These are our favorite books about Halloween and Pumpkins for Pre-K kids. Includes Monster books and Spooky books. This list contains Amazon affiliate links.
Visit the Halloween & Pumpkins Activities page for lots of Preschool & Pre-K lesson ideas.
Pumpkin Books:
Pumpkin Soup
by Helen Cooper
In an old, white cabin deep within the woods, three friends prepare their daily pumpkin soup with unwavering routine. The Cat, the Squirrel, and the Duck each have their roles, until a dispute prompts the Duck to leave in frustration. As the Cat and the Squirrel grow concerned for their absent companion, a heartwarming autumn tale unfolds.
Pumpkin Trouble
by Jan Thomas
Duck attempts to create a jack-o’-lantern surprise for Pig and Mouse, but things take a spooky turn when a Pumpkin Monster looms, and his friends miss the peril he faces. This hilarious Halloween tale of mistaken identities and an unlikely hero will bring laughter to both children and parents.
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever
by Steven Kroll
In this beloved bestselling picture book, Desmond and Clayton, two mice with a shared pumpkin, unite to win the Biggest Pumpkin competition, embarking on a heartwarming journey of collaboration and friendship. Both determined to achieve their pumpkin-related dreams, they join forces to cultivate the grandest pumpkin ever.
The Roll-Away Pumpkin
by Junia Wonders
Marla’s comical pursuit of her runaway pumpkin takes readers on a whimsical adventure through country roads, a bustling city, and even a lively parade, with a heartwarming ending shared over a cauldron of pumpkin soup. The book’s captivating illustrations, brimming with charming details, and its engaging, rhythmic text make it an ideal read-aloud for families and educators, catering to both young children and beginner readers with its repetitive language and predictive elements.
The Very Best Pumpkin
by Mark Kimball Moulton
Growing up on Mimi and Papa’s farm, Peter’s expertise in nurturing pumpkins leads him to foster a remarkable pumpkin that becomes his prized possession. When a young girl arrives in search of the perfect pumpkin, Peter faces a heartwarming decision that could lead to a cherished friendship in this enchanting tale by the bestselling creators of Reindeer Christmas and A Snowman Named Just Bob, capturing the essence of autumn and the bonds of friendship.
How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow?
by Wendell Minor
Giant pumpkin contests and imaginative carving take center stage in fairs nationwide, with record-breakers weighing over a ton. Award-winning artist Wendell Minor envisions colossal pumpkins adorning iconic American landmarks, creating a playful exploration of size and scale peppered with fascinating facts about these famous places.
Too Many Pumpkins
by Linda White
Rebecca Estelle’s enduring aversion to pumpkins, rooted in her family’s difficult past, takes an unexpected turn when an accidental pumpkin patch sprouts in her yard, offering a heartwarming lesson about sharing and helping others. This classic tale, adorned with vibrant illustrations chronicling a gardening season, resonates with young garden enthusiasts and pumpkin lovers, delivering a valuable message suitable for both classrooms and homes.
Pumpkin Jack
by Will Hubbell
In this gentle and beautifully illustrated story, Tim’s first jack-o’-lantern, named Jack, undergoes a remarkable transformation from rotting pumpkin to thriving plant in his garden, offering an intimate glimpse into the circle of life.
Pumpkin Pumpkin
by Jeanne Titherington
In the spring, Jamie plants a pumpkin seed that flourishes through the summer, allowing him to carve a Halloween jack-o’-lantern. He cherishes this cycle of growth, saving seeds for the next spring’s planting, creating a delightful tradition of growth and celebration.
Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie
by Jill Esbaum (National Geographic Kids)
A beautifully photographed picture book celebrating the beloved autumn treat will delight readers of all ages, with its vibrant images and engaging text creating the perfect mood for a season’s celebration. This engaging book captures the essence of a favorite fall indulgence, making it an enjoyable read for both young and old.
Pick a Pumpkin
by Patricia Toht
Selecting a pumpkin from the patch is an exciting adventure, with all shapes and colors celebrated in this rhythmic read-aloud story. Patricia Toht and Jarvis beautifully capture the joy and togetherness of this beloved holiday tradition, from the pumpkin patch visit to carving a unique jack-o’-lantern and lighting it, offering readers a delightful journey through each step.
Monster Books:
Monster Musical Chairs
by Stuart J. Murphy
“Monster Musical Chairs” offers a playful and educational way to introduce basic subtraction concepts to pre-K and kindergarten children as they learn to count down one monster at a time when the music stops. With its engaging approach, young readers will be eager to participate in this lively lesson in subtraction.
Leonardo, the Terrible Monster
by Mo Willems
Leonardo is a rather inept monster, unable to instill fear in anyone despite his efforts, until he succeeds in terrifying a timid boy. However, he soon discovers that being a frightening monster isn’t as fulfilling as being a friendly one, leading to a heartwarming realization about the value of friendship.
There’s a Nightmare in My Closet
by Mercer Mayer
In this timeless tale, the troublesome closet nightmare refuses to stay put, requiring gentle comfort and bedtime tucking when it escapes. This enduring story has provided generations of children with a comforting way to face their own nighttime fears, making it a perennial favorite.
Go Away, Big Green Monster!
by Ed Emberley
As children flip through the die-cut pages of this vividly illustrated book, they’ll witness the Big Green Monster’s gradual emergence. When they’re ready to assert control, flipping the remaining pages makes the monster vanish, providing an engaging and empowering interactive experience.
Big Bad Bubble
by Adam Rubin
In the quirky world of La La Land, bubbles strike fear into the hearts of ordinary monsters like Yerbert, Froofle, and Wumpus, making them run and cry. With the guidance of the narrator and readers, these endearing monsters discover the courage to face their bubble fears and emerge triumphant.
