Reading Halloween books with my twins is as much a holiday tradition as dressing up for Trick or Treating. We probably start getting ready for Halloween a little earlier than the average family—if there is the slightest chill in the morning air, I’m breaking open my box of decorations—and when we start reading our Halloween books my kids really get into the spooky spirit. Every year I like to return to our classic favorites as well as find a few new ones. Check out our list of Halloween books for twins that you need to read this year!
Five Black Cats, by Patricia Hegarty
This colorful board book follows 5 brave, black cats as they explore shadowy streets and dark forests. They encounter some new friends along the way and end up at a ghostly Halloween party!
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: Your 1 to 3-year-old twins will adore this not-too-scary, colorful, rhyming board book. It contains sleek and simple illustrations with plenty of Halloween images, including 5 adorable black cats! For some added fun, see if you can spot a little spider friend on every page.
A Halloween Scare at My House, by Eric James
Recommended for kids ages 4-8, this rhyming picture book tells the tale of a little boy’s Halloween as he watches all kinds of monsters roam about town on Halloween night. Find out what monsters are really afraid of when the Monster Mash finds its way into his very own house!
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: There is so much to look at on every page of this book. Your twins will love pointing out the clever depictions of popular monsters, ghosts, and goblins they spot. Also, this Halloween book will empower even the timidest of twins when they find out (spoiler alert) that monsters are actually more afraid of kids than kids are of them!
Don’t Push the Button! A Halloween Treat, by Bill Cotter
Don’t Push the Button is an interactive board book that entices kids to press the “off-limits” red button and watch as it transforms Larry the Monster. Absolutely wonderful story with a surprising twist at the end.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: When I tell my twins not to touch something, I can see their eyes and brains light up as they try to figure out how to touch it. This book plays on that temptation, and kids will be tickled as they get to tickle the monster, shake the book, and most importantly, PUSH THE BUTTON to transform Larry the Monster.
Scary, Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting
Told from the perspective of 4 pairs of eyes peering out from the darkness as they watch trick-or-treating creatures pass by, this is a classic picture book from the 80s that has stood the test of time.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: Time to add this Jan Brett illustrated classic to your collection of Halloween books for twins! My mom read this to me growing up, and now I read it to my twins, hoping the images stay with them for as long as they have stayed with me.
The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard, by Ron Keres
Told with mostly illustrated words instead of pictures, this suspenseful story describes the sounds two young boys hear after the power goes out in their house. Their imaginations run wild until they discover that things aren’t as they seem!
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: Your twins will love that the story is about two brave young boys and how they use their imaginations to try to figure out the source of the spooky sounds. Parents will get to practice their performance skills as you CREEEEAAAAK and CRRAAAACKKK and even SLRRRRRRRP to the delight of your children, who won’t even realize they are looking at words instead of pictures.
Bonaparte Falls Apart, by Margery Cuyler
Bonaparte the skeleton is literally falling apart ahead of his first day of school. Luckily, he has the help of his family and friends to try to keep himself together.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: The illustrations are seriously adorable, and any kid who has been to school can relate to first-day jitters. I love the overall theme of wanting to fit in but learning to be okay with being yourself.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, by Linda Williams
What happens when an old lady who is not afraid of anything encounters some disembodied articles of clothing in the woods? She is scared! But not for long…
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: The repetitious refrain will keep your twins hooked as the story progresses, and it gives the book the feel of a timeless classic. I also love how the protagonist does get scared but uses her creativity to make her fears less scary- a great lesson for any child.
Goodnight Goon, by Michael Rex
Speaking of classics, Goodnight Goon is a “petrifying parody” of the classic, Goodnight Moon.
While there are no kittens, mittens, or combs in sight, there are plenty of monsters, mummies, and of course, a goon!
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: As a long-time Weird Al fan, I love a good, wholesome parody. Whether your kids have read Good Night Moon or not, they will appreciate the energetic art, Halloween imagery, and the goon who won’t go to bed.
EEK! Halloween! By Sandra Boynton
The chickens are noticing that strange things are happening. Could it be Halloween?
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: A perfect addition to your Sandra Boynton collection that 1–3-year-olds will love for the recurring animal characters, this time in silly costumes, and kid-friendly rhymes. (Mom Tip: Sandra Boynton books also make great gifts!)
