Halloween Books Available from Wolfner Library
Not all titles are available in all formats. At the end of each annotation you will find the call number or numbers for each title. BR means braille. LP means large print. RC and WOC mean recorded cassette.
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!
Halloween Books for Preschool-Grade 2
Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman.
A witch goes to her garden to pick a special pumpkin just hours before Halloween. The witch has watered and weeded the pumpkin so well that it has grown gigantic and won't budge. A ghost, a vampire and a mummy all offer help but to no avail. When a bat offers his services, they laugh because the bat is so small. But the bat has an idea. For preschool-grade 2. RC 38028.
The Dragon Halloween Party by Loren Leedy.
Ma Dragon and her ten children are having a Halloween party. Woven into the story are directions for making costumes, decorations, and delicious treats; and suggestions for games and activities. For preschool-grade 2 to share with parents. RC 27806.
Hubknuckles by Emily Herman.
Every Halloween Hubknuckles, the ghost, comes to delight Lee and her younger brother and sister. One year, Lee becomes convinced that it is just her mother or father with a sheet and a flashlight, until she decides to go out and dance with Hubknuckles, the ghost. For preschool-grade 2. RC 25531.
Little Witch's Big Night by Deborah Hautzig.
As punishment for cleaning up her room, Little Witch has to stay home on Halloween night. For preschool-grade 2. RC 22035.
Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming.
Simple rhymes describe the sights, sounds, and smells of Halloween. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2. BR 14012.
Scary, Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting.
"I peer outside, there's something there / That makes me shiver, spikes my hair. / It must be Halloween." Thus begins a very scary Halloween for a band of trick-or-treaters and a mother cat and her kittens. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2. BR 7509.
Six Creepy Sheep by Judith Ross Enderle.
Six little sheep say "Let's trick or treat," one Halloween night. So out they go, dressed as ghosts. What happens when they meet a passel of pirates, a gaggle of goblins and more will bring jack-o-lantern smiles to little Halloweeners. For preschool-grade 1. BR 51267.
Spooky and the Ghost Cat by Natalie Savage Carlson.
On Halloween night when black cats have special power, Spooky rescues a pretty, white ghost cat from the witch to whom he once belonged. For preschool-grade 2. BR 7113 and RC 26231.
A Tiger Called Thomas by Charlotte Zolotow.
Thomas, a shy boy in a new neighborhood, finds that the tiger costume he wears for Halloween gives him unexpected help in making friends. For preschool-grade 2. BR 15029 and RC 56914.
Halloween Books for Kindergarten-Grade 3
Dorrie and the Halloween Plot by Patricia Coombs.
Little witch Dorrie, making her first attempt to fly by herself, lands right in the center of a dastardly plot by the Halloween demons. For grades K-3. RC 10766.
Esteban and the Ghost by Sibyl Hancock.
A merry Spanish tinker spends Halloween night in a haunted castle waiting for a ghost who has terrified the entire countryside. When the strange figure finally appears, it is unlike anything Esteban could possibly have imagined. A spirited tale for grades K-3. Print/Braille. BR 5606.
Franklin’s Halloween by Paulette Bourgeois.
It's Halloween, and Franklin can't wait for the costume party with games, prizes, a parade, and a haunted house. Print/Braille. For grades K-3. BR 51243.
Grandmas Trick-or-Treat by Emily Arnold McCully.
On Halloween, Pip's two grandmothers, who cannot agree on anything, take Pip and her friends trick-or-treating. The kids aren't having much fun, but their trick on the grandmas has a surprise ending for them all. For grades K-3. RC 53914.
Gus and Grandpa and the Halloween Costume by Claudia Mills.
Beginning chapter book. Gus wants a store-bought Halloween costume to wear to school, but his parents do not believe in buying costumes. Grandpa is his last hope -- and sure enough, in a dusty, musty trunk, Gus finds the perfect outfit. For grades K-3.
LP 1151 and RC 55102.
Halloween Party by Linda Shute.
A mother and son put the finishing touches on their Halloween costumes and head to the neighborhood party where the decorations feature buckets of worms and bowls of slime, and the guests include monsters, wizards, and wombats. For grades K-3.
RC 44217
The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey.
Oscar, a dachshund, is half a dog tall and one-and-a-half dogs long. His friends laugh at him and call him Wiener Dog. On Halloween Oscar hurries home from obedience school to make a costume to wear trick-or-treating. But his mother has his outfit all made -- a hot dog bun. What will Oscar do? If he wears the getup, his friends will tease him even more. For grades K-3. RC 42615.