Glad Monster, Sad Monster
by Ed Emberley
Explore a delightful range of emotions with monsters in this innovative die-cut book that allows young readers to try on funny masks, helping them understand the various feelings both little monsters and children encounter. With its snazzy foil cover, it’s a fun and interactive approach to navigating the world of emotions.
The Monster Mac and Cheese Party
by Todd Parr
Monsters have a macaroni and cheese party where they create eerie variations of their favorite dish, like mac and cheese with eyeballs for zombies and bathtub feasts for sea monsters. However, the fun takes an unexpected twist when humans crash the party, leading to a lively and interactive read-aloud that encourages kids to join in with their own playful ideas and underscores the value of sharing meals with friends.
The (not-so-scary) Book of Monsters
by Ian James Dye
Step into the charming realm of not-so-scary monsters, where every page features an endearing monster engaged in various activities, making it an ideal bedtime story for young readers. Whether reading the book cover to cover or choosing a few monster tales for a cozy bedtime ritual, this delightful book caters to those not yet reading independently.
The Monster at the End of This Book
by Jon Stone
I normally wouldn’t recommend TV show books, but this book is definitely an exception. Excellent book, a classic!
Read along as Grover begs you not to turn the page — because there is a monster at this end of this book!
How to Catch a Monster
by Adam Wallace
In this amusing children’s monster book, a courageous young ninja embarks on a closet adventure to confront the terrifying nightly visitor, only to discover an unexpected twist as they find a potential friend in the most unusual way. Prepare to share a laugh and a heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship.
Monster Trouble
by Lane Fredrickson
Winifred Schnitzel, the fearless girl who’s unafraid of anything, faces a new challenge as neighborhood monsters disrupt her sleep night after night, leading her to devise ingenious traps. However, the heartwarming conclusion reveals a charming twist, showing that monsters can’t resist the power of kisses, leaving readers eagerly anticipating an encore.
Quit Calling Me a Monster!
by Jory John
Floyd Peterson, with his shaggy purple fur and pointy teeth, yearns to be recognized for who he is rather than just his appearance, sparking an important conversation about treating others and understanding the experience of being perceived as “different.” Jory John and Bob Shea deliver a humorous yet thought-provoking story, perfect for sparking discussions and repeat readings.
More Halloween Books:
Froggy’s Halloween
by Jonathan London
Froggy embarks on a quest to find the perfect Halloween costume, and despite his misadventures during trick-or-treating, he still manages to have a good time, showcasing the enduring charm of this beloved, trouble-prone character in a series of over twenty delightful books. Froggy’s never-ending misadventures continue to endear him to children and readers, making him a lovable character we can’t help but adore.
Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete
by James Dean
Join Pete the Cat on a Halloween adventure filled with pumpkins, candy, costumes, and interactive surprises hidden behind flaps in this delightful holiday tale perfect for young trick-or-treaters. Follow Pete as he visits houses, revealing the exciting surprises that await behind each door during his trick-or-treating escapade.
The Spooky Wheels on the Bus
by J. Elizabeth Mills
Join the Halloween ride through town from One Spooky Bus to Ten Goofy Ghosts as it gathers unsuspecting passengers, with eye-catching illustrations and a lively countdown rhyme that guarantees it will become a beloved read-aloud favorite.
Room on the Broom
by Julia Donaldson
While joyfully soaring on their broomstick, a witch and her cat lose their hat, bow, and wand to the wind, but are aided by three friendly animals who seek a ride. However, as they encounter a perilous situation involving a hungry dragon, they must come together to rescue the witch in this enchanting tale of friendship and cooperation.
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost
by Flavia Z. Drago
Gustavo, a talented ghost, excels at ghostly activities and playing the violin but struggles to connect with other monsters who can’t see him. As the Day of the Dead approaches, he embarks on a heartwarming quest to make friends and share his passion, leading to a whimsical and endearing tale of loneliness, courage, and friendship through Flavia Z. Drago’s vibrant and detailed artwork.
Scaredy-Cat, Splat!
by Rob Scotton
On Halloween, Splat’s determination to be the scariest cat in class is hampered by his own fears and a less-than-impressive costume. However, a mysterious, furry creature with a pumpkin head ultimately takes center stage, leaving the class in delightful suspense about its true identity.
Bonaparte Falls Apart
by Margery Cuyler
Bonaparte, a young skeleton with a bit of a challenge in holding himself together, faces various comical mishaps in daily life. With the help of his quirky friends like Franky Stein and Blacky Widow, they come up with some unconventional solutions to help Bonaparte build his confidence and prepare for his first day of school.
Duck & Goose, Honk! Quack! Boo!
by Tad Hills
Duck opts for a spooky ghost costume, while Goose chooses to be a brave superhero, but Thistle’s attire remains shrouded in mystery. When the friends hear about a terrifying swamp monster on the prowl, they must decide how to confront the looming danger together.
The Skull
by Jon Klassen
Jon Klassen adds his unique wry humor to this eerie retelling of a Tyrolean folktale, where a courageous girl named Otilla seeks refuge in a spooky, abandoned house atop a desolate hill, hosting a fearful skull. Together, they face a nightly threat, blending rich monochromatic artwork, subtle wit, and mystery in an empowering and foreboding tale.
Out of Print Halloween Books
These out of print Halloween books are still loved by children, and can often be found in libraries or from used bookstores.
- It’s Pumpkin Time, by Zoe Hall
- Bugs That Go Bump in the Night, by David A. Carter
- The Chocolate Chip Ghost, by Meighan Peifer
- In a Dark, Dark Wood, by David A. Carter
- The Three Bears’ Halloween, by Kathy Duval
- The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, by Joe Troiano & Susan Banta (the original version)
- There Are Monsters Everywhere, by Mercer Mayer