which makes it a fun way for her to dive into a series and keep the Halloween spirit going well beyond October.

My Favorite Spooky Stories (I Can Read! Box Set) (Ages 4-8)

This collection brings together several beginner-friendly Halloween tales from the beloved I Can Read! series. With simple sentences, familiar characters, and engaging illustrations, it’s designed to build confidence while keeping spooky season alive.

I chose this set especially for my youngest, as a way to reinforce her reading skills while giving her a stack of seasonal stories she can enjoy on her own. A perfect mix of practice and play for early readers.

🌙 Brave Young Witches & Adventurers (Ages 8-12)

Magic, mystery, and just enough challenge - for readers who love to get lost in bigger worlds.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman (Ages 8-12)

When Coraline steps through a mysterious door in her new home, she discovers an eerie “other” world that looks almost like her own - but darker, stranger, and far more dangerous. This modern classic blends suspense, fantasy, and just the right amount of creepiness for middle grade readers who are ready for something more chilling and less silly spooky.

It’s already become a favorite in our house - my oldest daughter picked it up this season, dove right in, and she’s absolutely loving it! A hauntingly imaginative story that lingers long after the last page.

The Witches by Roald Dahl (Ages 8-12)

In this darkly funny classic, Roald Dahl imagines a world where real witches hide in plain sight - disguised as ordinary women with one terrifying goal: to get rid of children. With its mix of humor, mischief, and just the right dose of fright, it’s a story that has captivated generations of readers.

While it’s a brand-new title for us and not yet on our shelves, it’s one we’re excited to explore as we expand into more middle grade Halloween favorites.

The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis (Ages 8-12)

Often described as “The Secret Garden meets Tom’s Midnight Garden,” this modern children’s classic follows siblings Stella and Tom as they discover a time tunnel beneath a hidden lake. Their adventures carry them back over 100 years, where they uncover mysteries, make new friends, and piece together secrets that connect the past to the present.

My oldest is especially intrigued by this one because of the time-travel element, and it’s on our list to pick up for her this season. A magical, page-turning story perfect for young readers who enjoy both mystery and imagination.

Josi the Vampire Girl: Vampire Trouble at School by Alicia Richter (Ages 8-10)

Josi may be a vampire, but she’s also just a regular girl trying to figure out life at school- with a few magical twists along the way. This lighthearted early chapter book blends friendship, humor, and just a dash of spooky fun, making it a great pick for young readers who like gentle Halloween vibes.

I picked this one simply because it looked adorable - the girl on the cover reminded me so much of my own girls, and I know they’d love nothing more than to cuddle a sweet, friendly bat just like the one she’s holding. Sometimes a cover alone tells you a book belongs in your stack!

The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night (Ages 9-12)

Step into the enchanting world of Croswald, where Ivy Lovely discovers she has magical powers and a destiny that will take her far beyond her quiet life. Filled with mystery, spells, and richly imagined adventure, this book is the first in a fantasy series that many readers compare to Harry Potter in spirit.

I chose this one because it’s part of a series - and I love how series become an “investment” in our own library. I often pack them away with seasonal decorations so the next year my kids can rediscover them, and they also make wonderful gifts. A box set like this is the kind of gift that gives year after year.

The Feather Chase by Shannon L. Brown (Ages 8-12)

This imaginative fantasy follows 12-year-old Isabel, who finds herself caught up in a magical quest after discovering a mysterious feather. Adventure, friendship, and courage drive the story as she learns that even ordinary kids can play extraordinary roles in saving their world.

It’s one my oldest has her eye on, she’d love to add it to her collection. A great pick for young readers drawn to magical quests and strong, relatable heroines.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill (Ages 10-14)

Winner of the Newbery Medal, this lyrical fantasy tells the story of Luna, a girl raised by a kind of witch, a tiny dragon, and a wise swamp monster. When Luna accidentally absorbs powerful magic as a baby, she must grow into her abilities and uncover the truth about her past. With themes of love, courage, and the fight between fear and hope, it’s a spellbinding read for middle grade and early teen readers.

