10+ Best Halloween Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

As October rolls around, the excitement for Halloween builds, especially for the little ones! If you're on the hunt for the perfect spooky (but not too spooky) read for your child, you've come to the right place. Our list of Halloween books for 7-year-olds is packed with enchanting tales that capture the spirit of this bewitching season. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to delight any young reader this Halloween!

Fun Halloween Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A kind witch invites various animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. Their teamwork is put to the test when they face a fearsome dragon.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, rhythmic read that teaches about kindness and teamwork through an engaging, magical story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about witches and animals, and those who appreciate the spirit of cooperation.

• The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd
  • Genre(s): Horror, Thriller
  • Synopsis: A brave old lady encounters spooky items like a pair of shoes and a pumpkin head, but she faces them without fear.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages bravery and resilience, showing young readers that they can face their fears.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a slight scare but need the reassurance that they can be brave too.

• Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Horror, Humor
  • Synopsis: Jasper Rabbit loves carrots until he starts believing that they are following him. Is his imagination getting the better of him?
  • Why we recommend this book: This book mixes suspense with humor, making it an excellent introduction to thriller elements without being too scary.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate a good laugh with their spooky tales.

• The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan & Jan Berenstain
  • Genre(s): Family, Holiday
  • Synopsis: Brother and Sister Bear are excited about Halloween, but must learn how to deal with Miz McGrizz’s spooky house and learn a lesson about kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gentle lesson on being considerate and making good choices, wrapped up in a fun Halloween adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy family-centered stories and learning life lessons through them.

• Bone Soup by Cambria Evans
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Cooking
  • Synopsis: A clever young skeleton named Finnigin is known for his eating habits and uses his wits to create a delicious soup that eventually involves the whole community.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a playful take on the classic tale of "Stone Soup," promoting sharing and community involvement through an engaging, spooky narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love cooking and stories about community and sharing.

Educational Halloween Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: Gustavo is a ghost who is incredibly shy and struggles with making friends. He loves playing the violin and eventually finds a way to connect with others through his music.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, emotional intelligence, music appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of shyness and social anxiety in a gentle, relatable way, encouraging children to find their own unique paths to connect with others.
  • Perfect for: Children who are shy or have difficulties in social situations, and those who enjoy sweet, character-driven stories.

• At the Old Haunted House by Helen Ketteman, illustrated by Nate Wragg
  • Genre(s): Rhyme, Counting
  • Synopsis: In a spooky old house, various creatures prepare for a Halloween bash. The story is told in a fun, rhyming text that counts from one to ten.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting skills, rhyming and rhythm, vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun rhymes and a counting journey with a Halloween theme, making learning numbers exciting and thematic.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love Halloween and are learning to count, as well as those who enjoy playful, rhyming texts.

• The Pomegranate Witch by Denise Doyen, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A group of children tries to pick pomegranates from a tree guarded by the mysterious Pomegranate Witch. It’s a poetic tale of courage and cooperation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, problem-solving, poetry
  • Why we recommend this book: The rich, poetic language and the enchanting storyline captivate young readers, while teaching them about working together to overcome challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a mix of poetry and adventure, and those who like stories about mysteries and teamwork.

• Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson
  • Genre(s): Friendship, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sir Simon is a professional ghost who has just moved into his first haunted house. Things get complicated when he discovers he has to haunt a little boy who has a lot of questions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous look at the life of a ghost with duties, providing laughs while exploring the complexities of new friendships.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy funny stories with quirky characters and those who are perhaps dealing with the nuances of new friendships themselves.

• Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis
  • Genre(s): Rhyme, Tradition
  • Synopsis: This book guides readers through the tradition of picking and carving a pumpkin with rich, rhyming text that captures the spirit of the Halloween season.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural traditions, rhyming, sensory language
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the process and excitement of a beloved Halloween tradition, encouraging participation and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love the festive activities of Halloween and enjoy stories that celebrate seasonal traditions.

Challenging Halloween Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Witches by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A young boy stumbles upon a secret gathering of witches, who despise children and have a plan to eliminate them from the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates complex themes of good versus evil and the concept of child-hating witches, which requires a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches about bravery and the importance of family bonds.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy dark humor and magical tales.

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Coraline Jones finds a mysterious door in her new home that leads to an alternate universe that initially seems better than her own, but she soon realizes it holds dark secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story features a complex plot and a creepy, atmospheric narrative that can be quite intense for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating, eerie story that encourages courage and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are not easily scared and enjoy stories with a bit of a spooky edge.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Supernatural, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where ghosts and other supernatural beings raise him.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of life, death, and growing up under unusual circumstances, with a narrative that intertwines the mundane with the supernatural.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides a unique perspective on the concept of family and community through its imaginative and touching story.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy ghost stories and exploring deep, thought-provoking themes.

• The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Horror
  • Synopsis: A girl discovers an old dollhouse in her aunt's attic that seems to reenact the murder of her great-grandparents through the movements of the dolls.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book blends a complex mystery with supernatural elements, requiring readers to piece together clues and deal with intense themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that also deals with family history and the acceptance of loss.
  • Perfect for: Young mystery enthusiasts who like a touch of the supernatural.

• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: In 1687, a young girl named Kit moves to the Connecticut Colony and is accused of witchcraft due to her friendship with an old woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative involves historical context and addresses themes of intolerance and injustice, which require a mature understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important historical lessons through a compelling story of friendship and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories about overcoming adversity through courage and understanding.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to make reading spooky Halloween books even more engaging for your 7-year-old, here are some fun exercises that can help. These activities not only make reading a blast but also foster good reading habits. Let’s dive in!

• Create a Character Mask
  • What it is: Craft a mask based on a favorite character from the Halloween book.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper connection with the characters and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Use simple materials like paper plates and crayons for this craft.

• Story Map Drawing
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story’s setting and key events.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story structure and improves memory of the plot.
  • Tips: Start with major landmarks in the story and connect them with paths showing the character’s journey.

• Book-Themed Snack Time
  • What it is: Prepare snacks that are themed around elements of the Halloween story.
  • How it helps: Makes reading sessions enjoyable and memorable.
  • Tips: Try simple recipes like cookie ghosts or witch’s brew (green apple juice).

• Act Out Scenes
  • What it is: Pick a favorite scene from the book and act it out.
  • How it helps: Boosts understanding of the narrative and character motivations.
  • Tips: Use household items as props to make the enactment more lively.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend or family member to read the book together.
  • How it helps: Promotes shared learning and can improve reading skills through discussion.
  • Tips: Choose specific chapters to read before meeting to discuss them.

Using these exercises, your young reader will not only enjoy their Halloween books more but also develop habits that enhance their reading skills. Have fun reading and creating together this spooky season!