As Halloween approaches, I find myself reminiscing about the beloved picture books that I adored as a child during this spooky season. These picture books were filled with witches, ghosts, monsters, and all things that go bump in the night, and they never failed to thrill and delight me. Here is a list of the top ten Halloween picture books that I loved as a child:
1. “The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat” by Stan and Jan Berenstain: This classic story follows the Berenstain Bears as they prepare for Halloween and go trick-or-treating. The colorful illustrations and heartwarming story captured my imagination as a child.
2. “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson: In this enchanting tale, a kind witch invites various animals to join her on her broomstick. The rhyming text and whimsical illustrations make this a Halloween favorite.
3. “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” by Linda Williams: This charming story follows a brave old lady who encounters various spooky objects on her walk through the woods. The repetition and interactive elements of this book make it a fun read-aloud for young children.
4. “The Hallo-Wiener” by Dav Pilkey: In this humorous story, a dachshund named Oscar feels embarrassed by his hot dog costume but ends up saving the day when he confronts a group of bullies. The witty text and quirky illustrations make this book a Halloween treat.
5. “Big Pumpkin” by Erica Silverman: This delightful retelling of a traditional folktale follows a witch who recruits various Halloween creatures to help her remove a stubborn pumpkin from its vine. The rhythmic text and colorful illustrations make this book a seasonal favorite.
6. “The Monster at the End of This Book” by Jon Stone: Although not specifically a Halloween book, this classic Sesame Street story features the lovable monster Grover as he tries to prevent readers from turning the pages and revealing the monster at the end. The interactive elements and humor of this book made it a favorite read for me during Halloween season.
7. “Where’s My Mummy?” by Carolyn Crimi: In this adorable story, Baby Mummy tries to spook his mommy by hiding in a spooky swamp. The sweet and funny tale is accompanied by charming illustrations that make it a perfect Halloween read for young children.
8. “Creepy Carrots!” by Aaron Reynolds: In this clever and slightly spooky story, Jasper Rabbit becomes convinced that the carrots in his garden are following him. The dark and humorous illustrations add to the eerie atmosphere of this Halloween favorite.
9. “The Ghost-Eye Tree” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault: This hauntingly beautiful story follows a young girl and her brother as they venture into the woods on Halloween night in search of the legendary Ghost-Eye Tree. The poetic text and atmospheric illustrations create a sense of mystery and wonder that captivated me as a child.
10. “Old Black Witch!” by Wende and Harry Devlin: This charming story follows Old Black Witch as she tries to find her missing magic ingredients in order to create her famous Halloween stew. The quirky characters and detailed illustrations make this book a timeless Halloween classic.
These ten Halloween picture books were a cherished part of my childhood, and I still find joy in reading them each year as the spooky season approaches. Whether you’re looking for a whimsical tale, a humorous story, or a slightly spooky adventure, these picture books are sure to delight readers of all ages during Halloween.