Halloween is the perfect time to bring a little not-too-spooky fun into the kindergarten classroom, and what better way to do that than with engaging read-alouds? These Halloween-themed books are sure to capture your students’ attention and add to their enjoyment of Halloween. Whether you’re looking for stories that are silly, kooky, or slightly spooky, these read-alouds will help make your Halloween celebrations extra special. From my classroom to yours, let’s dive into some of my favorite Halloween books for kindergarten!
My Favorite Halloween Books for Kindergarten
Here are 15 of my favorite Halloween books that make enjoyable read alouds!
1. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
This is a rhyming story about a kind witch who makes room on her broom for several helpful animal friends. I like that it models cooperation, teamwork, and kindness in the form of a great Halloween-themed story!
2. Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds
This is a humorous and slightly spooky tale about Jasper Rabbit, who insists he’s not afraid of anything—especially not a pair of glowing green underwear. However, as the underwear seems to follow him everywhere, Jasper finds creative ways to rid himself of it.
3. The Little Kitten by Nicola Killen
Calling all kitten lovers! This is a heartwarming Halloween story about a girl named Ollie who discovers a lost kitten on an autumn day. As they embark on an adventure to return the kitten home, they encounter the magic of fall and the joy of friendship. It has beautiful illustrations as well!
4. How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton
What would you do if there was a monster in your closet? In this story, a boy sets out on a mission to catch the monster hiding in his closet. With humorous and clever traps, the story takes your students on a playful adventure where fear turns into friendship.
5. Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O’Connell
Here’s a fun counting book! This story follows ten ghosts who are scared away one by one by a mischievous witch, making it a playful way to practice counting down from ten. Kindergarteners always love this interactive read aloud!
6. How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead and Megan Joyce
Here’s another must-have in the “How to Catch” series! In this story, a group of kids tries to catch a sneaky witch using clever traps, but the witch is always one step ahead. With its rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, this book is perfect for a fun read-aloud!
7. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat by Lucille Colandro
Here’s another favorite and familiar series! This is a Halloween twist on the classic “old lady” tale. The story follows a quirky old lady who swallows a bat, followed by a series of other spooky items. With its repetitive, rhyming text and silly storyline, this book makes a fantastic read aloud.

8. Turkey Trick or Treat by Wendy Silvano
Here’s a fun story about Turkey and his animal friends, who dress up in creative costumes to trick-or-treat around town. Determined to collect candy despite being farm animals, they use clever disguises to blend in with the humans. There are so many fun Halloween dress-up activities you can do with this story!
9. Froggy’s Halloween by Jonathan London
Kindergarteners LOVE Froggy! In this story, Froggy excitedly prepares for Halloween, trying to pick the perfect costume and practicing his “trick or treat” skills. This story is great for discussing Halloween traditions and helping students embrace the fun, not-so-scary aspects of Halloween.
10. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams
It doesn’t feel like Halloween until I’ve read this classic story! If you’re not familiar with the story, a brave old lady encounters spooky objects while walking through the woods at night. Each object follows her home, trying to scare her, but she remains unafraid and finds a creative solution.

11. Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete by James Dean
Follow Pete the Cat as he goes trick or treating! This fun book has flaps that reveal spooky surprises, and will definitely keep your students’ attention.
12. Clifford’s Halloween by Norman Bridwell
Books about Clifford are always popular in my classroom and home! In this story, Clifford excitedly experiences the fun of Halloween in the neighborhood. Your students will love guessing how Clifford will dress up!
13. Snowmen at Halloween by Caralyn M. Buehner
If your students are familiar with the other popular books in the “Snowmen” series, they’ll definitely want to know what snowmen do on Halloween! Watch snowmen come to life to celebrate Halloween with spooky decorations, creative costumes, and yummy treats.
14. The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John
Bad Seed LOVES Halloween!, but he’s having trouble finding the perfect costume. What will he do? Students will love watching Bad Seed navigate his own Halloween adventure.
15. Spooky Hour by Tony Mitton
Here’s a fun rhyming story that doubles as a counting book. Students will love seeing all sorts of silly and spooky creatures as they eventually end up at a Halloween party. The creative language in this book makes it a really enjoyable read aloud!
Bonus Books: Halloween Chapter Books to Read Aloud
If you’re interested in a Halloween chapter book to read aloud, here are a couple suggestions:
Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Horrible Harry at Halloween by Suzy Kline

(You can read more about reading chapter books to kindergarteners here!)
Companion Activities for Halloween Read Alouds
Halloween read alouds are the perfect lead-in to many classroom activities. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Halloween Writing Prompts – Looking for the perfect writing activity? I have tons of ideas in this blog post!
- Halloween Word Family Craft – After hearing rhymes in many of the Halloween books, students can explore word families and make their own spiderweb craft. This makes a really fun bulletin board display for families to enjoy when they visit for Halloween parties!
- Halloween Literacy Games – After spending some quality time with a read aloud, break into partners or small groups and play some of these FREE Halloween literacy games!
Enjoy these Halloween read alouds!
Halloween read-alouds are an exciting way to celebrate the holiday in your classroom. These books are not only entertaining, but many also teach valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and creativity. By incorporating these engaging books into your celebration of Halloween, you can create memorable moments that your students will remember long after the candy is gone. Happy reading!
More Halloween Classroom Fun:
Halloween Writing Prompts for Kindergarten
Halloween Literacy Games for Kindergarten (Free!)
Hands-On Activities for October
