15 Halloween Read Alouds for Kindergarten

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!

room on the broom book

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.

creepy pair of underwear book

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!

halloween books for kindergarten

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.

how to catch a monster book

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!

halloween books for kindergarten

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!

how to catch a witch book

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.

there was an old lady who swallowed a bat book

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!

halloween books for kindergarten

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.

halloween books for kindergarten

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.

halloween books for kindergarten

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.

pete the cat halloween

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!

clifford's halloween book

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.

snowmen at halloween book

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.

halloween books for kindergarten

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!

halloween books for kindergarten

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

halloween books for kindergarten

(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 books for kindergarten
  • 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!

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

halloween books for kindergarten

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