5 New, Not-Too-Spooky Picture Books for Halloween
11 October, 2025 ● Written by STORYVOR Editors
Scary stories are great for kids. But just how scary is too scary? If your child loves all things Spooky Season, the bats, ghost, pumpkins, and beasts, here are five new picture books that allow them a peek into the shadows in the gentlest, cutest way possible. Perfect for discussions on everything from folklore to healthy friendships, these picture books are the perfect read-alouds for the season, and every one of them is gorgeously, vividly illustrated to boot.
Aggie and the Ghost
By Matthew Forsythe
Aggie, the hero of this story, is very much a rule-follower. When she moves into a new house already inhabited by a ghost, she realizes not everyone follows quite the same rules . . . and yet maybe, just maybe, they can still become a friend.
Witty and original, this book is sure to please. The color palette inside is subtly fall-hued, but this is a ghost story you can read all year round.
Reading age: 3+
Creepy Sheepy
By Lucy Ruth Cummins, illustrated by Pete Oswald
Normally our sheep hero is called Sleepy Sheepy. But now it’s Halloween, which means finding the scariest costume of all and transforming into . . . Creepy Sheepy. Unfortunately, finding the scariest costume is easier said than done.
The illustrations are bold and simple, keeping readers’ attention firmly on the characters, in this story of an adorable sheep doing his utmost to be scary.
Reading age: 3+
Colin’s Castle
By Holly Swain
Colin the vampire has just moved house, er, castle, and is thrilled about his new home. If it weren’t for the duck, who also seems to think itself a tenant of the castle, and just won’t leave Colin alone.
This silly, funny picture book is loads of fun to read aloud. Young readers will enjoy the inherent humor of the vampire-vs-duck premise.
Reading age: 3+
Spoops
By A.J. Locascio, illustrated by Laurie A. 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.
Gorgeously nostalgic illustrations and lots of sweet ghosts make this a perfectly Halloween-y treat for reading aloud. Parents and teachers should note that it’s told in rhyming verse, and slightly longer than the other books on this list at 72 pages.
Reading age: 4+
Millie Fleur Saves the Night
By Christy Mandin
The sequel to Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden once again shows readers what beauty can be found in places often considered scary. This time around, the subject is night, which Millie — and young readers — will discover is full of wonders, stars, fireflies, birds and more. Crisply illustrated and well-told, it’s a great addition for anyone who loved the first book, and for children who may like the concept of Wednesday Addams, but aren’t quite ready for the shows.
Reading age: 4+
