7 Classic Halloween Stories to Share with the Next Generation

Dem Bones, by Bob Barner
Based off of an African American spiritual, this book is lively and informative. The song, passed down by generations, comes to life on the pages with the skeleton band. Kids will want to sing along as you read the rhyming text. They’ll also be excited to point along as they learn about anatomy and the bones in their body (we are born with 450 bones!). A scare-free Halloween book that is equally great as a reading book for one child or an entire group. (Ages 5-8)

What Was I Scared Of?, by Dr. Seuss
Featuring glow in the dark ink, this is the perfect Halloween slumber party pick. With Seuss’ fantastical illustrations and wacky way with words, this is a great book for kids a little bit afraid of the darker elements of the season. The narrator is afraid of a pair of pants—and the pants are afraid of the narrator!—and each page helps deliver a message about understanding and facing fear. Perfect for the scaredy-pants in your family. (Ages 5-8)

Mouse’s First Halloween, by Lauren Thompson and Buket Erdogan
Preschoolers will appreciate this story about Mouse and the scary sounds he hears one Halloween. What appears scary at first, rustling leaves and creeping things, turns out to just be the sounds of the season. When trick or treaters appear, Mouse gets a sweet taste of Halloween. Set in the evening hours as Mouse investigates outside, this is a great introduction to Halloween traditions and a lesson for little ones on what separates the real from the pretend. (Ages 3-6)

The Canterville Ghost, by Oscar Wilde and Lisbeth Zwerger
As a young man, Oscar Wilde wrote this tale about a ghost knocking about an English manor after an American family moves into the home. Despite the fact that the family knew the house was haunted, they proceed to annoy the ghost with their skepticism—they simply do not believe the ghost lives there. That is until Virginia, the daughter, comes along. This classic books makes for a great read aloud for older kids or a wonderful introduction to the works of Wilde. (Ages 9 and up)

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving and Will Moses
The classic tale of the headless horseman was written by Irving in 1820. Almost 200 years later, this reprint stays very true to the original story. Ichabod Crane is the new teacher in town and attempts to woo a woman, despite the fact that another man, Brom Bones, is interested in her too. Both men encounter a headless horseman that chases them through the woods. Full of suspense and just enough spookiness, it’s no surprise this is a popular pick at Halloween. (Ages 6-9)

Dracula, by Bram Stoker
This modern retelling of a classic tale is formatted perfectly for young readers to get a taste of Dracula. The timeless vampire moves from Transylvania to London, determined to continue biting the necks of innocent victims and spreading the curse of the undead. With plenty of drama and a cast of characters—including bug eaters and valiant heroes—your child will enjoy learning about the story behind Dracula. (Ages 7-9)

Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
Kids may know the name Frankenstein, but they may not know the whole story. This modern retelling is the perfect opportunity to learn about scientist Victor Frankenstein and his mission to discover the secret of life. As he puts together a creature from the body parts of the dead, he fashions a monster that comes to life and haunts Victor until his last days. Filled with scares, pain, and sadness, this is a book that will frighten and delight. (Ages 7-9)