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We love reading as a family! But it can be challenging to find the best Halloween books for preschoolers. Some might be too scary for the littlest ones, while others might not feel challenging or interesting enough for those busy imaginations. It is all treats and no tricks with this list of the 4 best Halloween books for preschoolers.
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The 4 Best Halloween Books for Preschoolers
- Julia Donaldson is one of my favorite authors. Perhaps you have heard of The Gruffalo? She effortlessly rhymes while telling a captivating and heartwarming story…each and every time. During October, we tend to grab our Halloween favorite, Room on the Broom. Whether you reach for the classic paperback, the push and pull, or board book version, you won’t be disappointed.
Your toddler or preschooler will want to hop on the broom right along with the witch and her friends. Julia does a beautiful job explaining that sometimes things are not what they appear to be and friendship is an unbreakable bond. After reading the book, your child may enjoy the animated film.
- Some nights, we just want to look at the pictures! Walter Wick has the best I Spy picture puzzle books and his Halloween themed books don’t disappoint. In the I Spy Spooky Night, travel through a haunted house solving creepy picture riddles. Whether you are looking to find his favorite character Seymore or a witch hidden in the sky, you will enjoy the challenge as much as your toddler or preschooler.
Wick’s Can you see what I see? On a Scary Scary Night is a preschooler favorite! In this book, Wick tells a spooky story through images. Travel through scary scenes, on a spooky Halloween night, searching to find items in each photo. Like others of Wick’s, this book offers challenging finds with a story and a rhyme.
Parents may want to preview this book prior to showing it to sensitive little ones. These books by Wick are dark in color and do have some photos of skulls, witches and graves which may be a bit scary for younger readers. Most toddlers and preschoolers focus on the find and don’t find the images scary. In any case, it is always best to preview any book before reading them with your littlest ones.
As a mom of two girls, I cannot help but fall for books with strong, independent women. Two of my favorites in this category are The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything and Too many pumpkins.
- Another favorite is The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams. It is a fun book that reminds us all, it is alright to feel a bit nervous and also face our fears. This is one of our favorites to read along with the song and music.
Your toddler and preschooler will enjoy clomping, wiggling and shaking to this silly story about being brave even when you are faced with something unfamiliar.
I love that the Little Old Lady tells her fears, “I ain’t afraid of you!” and puts her fears in their place when they come knocking!
- Too many pumpkins by Linda White is another favorite! White tells the delightful story of a woman who figures out a way to turn something she cannot stomach (pumpkins!) into something that can make others very happy.
This book is colorful and so beautifully illustrated that you and your preschoolers may actually feel like you are surrounded by those big, orange, round pumpkins, too.
Too Many Pumpkins is not the least bit scary so it is ideal for even your more sensitive toddler or preschooler.
Adding Books Into the Bedtime Routine
Although this is a list of Halloween books for preschoolers, that doesn’t mean you cannot read them with your toddler or baby. If you feel the book is too long for your toddler or baby, skip the pages. If the book has too many words, make up your own study or just point out objects on the pages.
For preschoolers, reading a set number of books each night is as a part of the bedtime routine can help them feel confident as they will know what part of the routine is coming next. A consistent routine can help to avoid bedtime battles as well.
Regardless of when you are reading these Halloween books with your preschooler, enjoy that time together.
Pro-tip:
Head to the library this October and read a new Halloween book. Most libraries have Fall and Halloween books on display. If you don’t see anything you like. ask the librarian for their favorite Halloween books for your toddler or preschooler. They always have the best suggestions.