Trick-or-Treat with Tow Truck Joe, by June Sobel
A rhyming, lift-the-flap board book about Tow Truck Joe and his trusty pup, Patch. Tow Truck Joe and Patch are busy helping the residents of their town out of sticky situations on Halloween.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: Calling all car and truck-loving twins! I LOVE the creativity of the cars and trucks dressed up in costumes. This book allows kids to lift the flap to make discoveries that move the story forward and offer plenty of not-so-scary surprises.
Skeleton Hiccups, by Margery Cuyler
A skeleton wakes up with the hiccups, and his friend the ghost helps him try all the best hiccup remedies.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: This book will have you and your twins hiccupping and laughing together as you learn, and even act out, all the best ways to get rid of the hiccups.
The Witch’s Cat and the Cooking Catastrophe, by Kirstie Watson
In this Halloween book for twins, a witch’s cat finds a dusty cookbook and proceeds to cook up some mischief!
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: Children will love the surprises on each page as the good-intentioned cat accidentally transforms the witch over and over again using magic potions. There is plenty of opportunity for guessing what will happen to the witch next.
Hoot Howl Halloween, by Becky Wilson
This interactive children’s sound book has 10 buttons to press for spooky sounds, such as ghosts wailing, witches cackling, and bats flapping.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: It is never too early to welcome youngsters into the friendly spirit of Halloween. Your kids will love interacting and pressing the buttons that make spooky sounds as you read aloud. A great Halloween book for young twins.
Halloween Wheels on the Bus, by J. Elizabeth Mills
A Halloween twist on the classic song! The spooky bus rattles and shakes through town as they pick up silly spiders, wacky witches, and many more magical new friends.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: This book has just as many sounds and movements as the original. Since kids will already know most of the words, they will enjoy trying out all the new “Halloweeny” ones in this version.
Día de los Muertos (Celebrate the World), by Hannah Eliot
Learn all about the ancient traditions of this Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos with this festive board book.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: While not a Halloween book, it is still the perfect time of year to learn about (or celebrate!) Day of the Dead. Kids will love the vibrant illustrations by famous Mexican artist Jorge Gutierrez that bring to life the holiday’s food, decorations, and festivities. If you love this book, there is a whole Celebrate the World board book series that teaches children all about the traditions of a variety of cultures.
That Monster on the Block, by Sue Ganz-Schmitt
Monster is not too happy with his new neighbor, the clown, because of their differences. He and his friends soon learn the new neighbor is not as bad as they think. They just had to get to know him.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: This book has heart! It teaches a great moral lesson about accepting those for their differences. And confronting the fears your child may have about those who are different. I love talking to my twins about how they can apply the lessons we learn in books to real-life situations. This a a must-have Halloween book for twins!
Gustavo the Shy Ghost, by Flavia Z. Drago
This endearing and adorable shy ghost is afraid to make friends. But he soon figures out a way to share something he loves to do that invites others into his world.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: Your little ghouls and goblins will love this treat of a story, especially those who might be a little shy. I love how Gustavo does not have to sacrifice his love of the violin but uses it to meet people and share something important about himself.
Ghost Stories for Kids Age 9-12, by Bernard Tate
Filled with 35 original short, scary stories for kids— including tales of ghosts, graveyards, monsters, and haunted houses. This book is perfect for camping, Halloween, or any time you and your kids want a fun scare.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: These stories really are bite-sized! Try reading these to your kids with a flashlight and the lights out or let your school-aged reader take a turn to try scaring you.
Creepy Pair of Underwear! By Aaron Reynolds
When a little bunny gets his first pair of “big rabbit underwear” he ends up with a pair that glows in the dark and is a little…. creepy! Can he get rid of them or will he overcome his fear?
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: Underwear is ALWAYS funny. My twins love this book because it is hilarious and well-written. The color scheme is super creative and compliments the story. This is a truly unique Halloween book for twins!
Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson
Room on the Broom is a sweet story of a witch who picks up 3 animal friends on her broom in return for helping her find her missing belongings. When the witch encounters danger in the form of a dragon, her new friends are there for her once again.
WHY TWINIVERSITY LOVES IT: The story is absolutely charming, and I love the theme of friendship and inclusivity. Also, it has a little bit of everything- a witch, animals, a dragon, and some Halloween magic!
With each approaching holiday, my kids look forward to pulling out our corresponding holiday books. I love that we have made reading a part of our holiday traditions. If you haven’t started collecting Halloween books for your twins, start with this list!
Maddison Ellison is a mom to vibrant and mischievous twin toddler girls. She works as a nurse in the Denver metro area and enjoys getting outside with her twins, husband, and sheepadoodle, Rosie. Maddison is inspired by health, wellness, the magic of everyday life, and of course, coffee.