Harold & Chester in Scared Silly: A Halloween Treat by James Howe.
Harold, the Monroes' dog, tells of the Halloween night when he, Bunnicula the rabbit, Chester the cat, and Howie the dachshund puppy were left alone, and the wicked witch appeared in the kitchen. Print/Braille. For grades K-3 to share with older readers. BR 7949.
It's Halloween by Jack Prelutsky.
Thirteen poems celebrating the deliciously frightening aspects of Halloween. Print/Braille. For grades K-3. BR 05459.
Junie B, First Grader: Boo, and I Mean It! by Barbara Park.
It's almost Halloween, but Junie B. is afraid to go trick-or-treating because Paulie Allen Puffer told her that real monsters and witches come out that very night. With some help from a friend, Junie B. gets an idea for her own scary costume. For grades K-3.
BR 15055 and RC 59229.
Mouse's Halloween Party by Jeanne Modesitt.
Mouse is excited about having a Halloween party. He invites Pig, who bursts into tears because she was also planning a party for the same day. Mouse feels sad until he figures out how he and Pig can both be happy. Includes instructions for two games. For grades K-3. RC 60030.
Orange You Glad It's Halloween, Amber Brown? by Paula Danziger.
At school Amber and her classmates celebrate Halloween by dressing pumpkins as favorite book characters and having a party. At home Amber's family has a special supper and Amber puts on her costume to go trick-or-treating. Beginning reader. For grades K-3. RC 62494.
Picnic at Mudsock Meadow by Patricia Polacco.
At the annual Halloween picnic in Mudsock Meadow, William is tortured by Hester Bledden. At first sight, she pokes out her tongue and yells "peeeeeee youuuuuuu," to William’s utter embarrassment. And she is right there when he loses the pumpkin-carving and seed-spitting contests. His efforts in the dress-up event seem equally doomed until he faces down the ghost of Quicksand Bottoms and Hester calls him "her hero." For grades K-3. RC 39181.
Sir Halloween by Jerrold Beim.
Surprised that his costume is not unique, Randy organizes the other knights to stage a make-believe battle at the Halloween party. For grades K-3. BR 50244.
Space Witch by Don Freeman.
A witch builds a spaceship and, with her cat, spends Halloween scaring whatever there is in outer space. For grades K-3. RC 28925.
Spookier Than a Ghost by Karen Gray Ruelle.
Harry and his sister Emily are very much involved in the family's preparations for Halloween. A beginning chapter book. For grades K-3. BR 14496 and LP 89.
Spooky Night by Natalie Savage Carlson.
A witch's black cat who wants to be a family pet must perform one last bit of Halloween magic before the witch will set him free. Print/Braille. For grades K-3. BR 5617.
Halloween Books for Grades 2-4
Arthur's Halloween Costume by Lillian Hoban.
Arthur wants to be a ghost for Halloween, but when his sister tells him that three other kids in her class are coming as ghosts, Arthur changes his mind How he wins the prize for the most original costume is the subject of this easy-to-read story. For grades 2-4. BR 07092.
Beast and the Halloween Horror by Patricia Reilly Giff.
Halloween should be fun, but Beast is in big trouble when an unexpected guest shows up at the Halloween Parade! Kids of the Polk Street School. For grades 2-4. BR 50179.
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll.
Two mice, one a house mouse and the other a field mouse, fall in love with the very same pumpkin. The house mouse intends to enter it in the town's pumpkin contest, and the field mouse intends to carve it into the world's biggest jack-o'-lantern for Halloween. For grades 2-4. BR 9517 and RC 22430.
The Blue-Nosed Witch by Margaret Embry.
Blanche, a young witch with a nose that glows blue in the dark, joins a band of trick-or-treaters on their Halloween forage. For grades 2-4. RC 10144.
Day of the Dragon by Stephanie True Peters.
Clumsy at skateboarding, Mark practices kung fu to increase his athletic ability. He learns about martial arts and Chinese culture, and when his friends plan to dress up as a Chinese dragon for Halloween, Mark discourages them. For grades 2-4. RC 59465.
Fox Outfoxed by James Marshall.
In these three short stories, Fox attempts to win a race dishonestly, gives away all of his comic books, and enjoys Halloween trick-or-treating with his friends. Easy reading for grades 2-4. BR 9413.
Halloween by Alice K Flanagan.
