HALLOWEEN STORYTIME
A funny mystery. A friendly ghost. A witch with room for one more. Build a reading pile with just the right amount of spooky.
Browse the four published picks ↓
AI-generated illustration under
C. J. McGuire’s creative direction.
FROM THE CREATOR OF SPOOKY STUFF
By C. J. McGuire · Ages 5–7
The hairy feet. The howling.
The evidence is piling up.
Penelope and her little brother Scott have a theory about Dad. Follow their detective work in a funny, gently spooky picture book made for shared discoveries and dramatic read-alouds.
The book is ready for reader feedback. Print proofing and publication are still ahead.
Free read-aloud ideas & detective activity ↗
C. J. McGuire is Chris McGuire, the creator of this site. This is our own forthcoming book.
FOR YOUR READING PILE
Choose rhymes, join-in sounds, funny suspense or a gentler ghost story. These are published books, with links to the editions shown.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Rhymes & teamwork
By Julia Donaldson · Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Ages 3–7 · Paperback
A witch keeps making room for new passengers. Rhyming misadventures, a dragon and some quick thinking give grown-ups plenty to perform.
Check current price at Amazon ↗
Funny suspense
By Aaron Reynolds · Illustrated by Peter Brown
Ages 4–8 · Hardcover
Jasper Rabbit starts noticing carrots everywhere. Gray-and-orange pictures build a playful little thriller for children who enjoy asking what’s real.
Check current price at Amazon ↗
Join-in sounds
By Linda Williams · Illustrated by Megan Lloyd
Ages 4–8 · Paperback
A walk home fills with clomping, shaking and mysterious clothes. A good choice for listeners who like to supply the sounds.
Check current price at Amazon ↗
Gentle friendship
Written and illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago
Ages 3–7 · Hardcover
A violin-playing ghost wants to make friends but struggles to be noticed. With its Day of the Dead setting, this is a softer choice for a spooky-season reading pile.
Check current price at Amazon ↗Age ranges are the publishers’ guidance; the storytime notes are our editorial suggestions. Covers are sourced from the linked publishers, except The Little Old Lady cover, which is from its Amazon listing. Check the retailer for current price, format and availability.