When Lucy suspects there’s a monster in her bedroom, her mum knows exactly what to do; make a guard dragon, Gruffen, to look after her. See also: Gauge (opens in a new window), another book in The Dragons of Wayward Crescent series.
Gruffen (The Dragons of Wayward Crescent)
Zack, Andy, and Penelope slept all night but not Petra. No matter what her siblings suggested, Petra was afraid of monsters. When they meet a three-eyed monster with four arms, Petra discovers that the monster is as fearful as she is. Together they enjoy a monstrous good time until the pups’ parents carry them off to bed. Naive illustrations extend the familiar theme and its cozy resolution.
The Patterson Puppies and the Midnight Monster Party
Storytime is just the thing / to rest a play-exhausted wing. It’s bat night at the library, and the bats have come to read their favorite stories in this clever story told in rhyme. From reading the classics to splashing in the drinking fountain, the bats will leave you wondering what really happens after dark in the library! Also available in Spanish.
Bats at the Library
The narrator is terrified of a pair of green pants he chances upon. What could they be? Well, those pants might just have their own concerns! Told and illustrated (with a glowing new touch) in characteristic Seussian fashion, this tale of misunderstanding first appeared in the The Sneetches and Other Stories (1961).
What Was I Scared Of?
On a dark night a pumpkin may become a scary face, a boy may dress up as a skeleton and a girl as a cat, and they just knock at a door and get some treats. The changes on a Halloween evening are shown as readers guess what’s hidden beneath the flaps in this sturdy book.
Trick or Treat?
This rhyming take-off on a well-known folksong is sure to delight listeners and readers of all ages. Lively rhymes use wonderful words and combine with eye-popping illustrations to present a catchy tale. Don’t know the tune? Don’t worry — the song is available to download from the publisher’s website.
There Was an Old Monster!
Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of the dark; for in it lives a host of creepy creatures that may invade his dreams. His list of things to do fail, of course, as does thriving without sleep — but our hero’s tale is amusingly told in words and boldly lined, comic illustrations.
Scaredy Squirrel at Night
Before Malcolm Daniel can help three moaning ghosts, he needs to know why they make such spooky noises. Told with rich language and evocative nighttime colors, this upbeat, not-too-scary, and satisfying tale is sure to become a favorite year round.
The Hungry Ghosts
Where can Duck and Goose find a pumpkin? Young children will delight in the search and rejoice when the silly friends find their pumpkin. Autumnal colors and a simple, predictable text make an engaging book for the very young.
Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin
A plump little boy is caught by a hungry, garbage eating ghost but tricks him to get away. Humor abounds in this original tale steeped in Chinese lore and set in Beijing. Told and illustrated in a lively way, this tale will tickle the funny bone as well as taste buds.
Boy Dumplings
Thirty-five stories of laughter and terror to tickle your horror bone. Full of thirsty vampires, hungry insects, vengeful teachers, evil power tools, singing Girl Scouts, and other terrors.
The Curse of the Campfire Weenies
The ghost of George Washington introduces Sara to other presidential ghosts.
Ghosts of the White House
When a boy from an abusive home is placed in foster care with an old woman, he brings with him his troubles — an invitation to the Sinisteeds, nighttime visitors to humans who gather memories good or not so good. Tough, timely topics are handled in a straightforward telling in this compelling and credible fantasy.
Gossamer
What should a pink pig don for Halloween? A pink princess costume, of course. Mercy is reluctant until the mention of treats is made. This is as lively and funny as the other books about this porcine prima donna.
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
When he was 10 years old, Victor wanted to be just like master magician Harry Houdini. For years Victor did not realize what magic he held in his hands with a box initialed “E.W.” What happened years later when Victor discovered that Houdini’s given name was Ehrick Weiss creates a plausible and captivating glimpse at a major historical figure.
The Houdini Box
Though only 10 years old, Alonzo King wants to be the “boy of a thousand faces” just like his favorite actor Lon Chaney is the “man of a thousand faces” in the horror movies that Alonzo watches on late-night television. As Halloween approaches, Alonzo becomes an expert in using make-up and knowledge of The Beast.
The Boy of a Thousand Faces
This collection of folktales and scary stories has been a favorite of fright-loving kids for more than 20 years. These stories with creepy illustrations will be familiar to most adults who attended slumber parties, camping trips, and Halloween hayrides in their youth.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Bovine buddies Minnie and Moo are getting ready for their farmer’s birthday. They give him their last cream puff — leaving it in his slipper…and the sweater they’ve made seems to be haunted! And where is Elvis the rooster? Nothing could be grosser than stepping into a cream puff or wearing a sweater that talks, but it sure makes a funny tale!
Minnie and Moo and the Haunted Sweater
Julius’ mom is making cupcakes with candy corn atop for a Halloween party; Julius is told not to touch them. He doesn’t, but does count the candy corn — as he eats them! Crisply lined illustrations stand out on each sturdy page as Julius (some may recognize him from Julius, Baby of the World) tastes the best part of the cupcakes — before guests arrive.
Julius’ Candy Corn
It’s hard enough for Oscar to be a “wiener-dog” (you know the kinds that are twice as long as they are high). Add a really dumb, gross Halloween costume, and the other mutt’s behavior toward Oscar deteriorates even more. That is, until Oscar saves the day in this funny, off-beat, canine Halloween tale.
The Hallo-wiener
When Coraline and her family move into a new house, she finds a mysterious otherworld on the other side of one of the house’s many doors. Narnia, however, this is not. The creepy characters of this other dark world lead Coraline on a number of spine-tingling adventures, but readers will be enchanted by Coraline’s courage and resourcefulness.
Coraline
Twelve-year-old Tom leaves his family to apprentice with The Spook, whose job is to protect the village from witches, boggarts, and other creatures. When Tom makes some terrible mistakes, he seems destined for a horrific fate.
The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch
The signs that autumn is here are all around, from shorter days to warmer clothing. A child chronicles these changes in short rhyming text accompanied by softly lined, serene illustrations.
I Know It’s Autumn
A witch with long, stringy hair and a big nose — even a cat named Fred — can’t do very scary or even remotely witchy things. So after making Fred sick from her gross and disgusting potion, she takes off her witch gloves, her witch hat, and her witch mask — to reveal a little girl beneath. This satisfying story is once again available for a new generation.