With so many Halloween picture books, it’s hard to know which ones have just the right amount of ghoulish fun for the little ones who love this holiday, but aren’t ready for big scares. These Halloween books for kindergarten are fun and not too spooky, which makes them perfect Halloween books for preschoolers, kindergarteners and first graders. These fun Halloween stories for kindergarten lend themselves to great classroom discussion. Pair these books with some spooktacular Halloween activites and you have the makings of a great read aloud! Read on for our favorite teacher recommended Halloween books for kindergarten.
Best Halloween Books for Kindergarten
Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman, illustrated by S.D. Schindler
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Alex Scheffle
In this delightful story, a kind witch finds room on her cramped broom for all sorts of animals to join her in flight. The witch’s generosity is paid back when she runs into a hungry dragon. With the help of all her animal friends, the witch is saved from the fire breathing beast! This charming story about friendship is full of rhyme and a perfect read aloud for Halloween.
Ghosts in the House by Kazuno Kohara
Your kids will love this story about a girl and her cat who went to live in a big old house with just one problem… it was haunted! Fortunately, this girl isn’t just a girl. She is a witch, and she knows just what to do with all the ghosts! The unique style of the illustrations adds to the beauty, creativity and joy of this book! After reading this bewitching story, have your children draw a picture and/or write a sentence about what they would do if their house was filled with ghosts.
Pumpkin Eye by Denise Flemming
With poetic text and vivid illustrations, Pumpkin Eye is a wonderful Halloween read aloud. Its descriptive text is perfect for practicing visualizations, discussing adjectives and unpacking vocabulary.
The Teeny Tiny Ghost by Kay Winters, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
In this charming story, the teeny tiny ghost in his teeny tiny house with his teeny tiny cats has never been out on Halloween night. What will it be like? Will he be any good at haunting? Read to find out if this teeny tiny timid ghost will find his BOO. This cute story is great for teaching story elements, retell and asking text dependent questions such as, How is the teeny tiny ghost feeling? Why is he feeling this way? What was his homework? Why did he hide his teeny tiny head?
Scary Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Jan Brett
This adorable and spooky story lends itself to wonderful discussion questions… “Who is narrating? Do you think the skeletons, ghosts and witches are real? What are they doing? Who are the prowlers of the night? What makes Halloween night different from other nights? This beautifully illustrated book is fun, engaging and a must read for the month of October.
Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins
A sweet story about a “very nearly perfect pumpkin.” Stumpkin was “as orange as… an orange! As big as a basketball!” But… “he was stemless. With just a stump, not a stem. Who would be lucky enough to take home Stumpkin?” This book lends itself to making great predictions, as well as discussing feelings and empathy. Not to worry, the loveable, and nearly perfect pumpkin gets his own happy ending.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, illustrated Megan Lloyd
This was always one of my kindergartners favorite read alouds! If you add a few simple movements to complement the sound words (ie Stomp your feet when you hear CLOMP CLOMP.) then your kids can act out this fun and silly tale as you read it! Acting out stories increases engagement and comprehension. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything is an enchanting story that your kids will adore!
The Trouble with Mom by Babette Cole
A sweet story about an unusual mom who, at first, doesn’t get along with the other parents. This silly and bewitching tale is great for discussing acceptance, empathy and being different. This is an oldie but goodie. You can find this one on thriftbooks.com.
List of Top Halloween Books for Kindergarteners
- Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman, illustrated by S.D. Schindler
- Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Alex Scheffle
- Ghosts in the House by Kazuno Kohara
- Pumpkin Eye by Denise Flemming
- The Teeny Tiny Ghost by Kay Winters, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
- Scary Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Jan Brett
- Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins
- The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, illustrated Megan Lloyd
- The Trouble with Mom by Babette Cole
-Jackie
More Helpful Resources from 4 Kinder Teachers
We hope you find this blog helpful! If you are looking for some more teacher approved resources and great activities to do with your kindergartners this fall, read Fantastic Kindergarten Fall Activities, The Best Kindergarten Halloween Activities, and Awesome October Read Alouds for Kindergarten. And don’t miss The Day of the Dead Activities for Kindergarten.
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