Explains how Halloween started; how it got its name; the custom of trick-or-treating; and why witches, black cats, and goblins are associated with this celebration. Offers ideas of things to do for others on Halloween. For grades 2-4. RC 55079.
The Halloween Pumpkin Smasher by Judith St. George.
Mary Grace and her imaginary friend Nellie scheme to find out who has been smashing all the jack-o'-lanterns the week before Halloween. For grades 2-4. RC 14686.
Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve by Mary Pope Osborne.
After climbing into their magic tree house, Jack and Annie are invited by master magician Merlin to King Arthur's realm where invisible beings, giant ravens, and haunted spells have put a duke's castle in an uproar on Halloween night. For grades 2-4.
BR 14933 and RC 57233.
Henry and Mudge Under the Yellow Moon by Cynthia Rylant.
It's fall! Henry and his big dog Mudge love to walk in the woods to watch the leaves turn colors. They love to dress up for Halloween and listen to spooky stories, and they enjoy sharing Thanksgiving dinner. Easy reading for grades 2-4. BR 7257 and RC 30725.
Horrible Harry at Halloween by Suzy Kline.
Miss Mackle's third-grade class is excited about Halloween and what costumes they will wear. They remember all of Harry's scary costumes since kindergarten and wonder what he will be this year. But Harry keeps his secret and surprises everyone. For grades 2-4.
BR 13295 and RC 51512.
Meet Molly: An American Girl by Valerie Tripp.
In 1944 Molly McIntire’s father is a doctor serving in England. At home, her mother works for the Red Cross, and Mrs. Gilford, the housekeeper, takes care of Molly, nine, and her siblings. Halloween is soon, and Molly and her friends are planning their costumes. For grades 2-4. BR 10931 and RC 43831.
Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat.
Detective Nate takes a break from handing out Halloween candy to look for his friend Rosamond's cat, Little Hex. After searching a haunted house and thinking long and hard, Nate realizes where Little Hex must be. For grades 2-4. BR 12832 and BR 50808 and LP 1184.
Robert and the Back-to-School Special by Barbara Seuling.
Robert refuses a barbershop haircut before school starts, but having his best friend Paul cut his hair becomes a disaster. While his hair grows out, he makes a friend in a nursing home. Best of all, his father helps him plan a Halloween party. Chapter book. For grades 2-4. RC 60234.
The Show and Tell War and Other Stories about Adam Joshua by Janice Lee Smith.
Summer is over, and it’s time for Adam Joshua to return to school. These five stories tell about Adam Joshua’s first day back: the day he pretends to be sick; his stealing a book from the school library; making his scariest Halloween costume ever; and his always being upstaged at show-and-tell time. For grades 2-4. BR 8183 and
RC 31227.
Halloween Books for Grades 3-6
The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson.
The Herdman children create mayhem every year, so the town mayor cancels Halloween and trick-or-treating. Instead, the principal plans a safe, controlled holiday party at school, underestimating the Herdmans, who make their own plans. For grades 3-6. BR 15793 and RC 60024.
The Girls Get Even by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
In this sequel to The Boys Start the War, the Hartford brothers continue their feud with their new neighbors, the Malloy sisters, who have moved to West Virginia from Ohio. The families become fierce competitors in the school's Halloween costume contest and privately agree that the losers will be slaves to the winners for an entire month. Hatford-Malloy Feud, Book 2. For grades 3 to 6.
BR 50321 and LP 776 and RC 39670.
Halloween by Lillie Patterson.
An easy-to-read account of Halloween customs from the ancient Celts and Romans to modern times. For grades 3-6. RC 14573.
Halloween Howls: Riddles That Are a Scream by Giulio Maestro.
A collection of Halloween humor featuring vampires, mummies, and other creepy favorites. For grades 3-6 to share with older readers.
BR 5696 and RC 21632.
The Light on Hogback Hill by Cynthia DeFelice.
Hadley Patterson's mom works late as a waitress, leaving Hadley to worry about the horrible hag on Hogback Hill, who supposedly turns people into cats. When new sixth-grader Josh Carter invites Hadley over for dinner, she happily accepts. But Josh insists they find out about the hag by visiting her on Halloween! For grades 3-6. RC 40492.
The Monster's Ring by Bruce Coville.
As Halloween approaches, Russell wishes he could be Frankenstein and stand up to bully Eddie, who keeps beating him up. Then Russell finds a spooky shop and buys a monster's ring. At home, he's shocked to learn it works: Russell can turn himself into a monster! For grades 3-6. RC 43527.
