Halloween books for little kids (ages 2 - 5)

Halloween has something for everyone: dressing up, going trick-or- treating, and collecting candy. As kids get older, they love reading scary stories and being thrilled with creepy tales. But young children may be sensitive to these bone-chillin’ yarns and need something gentler.  Here are two new books that are wonderful for helping young kids enjoy this holiday.

The I'm Not Scared Book
by Todd Parr
NY: Little, Brown
ages 2 - 6
available at your local library, my favorite bookstore and Amazon

Using his distinctive style of bright, bold figures and simple, reassuring words, Parr has created a wonderful book that reassures young children that we all can be scared of some things. The left side of every spread shows something we may be afraid of: “Sometimes I’m scared of the dark.” Look on the right side and you’ll see a way to make the situation better: “ I’m not scared if I have a night-light.”

Parr’s book is simple and yet it speaks to the heart of an important issue. Young children need to work through how to deal with their fears, and not just push them aside. Parents love Parr’s work for giving them ways to talk about important issues in simple, reassuring ways. We had a great time at our school making up new pages to add to this book - adding to the phrases, "Sometimes I'm scared when..." and "But I'm not scared when ..."

Another book that young kids and preschoolers will love is Pumpkin Trouble, by Jan Thomas. It's silly fun that will make your little one giggle and giggle.

Pumpkin Trouble
by Jan Thomas
NY: HarperCollins
ages 2–6
available at your local library, my favorite bookstore, and Amazon

“This will be great!” Duck exclaims, as he comes across the perfect pumpkin to carve. He can’t wait to carve his own jack-o’-lantern and show his friends Pig and Mouse. But just as Duck is trying to get the last of the slimy insides out of the pumpkin, he falls in head first and can’t get out. Oh, no! And when Pig and Mouse see their friend walking around inside a pumpkin, they shout, “PUMPKIN MONSTER!”

Preschoolers will laugh and laugh at this silly book, as Pig and Mouse run away from the “monster” and Duck runs too, wondering who this monster is. In her classic style, Thomas captures humor and fun with her energetic, bold illustrations and simple text. Perfect for little kids having fun carving their first pumpkins.

For a bit of fun, take a look at Todd reading The I'm Not Scared Book:


The I'M NOT SCARED Book by Todd Parr from Todd Parr on Vimeo.

For some Halloween books to share with older kids, head over to Parents Press for my full roundup!

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Review ©2011 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books.