Celebrating Halloween in August? It’s more common than you think! Once the July barbecues are over and the kids are headed back to school, it’s natural to start dreaming of colorful leaves, hot apple cider, and carving pumpkins. That’s why “Summerween” has become a rising trend in recent years. We all love a little summer scare to remind us that spooky season is coming.
As we creep closer to October 31, there are lots of excellent new Halloween picture books to get kids hyped up for a scary good time. From vampire kittens to ghosts on the swing set, they’re atmospherically spooky without being too frightening for young readers.
Gather your tiny witches, vampires, werewolves, and ghosts for these delightful 2026 Halloween picture books fresh off the presses.
But I’m a Pumpkin!: A Summerween Story by Kat Choppy and Heidi Moreno
For young readers who can’t wait to start the Halloween celebrations, But I’m a Pumpkin! is a charming Summerween story that bridges the gap from August to October. A little girl plants a seed that she hopes will grow into a giant pumpkin. It grows a little differently from the other pumpkins, with different leaves and a strange shape. By the end of summer, the girl’s dad informs her that she’s actually grown a watermelon. But who said a watermelon can’t turn into a spooky jack-o-lantern?
The Haunted Playground by R.J. Palacio, illustrated by Brett Helquist
The Haunted Playground is an eerie new picture book by powerhouse writing team R.J. Palacio, best-selling author of Wonder, and Brett Helquist, illustrator of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Once a year, a popular children’s playground gets taken over by a group of playful ghosts. Watch as they try on discarded costumes, test out the rides, and take a break from being scary to be a little silly instead.
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Vampurr by Justin Colón, illustrated by Lenny Wen
Born under a blood moon in a graveyard, Vampurr is a sweet, tiny vampire kitten. But her unusual looks and supernatural gifts scare off most humans. One night, a creeping fog brings a new friend who might help Vampurr find a home. This adorable picture book is a perfect Halloween read, and the audiobook is equally endearing, full of spooky music and sound effects.
Vlad is Mad! By Su Moon
Vlad is a little vampire with big feelings. This grumpy little guy doesn’t know how to handle his anger. Luckily, his dad has learned a thing or two about managing emotions and gives Vlad some tips. It’s a spooky Halloween-time story with a helpful message by debut author/illustrator Su Moon, a cartoonist and character designer for Disney, Nickelodeon, and Warner Bros.
Spooky Scouts by Kimberly Shrack
Wolf pup Luna is howling with excitement for the annual Spooky Scouts camping trip, led by their Yeti troop leader. But then she realizes that the trip falls during a full moon — a time when Luna turns into something strange and frightening. Can she avoid scaring her friends by finding a way to stop her transformation? With an outdoorsy camp setting and a cast of paranormal characters, it’s a perfect October read.
We hope you enjoy these new Halloween picture books! Find more great Halloween reads and activities for kids:
Treats Over Tricks: 7 Cute and Silly Halloween Books for Kids
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