Halloween doesn’t need to be scary, it can be enchanting, full of magic and mystery. By bringing out themed books for Halloween, you can make these bedtime stories feel really special, helping children to look forward to them. Themes are different times throughout the year will create traditions and get children excited to read. I’d recommend rotating Halloween books throughout October, building up the magic throughout the month which can culminate on Halloween night.
Top 10 Halloween Books for Under 5s
Peter Rabbit and the Pumpkin Patch by Beatrix Potter
I love Beatrix Potter so Peter Rabbit and the Pumpkin Patch is my number one recommendation for Halloween. It’s based on an original tale from Beatrix Potter where Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny sneak into Mr. McGregor’s garden and features pumpkins and a jack o lantern. This heartwarming tale is a perfect addition to the series and an ideal Halloween introduction. The reading skills are on the higher end, being more suitable I think to those three +, but for those listening to it and enjoying the traditional illustrations, it’s suitable for all ages.
Eek! Halloween!, by Sandra Boynton
Sandra’s chickens are getting nervous as spooky things are happening! What could it be? These is a rhyming board book that will introduce the idea and traditions of Halloween to even the youngest of children. Suitable for all ages.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Julia Donaldson, author of the Gruffalo, Stick Man and many others originally brought us Room on the Broom over 15 years ago – but this is a classic that never gets old. It’s available in board book for the very little ones, as well as paperback. It follows the story of a witch and her cat on an adventure, who need to enlist the help of lots of animals who want a ride on her broom!
Ten Little Monsters, by Mike Brownlow
This take on the “10 little..” nursery rhyme sees ten little monsters head off trick or treating. They encounter lots of odd things! It’s funny, with very colourful and interesting and busy illustrations to capture the imagination and keep attention focused, and will teach all the Halloween characters and traditions whilst counting too. It’s available in Board book for little ones, as well as paperback and is suitable for all ages.
That’s not my witch…, by Fiona Watt
We’ll never get bored of the Usborne touchy-feely books in this house! In Fiona Watt’s “That’s not my witch…” we explore different textured objects, coupled with simple bright illustrations, as we try to identify the witch. This one is ideal for newborns and youngsters as it’s designed to be very sensory, but should entertain most children under five as well. If your children enjoy this one, there’s a massive range of books in this series covering every theme possible.
Creak! Squeak! Halloween, by DK
Creak! Squeak! Halloween is a very sensory Halloween book for pre-schoolers. Books that are interactive and engaging can really encourage little ones to start reading. This rhyming book has lots of flaps to lift and five different noises to complement the words and images. A great guessing game for the family and suitable for all ages.
Five Little Pumpkins by Ben Mantle
This is a relatively new addition to the Halloween catalogue, releasing for Halloween 2017, so you might not have heard of it. I’m sure you will know this famous counting rhyme though! Five Little Pumpkins encourages counting whilst learning about Halloween, with witches, spiders, bats, frogs and ghosts! Heavily illustrated, this one is suitable for all ages.
Help! My Monsters are on the Loose! by Webber Books
Help! My Monsters are on the Loose! is a Where’s Wally style book that’s more suitable for children aged 2 onwards who can enjoy the interactive nature of it. It’s a monster puzzle book where you’ll travel through a variety of locations trying to find the monsters who have been lost.
The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing
The Night Before Halloween follows the style of the famous poem The Night Before Christmas, but with lots of Halloween characters preparing for a party!
Spider Sandwiches by Claire Freedman
Spider Sandwiches will appeal to all children who enjoy gross and creepy things, like spider sandwiches, bug burgers, snail trail suace and cockroach curry – ew! Whilst it’s not specifically about Halloween, it’ll work perfectly during Halloween season to have children laughing and being disgusted at the same time. This would be an ideal read at a Halloween party before having a themed buffet, but really would work any time of year as well.
If you enjoyed this themed round up of Halloween books suitable for babies, toddlers and infants, you can see a full list of my book posts, including lots of different round ups suitable for under 5s including Christmas, which is just around the corner! Do any of these look suitable for your family?
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1 Comment
I love the idea of themed reading. Spider sandwiches sounds like something my little boy would LOVE.