A Newbery Halloween: A Dozen Scary Stories by Newbery Award-Winning Authors by Martin Harry Greenberg.
Since 1922 the American Library Association has awarded the John Newbery Award annually to the "most distinguished contribution" to children's literature. This collection of scary stories--just right for Halloween--is by Newbery Award-winning authors. Includes selections by Beverly Cleary, E.L. Konigsburg, and Virginia Hamilton. For grades 3-6 and older readers. BR 50626 and
RC 39186.
Trick or Treat or Trouble: Featuring Brian McDaniel by Barbara Aiello.
Brian McDaniel has epilepsy, and sometimes people act afraid of him because of their misconceptions. Some of Brian's own fears and misconceptions about a funeral home are cleared up on Halloween night. Includes a question-and-answer section about the causes and treatment of epilepsy. For grades 3-6. RC 31136.
Halloween Books for Grades 4-7
Attack of the Jack-o-Lanterns by R.L. Stine.
Three years ago, Tabby and Lee scared Drew and her friends at a Halloween party. Since then, Drew has been desperate to get revenge. After failing for two years, Drew finally agrees to the last-resort plan concocted by twins Shane and Shana. What she doesn't realize is just how scary it is. For grades 4-6. BR 11148 and
RC 42898.
Bernie Magruder and the Bats in the Belfry by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
As Halloween approaches, Bernie Magruder, of the Bessledorf Hotel family, is determined to identify some dangerous new bats in Middleburg. They are roosting in the church belfry, whose annoying bells ring hourly, night and day, as requested in wealthy Mrs. Scuttlefoot's will. Edgar Award. For grades 4-7. RC 58518.
The Case of the Screaming Scarecrow by Judy Katschke.
The Olsen twins are planning a Halloween party with their friends when things start going awry. Spiders crawl out of the candy and someone sends scary warnings. Mary-Kate and Ashley think it's all fun until they hear a creepy, scarecrow-sounding scream. For grades 4-7. BR 13730.
Charlotte Shakespeare and Annie the Great by Barbara Ware Holmes.
Charlotte Cheetham has been commissioned by her teacher, Mrs. Sanchez, to write a Halloween play for her sixth-grade class. The play is funny and scary, and Charlotte thinks her best friend, Annie, is perfect for the lead. Soon everyone else is equally impressed with Annie’s talent. So much so that Charlotte begins to feel left out. For grades 4-7. RC 36595.
The Great Ghost Rescue by Eva Ibbotson.
The haunting tale of Humphrey the Horrible, a nice ghost really who tries hard to be nasty, his sister Wailing Winifred and lots of other creepy characters, including Loopy Fred! Life is happy for the family of spooks in their home at Craggyford Castle--that is until one dark, stormy night, just after Halloween, when things begin to get dangerous and difficult. For grades 4-7. LP 394.
Halloween by D.J. Herda.
Describes the origins of Halloween, and its traditions and celebrations around the world. Directions for making costumes, and party games and ideas are also included. For grades 4-7.
RC 26490.
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury.
On Halloween night, eight boys arrange to meet their friend, Pipkin, at the haunted house outside of town. Before the others reach him, though, Pipkin is grabbed by a dark Something. For grades 4-7. BR 10971 and RC 44005.
Hank the Cowdog: The Case of the Halloween Ghost by John R. Erickson.
It's Hank again, the cowdog with a nose for trouble that leads him into perhaps the scariest adventure of his life. Accompanied by his cowardly companion Drover, the duo find themselves in a strange place on the spookiest of nights, Halloween. For grades 4-7 and older readers. Hank the Cowdog, Book 9. WOC 216.
Headless Halloween by R.L. Stine.
Brandon Plush loves to scare people and make them scream. Halloween is just a few days away, and he plans to dress up as a headless person. But on Halloween night, Brandon's plans become quite real. For grades 4-7. BR 12091.
Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth by E.L. Konigsburg.
On Halloween night, Elizabeth, a lonely new student at Milliam McKinley Elementary School, meets Jennifer, who claims to be a master witch. The two girls become friends, practice chants and spells, but have a falling-out when Jennifer wants to put their pet toad in a potion. For grades 4-7. LP 387 and RC 44792.
Save Halloween! by Stephanie S. Tolan.
Johnna, a sixth-grader, is helping write a script for the class Halloween pageant. Knowing that her family does not approve of celebrating a holiday associated with the devil, especially after her uncle preaches about it at the tent meeting, Johnna thinks through her ideas about what is right and what is wrong. Prayer and reflection lead Johnna to a decision about her values. For grades 4-7. RC 40364.
