Halloween is the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book. And for preschoolers, the best Halloween stories aren't necessarily the scariest ones. They're the books that spark curiosity, invite participation, encourage imagination, and give children plenty to talk about long after the last page.
We asked Teacher Emily and Teacher Sandy at Youngset Co-Op Preschool in Portland, Oregon, to share some of their favorite Halloween books for young children. From silly witches to friendly ghosts, these four books are wonderful additions to your family's fall reading list.
1. Inside a House That Is Haunted
Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Tedd Arnold
Recommended by Teacher Sandy, Inside a House That Is Haunted is a hilarious Halloween classic from 1998 that turns the traditional spooky story on its head. Rather than portraying monsters as creatures children should fear, the story reverses the roles: the monsters are actually afraid of the kids!
Why Teacher Sandy loves it: Sandy appreciates how the story challenges the idea that Halloween has to be frightening for young children. It's silly, unexpected, and genuinely funny.
He also recommends finding the original musical rendition of the book on YouTube. The catchy song is one of those tunes that will get stuck in your head, your children's heads and your whole family’s head.
Try this while reading: Talk about the unexpected role reversal. Why do you think the monsters are afraid of the children? What makes the story funny instead of scary?
2. A Spoonful of Frogs
Written by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Vera Brosgol
What happens when a witch tries to make her favorite frog soup, but the most important ingredient refuses to cooperate?
In A Spoonful of Frogs, one increasingly frustrated witch attempts to follow her recipe while a collection of energetic frogs makes the task nearly impossible. The witch's mounting frustration creates plenty of humor, but it also offers a wonderful opportunity for children to explore their own emotions.
Why Teacher Emily loves it: Emily uses this book to help preschoolers recognize and talk about feelings, particularly frustration. As the witch's plans unravel, Emily encourages her students to observe the character's facial expressions and consider what she might be feeling. She then connects the story to children's own experiences, asking whether they've ever felt frustrated, how they responded, and what they might do differently when something doesn't go according to plan. It's a playful way to explore emotional awareness, flexibility, and problem-solving—skills that young children are developing every day.
Try this while reading: Ask your child, "How do you think the witch feels right now?" Then talk about a time when your child was frustrated or something didn't go as planned.
3. Room on the Broom
Written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
A beloved Halloween classic, Room on the Broom follows a friendly witch whose journey through the sky becomes increasingly crowded as she welcomes new animal companions aboard. Along the way, the witch receives help from her new friends. When she later finds herself in trouble, those same friends come together to return the favor.
Why Teacher Sandy loves it: For Sandy, this story beautifully illustrates two values that are especially important at Youngset: inclusion and teamwork. The witch makes room for each new friend, and by the end of the story, those friendships become the foundation for helping one another. In Sandy’s classroom, there's a saying the children frequently hear: "Teamwork makes the dream work." Room on the Broom brings that sentiment to life, showing children the value of welcoming others, lending a helping hand, and working together.
Try this while reading: Ask your child how the animals help the witch and how she helps them. Why is it important to include others? What can friends accomplish together?
4. Ghosts in the House!
Written and illustrated by Kazuno Kohara
With its striking orange, black, and white illustrations, Ghosts in the House! is a visually captivating Halloween picture book. The story follows a resourceful little girl who discovers that her new house is full of ghosts. Rather than being frightened, she finds creative ways to turn the ghosts into useful household items, including curtains!
Why Teacher Emily loves it: Emily especially appreciates the book's beautiful, simple illustrations and limited color palette, which make the images visually engaging for young children. She recommends this one for slightly younger preschoolers, particularly three-year-olds. When reading the story with her class, Emily invites children to count the ghosts, discuss the girl's unusual solutions, and imagine what they might do if they discovered ghosts in their own homes. The story becomes an opportunity to practice counting while encouraging creativity and imaginative thinking.
Try this while reading: Count the ghosts together, then ask your child how they would catch a ghost. Could they become friends with it? What would they do together?
Making the Most of Halloween Storytime
One of the wonderful things about reading with young children is that the experience goes well beyond the words on the page.
A good picture book can become the starting point for conversations, imaginative play, art projects, and entirely new stories invented by children themselves.
When reading together, don't feel obligated to get through every page without interruption. Some of the most meaningful moments happen when a child stops to ask a question, notices something unexpected in an illustration, or wants to revisit a favorite part.
Follow their curiosity. Ask what they think. And leave plenty of room for laughter.
At Youngset Co-Op Preschool, we believe that children's natural curiosity is one of their greatest tools for learning. Whether exploring a picture book, collaborating with classmates, or inventing stories through play, children are constantly making connections and discovering new ways to understand the world around them.
Happy Halloween and happy reading!
Looking for a play-based preschool in Portland? Learn more about Youngset Co-Op Preschool and our programs for children ages 2–5.