Spooky…But Not TOO Spooky! Reads
Just-Right Scary Picture Books
By Chelsea Appleton, Children's Associate, Hardesty Regional Library
These fall months are the perfect time for stories with just the right amount of shivers – enough to make you smile, turn the page, and snuggle in. Spooky-but-not-too-spooky books can offer engaging content while building your child’s confidence as a reader. The anticipation of “what happens next?” keeps kids turning pages, building stamina and comprehension. Because many of these kinds of stories mix gentle frights with fun – bumbling ghosts, mischievous witches, or unlikely monster friends can create memorable reading experiences that kids want to return to again and again.
If you’re looking for picture books to enjoy that are spooky-light, charming, and most importantly all about the joy of reading (and maybe a few ghosts), here are six delightful books titles to add to your fall reading list:
Ghouldilocks and the Three Ghosts by Annie Sullivan
A Monstrous Bedtime by Kerilynn Wilson
Witch Cat by Lucy Rowland
Creepy Sheepy by Lucy Ruth Cummins
We Are Already Haunting Here! by Gideon Sterer
Swept Away at Witch Camp by Erin Vanessa
If you’d like to explore more spooky-light picture books, check out this book list: Spooky-but-Not-Too Spooky Picture Books. You can also find additional books in our TCCL library catalog or visit your local library, we’re happy to assist you!