This is one we’re excited to bring into our seasonal stack - a beautifully written story that feels both timeless and magical, perfect for kids ready to dive into deeper fantasy.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (Ages 8-12)

The story that started it all - when Harry discovers he’s a wizard, he leaves his ordinary life behind for the magical halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With its mix of friendship, adventure, and wonder, the first book has become one of the most beloved children’s novels of all time.

I chose just this single title as a stand-alone here because it’s the most popular entry in the series and the one my kids’ class read together in third grade. It stands strong on its own, even while the rest of the series continues the adventure.

🕯️ Classic Chills & Family Favorites (Ages 9-12+)

Timeless tales and spooky collections to share together or read by flashlight.

Harry Potter: The Complete Series Box Set by J.K. Rowling (Ages 8-12+)

This stunning set brings together all seven books of the Harry Potter series, following Harry’s journey from his first year at Hogwarts to the epic final battle. With its blend of mystery, friendship, bravery, and magic, it’s a story world many readers return to again and again.

In our home, this box set stays out year-round - it’s become an annual tradition for me to read as many of the books as I can during the fall season, when the atmosphere feels just right. I love knowing it’s always there when I want to step back into a magical world filled with strong characters and an air of mystery.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving (Ages 10-14)

First published in 1820, this classic American tale follows Ichabod Crane, a timid schoolteacher, as he crosses paths with the eerie Headless Horseman in the quiet village of Sleepy Hollow. Full of autumn atmosphere, suspense, and a touch of humor, it’s a perfect read for spooky season.

My girls have seen the movie adaption with Johnny Depp, and now my oldest is especially eager to read the original story this year. A great way to connect a family favorite film to its timeless literary roots.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz (Ages 9-12)

This iconic collection of creepy folktales and urban legends has been thrilling (and chilling) readers for generations. With eerie illustrations and spine-tingling tales, it’s just the right mix of fright and fun for kids ready to dip into scarier stories.

I was given this book by my parents at the same age I’m purchasing it for my oldest daughter - the cover has changed, but the stories remain the same. I still remember reading it under a blanket with a flashlight late at night with my best friend, equal parts terrified and delighted. Sharing it now feels like passing down a rite of passage in spooky storytelling.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw (Ages 12+)

This enchanting sequel to the beloved film follows Sally, newly crowned Pumpkin Queen, as she faces a mysterious new threat to Halloween Town. Blending gothic atmosphere, romance, and Burton-esque imagination, the story expands the world fans already adore while giving Sally her own powerful voice.

We love Tim Burton’s genius-level creativity, so this book feels like the perfect addition to our seasonal stack. It’s also the beginning of a series, making it an exciting pick to return to year after year as new installments are released.

A World Full of Spooky Stories: 50 Tales to Make Your Spine Tingle by Angela McAllister (Ages 6-12)

This beatifully illustrated collection gathers ghost stories, folkltales, and eerie legends from around the world. With 50 short tales inside, it’s perfect for dipping into one story each day or night throughout the season.

We love it for the way it draws parents and children together - creating a cozy (and sometimes spine-tingling!) tradition of shared storytelling all October long. A wonderful book to end your night with, whether by candlelight, flashlight, or just curled up together on the couch.

Putting this list together has been such a joy - not just because of the stories themselves, but because of the traditions, memories, and connections they spark. As parents, there’s something magical about watching our children fall in love with books we once held dear, or discovering new ones together that might become the classics of their own childhood. Whether it’s laughing with Amelia Bedelia, shivering over a spooky tale by flashlight, or escaping into a world of magic and mystery, these books remind us that stories are the threads that tie our seasons - and our families - together. Here’s to many cozy nights, giggles, and maybe even a few goosebumps as we turn the pages this Halloween season. 🎃📚