Some may say ghosts are too scary to introduce to young kids. I disagree. Ghosts don’t have to be scary; they can be cute, silly, funny, and friendly. Casper taught us that! They’re also a great way to introduce history lessons and provide an entry into some difficult conversations with kids about death and what happens after we die. And there’s no time like Halloween season to give your kids a little fright with a good BOO(k). Check out these new ghost stories for kids this October and beyond.
We’ve got ghost stories for all ages, from interactive board books to middle grade books and graphic novels for more advanced kid readers. Some ghosts are cutesy and friendly; others might be frightening at first, but once you get to know them, they’ve got fascinating stories to tell. And better yet, these ghost friends will never steal your candy after trick-or-treating.
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Night Night Ghost: A Halloween Bedtime Book by Priddy Books
Send your little one off to sleep with this adorable glow-in-the-dark board book. Full of interactive flaps, it invites little ones to engage with the story and wish a good night to a variety of spooky monsters after an evening to trick-or-treating. It’s the perfect way to slow down after the Halloween excitement.
Have You Ever Seen a Ghost? by Daniel Kwan and Julia Pott, illustrated by Sean Lewis
The ghost in this book isn’t so scary; it’s really just shy. In fact, the ghost has been invited to a party tonight and is trying to work up the bravery to go. With a lovely story written by Everything Everywhere All at Once co-creator Daniel Kwan and award-winning British animator Julia Pott, plus warm, gentle illustrations by artist Sean Lewis, it’s a delightful book that might even encourage shy kids to step out of their comfort zone.
Peggy and the Ghost by Briana Corr Scott
Set in 1950s Peggys Cove in Nova Scotia, this early chapter book explores history and friendship in a nostalgic midcentury fishing village. Best friends Peggy and Georgie spend their days playing on the seashore and searching for lost treasure. When they encounter a strange, distraught girl after a storm who can’t remember how she got there, they decide to help her uncover her lost memories and help her return to where she belongs. With lush full-color illustrations throughout, it’s a beautiful and heartfelt ghost story for young readers.
Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson
Bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson is back with a new middle grade mystery starring Harmony, a twelve-year-old obsessed with ghosts who recently moved to Savannah, Georgia. The story starts on a local ghost tour, where Harmony hears about the city’s haunted history — and learns about a boy who’s recently gone missing. When she spots a strange light inside one of the houses on the tour, she stumbles into a web of secrets that might help her find the missing boy. With ghosty lore and a case to solve, it’s an excellent choice for young readers who love a little scare.
Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel by Jewell Parker Rhodes, illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey
This new graphic novel adaptation of Jewell Parker Rhodes’ award-winning 2018 middle grade book Ghost Boys is a vivid and powerful read to help kids explore very real dangers. Jerome was only twelve when a police officer mistook his toy gun for a real weapon and shot him. In the afterlife, he meets a boy named Emmett Till, who found himself in a similar situation decades prior, and helps Jerome process his own tragic ending. It’s a stunning reimagining of a moving story exploring American history, racism, and sociopolitical trauma.
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