To Every Season: A Family Holiday Cookbook by Jane Breskin Zalben.
Presents a brief history of holidays throughout the calendar year with recipes for traditional favorites. Covers New Year’s, Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, April Fools’, Easter, Passover, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. For grades 4-7 and older readers. BR 14146.
Tramp Steamer and the Silver Bullet by Jeffrey Kelly.
Twelve-year-old Tramp Steamer and his friend, Silver Bullet, encounter secret tunnels, wolf spiders, and Halloween magic as they explore a haunted house and get involved with two crazy ladies. For grades 4-7. RC 24709.
Trick-or-Trouble by Franklin W Dixon.
The Bayport Merchants Association is sponsoring a mystery contest for Halloween. The prizes are so grand that some people will do anything to win, leaving it up to the Hardys to keep the competition fair. The Hardy Boys Mystery Stories, Book 175. For grades 4-7. BR 14958 and BR 51391.
Witches, Pumpkins, and Grinning Ghosts: The Story of the Halloween Symbols by Edna Barth.
Discusses the origins of this popular end-of-October holiday. Explains symbols associated with Halloween such as the witch in her pointed hat, black cats, bats, the Jack-O'-Lantern, and the tradition of trick-or-treating. For grades 4-7.
BR 13900 and RC 53631.
Halloween Books for Young Adult Readers
The Dreadful Future of Blossom Culp by Richard Peck.
Sequel to "Ghosts I Have Been." Blossom, who is far from being the most popular member of her freshman class travels ahead 70 years, returning just in time to make Halloween an unforgettable night for her classmates and teachers. For grades 5-8. RC 22619.
Full Moon Halloween by R.L. Stine.
While Tristan, Rosa, Bella, and Ray wonder what to do on Halloween, they are invited to a party given by their strange new science teacher, Mr. Moon. His house becomes a trap, and Mr. Moon won't let anyone go until he determines who is a werewolf. For grades 5-8. BR 12863.
Gallows Hill by Lois Duncan.
When her mother marries, Californian Sarah Zoltanne is forced to spend her senior year in a small Missouri town. At the Halloween festival, Sarah reluctantly agrees to play fortune teller. Using her Hungarian grandmother’s crystal ball, Sarah really sees things that frighten her--especially when they happen. Some violence. For grades 6-9. BR 11590.
Holiday Treats by Esther Hautzig.
A collection of easy-to-make recipes for sixteen holidays throughout the year, including Purim, Halloween, Mother’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Fourth of July, and Christmas. For grades 5-8 and older readers. RC 21611.
October Moon by Michael Scott.
Rachel Stone, fifteen, and her parents are in Ireland to visit the four-hundred-year-old house and horse farm they have just bought. Rachel hopes to do some riding. Then some strange accidents begin to happen, all seemingly directed toward Rachel. Rachel slowly discovers that members of an ancient clan plan to pass a curse on to her on Halloween. For grades 6-9. BR 10552.
Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man by Wendelin Van Draanen.
Halloween night turns out to be especially frightening for seventh grader Sammy and two girlfriends when a skeleton rushes by them near a creepy house. The front door opens, revealing a fire. Sammy puts it out and finds a tied-up masked man. Now Sammy has a mystery to investigate. For grades 5-8. BR 51434 and RC 49112.
Thomas and the Warlock by Mollie Hunter.
Thomas, a blacksmith and poacher, is more tempted to poach in the warlock’s woods than frightened of its dangers. He destroys the witches’ spells and even lames the wicked wizard until one Halloween when the warlock takes revenge and steals Thomas’ wife. For junior and senior high readers. BR 937 and RC 33633.
The Vampire’s Beautiful Daughter by S.P. Somtow.
When a part-Jewish, part-Lakota boy and a half-mortal, half-vampire girl fall for each other, decisions have to be made-- fast. On Halloween, they’ll both turn sixteen and Rebecca’s father is planning her devivification party to make her a vampire forever. Some violence. For junior and senior high readers. RC 46437.
Willie Bea and the Time the Martians Landed by Virginia Hamilton.
On Halloween night, 1938, an extended black family reunited in Ohio hears the news that Martians have landed in New Jersey. It is the famous Orson Welles hoax, but--like so many others--Willie Bea and her family don’t know that. They experience a night of terror in which protective Willie Bea becomes a heroine. For grades 5-8.
RC 23390.