The Children’s Halloween Council Just Dropped Their Must-Read Picks for 2025
As autumn leaves begin to fall and pumpkins appear on doorsteps, families everywhere are gearing up for one of the most magical times of the year: Halloween. But beyond costumes and candy, this holiday offers a golden opportunity to spark kids’ imaginations through storytelling. To help parents and educators curate the perfect seasonal reading list, the Children’s Halloween Council (CHC) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 roster of the best Halloween-themed books for young readers. Let’s dive into their top picks, handpicked to delight, inspire, and maybe even send a playful shiver down little spines.
Spooky (But Not Too Spooky) Stories for Early Readers
The CHC knows that younger children often walk the fine line between fascination and fear during Halloween. Their 2025 list opens with titles designed to celebrate the whimsy of the season without overwhelming sensitive readers.
“Pumpkin’s Glowing Smile” by Lila Moon
This charming picture book follows a shy pumpkin named Patch who learns to embrace his unique “crooked” grin with the help of friendly forest creatures. Vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming message about self-acceptance make it ideal for ages 3–6.
“The Little Witch’s First Flight” by Oscar Graves
A timid young witch named Willow overcomes her fear of broomsticks in this uplifting tale. With rhymes that bounce like a cauldron bubble and themes of courage, it’s a crowd-pleaser for kindergarteners.
“Ghosts in the Garden” by Mara Chen
Gentle pastel artwork softens this story about a group of garden ghosts who team up to solve a mystery. The CHC praises its focus on teamwork and problem-solving, calling it “a cozy introduction to spooky characters.”
Chapter Books for Middle Graders: Adventure Meets Mystery
For kids ready to tackle longer stories, the council highlights page-turners that blend Halloween fun with relatable themes like friendship and curiosity.
“The Curious Case of the Midnight Carnival” by Felix Sparks
Twins Leo and Luna stumble upon a magical carnival that appears only on Halloween night. Packed with riddles, secret maps, and eccentric characters, this book earns praise for its “addictive pacing” and clever nods to classic detective stories.
“Spellbound Sisters: The Haunted Library” by Tessa Rivera
The third installment in Rivera’s popular series sees witchy sisters Ivy and Hazel racing to break a curse threatening their town’s enchanted library. With puzzles woven into the plot, this book encourages readers to engage actively with the story.
“Monster Misfits Unite!” by Raj Patel
A group of “imperfect” monsters—a vampire afraid of the dark, a mummy with allergies—band together to save their haunted school. The CHC applauds its humor and subtle lessons about inclusivity.
Graphic Novels That Pop Off the Page
Visual storytelling takes center stage in these picks, perfect for reluctant readers or kids who love immersive artwork.
“Zombie Pizza Delivery Dash” by Kit Collins
In this lively graphic novel, Zara—a zombie with a passion for cooking—navigates chaos when her pizza truck breaks down on Halloween. Bold, comic-style illustrations and a quirky plot make it a standout for ages 8–12.
“Coraline: The Graphic Novel Retelling” by Neil Gaiman & Lydia Bright
A fresh adaptation of Gaiman’s classic, this version retains the eerie charm of the original while Bright’s moody, angular art style gives it a modern edge. The CHC notes it’s “perfect for kids ready to dip their toes into mild suspense.”
“The Moonlight Detectives” by Sofia Cruz
A trio of animal friends solve supernatural small-town mysteries in this beautifully illustrated series debut. Think Scooby-Doo meets Babysitters Club, with a diverse cast and clever visual clues.
Books That Celebrate Global Traditions
Halloween isn’t the only autumn celebration, and the CHC’s list wisely includes stories that broaden cultural horizons.
“Día de los Muertos Dance Party” by Rosa Mendez
A rhythmic, bilingual tale about a girl honoring her ancestors through music and dance. With vivid depictions of marigold altars and sugar skulls, this book is both educational and joyful.
“Samhain Secrets” by Fiona O’Donnell
Rooted in Celtic traditions, this folklore-rich story follows a boy who befriends a mischievous spirit guarding ancient Halloween secrets. The CHC calls it “a gateway to exploring lesser-known seasonal histories.”
“Lanterns and Legends: A Harvest Festival Journey” by Anika Li
This anthology weaves together short stories about harvest festivals worldwide, from China’s Mid-Autumn Festival to India’s Diwali. Interactive elements like recipes and craft ideas add hands-on appeal.
Timeless Classics with a Fresh Twist
No Halloween list is complete without nods to beloved stories reimagined for new generations.
“The Halloween Tree: Illustrated Edition” by Ray Bradbury & Mia Tran
Bradbury’s iconic novel gets a stunning makeover with Tran’s watercolor illustrations, making its historical and philosophical themes more accessible to middle schoolers.
“Room on the Broom: 25th Anniversary Edition” by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
The CHC gives a special shoutout to this re-released favorite, now with augmented reality features that let kids “interact” with the story’s beloved characters.
“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Kid-Friendly Remix” by Alvin Schwartz & June Kim
The controversial classic returns in a gentler format, swapping out intense imagery for whimsical illustrations while keeping the campfire-story vibe intact.
Final Thoughts from the CHC
In their 2025 announcement, the Children’s Halloween Council emphasized that the best Halloween books do more than entertain—they help kids explore emotions, cultures, and creativity in a safe, playful context. “These stories aren’t just about ghosts and goblins,” said CHC director Elena Torres. “They’re tools for building empathy, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of reading.”
Whether your child is a fearless monster enthusiast or a cautious Halloween newbie, this year’s list offers something to light up their imagination. So grab a blanket, a flashlight, and maybe a handful of candy corn—it’s time to make storytime the spookiest (and sweetest) part of your Halloween traditions!
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » The Children’s Halloween Council Just Dropped Their Must-Read Picks for 2025