10+ Best Scary Books for 6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect spooky read to delight your little one? Look no further! Our curated list of scary books for 6-year-olds is packed with tales that strike just the right balance between spooky and fun, ensuring your child enjoys a thrilling experience without the nightmares. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to captivate and slightly spook your young reader!

Fun Scary Books for 6-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 and rhythmic read that teaches about kindness and cooperation through an engaging, slightly spooky adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about witches and magical adventures, as well as those learning about the value of teamwork.

• In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz, illustrated by Dirk Zimmer
  • Genre(s): Horror, Short Stories
  • Synopsis: This collection of spooky tales includes the famous story "The Green Ribbon," among others, tailored to be age-appropriate for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces kids to the horror genre in a way that's just scary enough to be fun without being too frightening.
  • Perfect for: Children who are intrigued by ghost stories and other spooky tales but aren't ready for anything too intense.

• The Dark by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Psychological
  • Synopsis: This story personifies the dark as a character to explore a young boy's fear of the dark living in his house.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively addresses and helps children understand and manage common fears, particularly the fear of the dark.
  • Perfect for: Kids who might be grappling with their own fears and looking for a story that empathizes with their feelings.

• Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Horror, Humor
  • Synopsis: Jasper Rabbit loves carrots until he starts believing that the carrots are following him. Is his imagination running wild, or are the carrots really out to get him?
  • Why we recommend this book: This book mixes suspense with humor, offering a delightful twist that keeps young readers engaged and amused.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate a good chuckle with their chills and enjoy stories with playful twists.

• The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd
  • Genre(s): Horror, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A brave old lady encounters a series of spooky items in the woods, but she insists she is not afraid of anything—until a surprise twist at the end.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering story that encourages bravery and features repetitive, engaging phrases that invite participation.
  • Perfect for: Children who love interactive read-alouds and those learning to face their fears with courage.

Educational Scary Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Witch’s Cat and the Cooking Catastrophe by Kirstie Watson, illustrated by Adriana Santos
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A young witch's cat tries to use magic to prepare a meal, but each spell leads to unexpected trouble and mysteries to solve.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, following instructions, basic cooking concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of magic and mystery to create a fun and engaging story that encourages critical thinking and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about witches and magical animals, as well as those interested in cooking and solving puzzles.

• Monster Trouble! by Lane Fredrickson, illustrated by Michael Robertson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Winifred Schnitzel isn't afraid of monsters, but their nightly visits are keeping her from getting enough sleep. She needs to find a clever way to deal with her monster trouble.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative problem-solving, resilience, bedtime routines
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous take on dealing with fears, showing that sometimes, unconventional solutions are the best way to tackle a problem.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good giggle before bedtime and those learning to overcome their own nighttime fears.

• Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Gustavo is a ghost who is incredibly shy. He longs to make friends but struggles to approach them. He comes up with a plan to win them over at the Day of the Dead celebration.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully addresses themes of shyness and social anxiety, encouraging children to embrace their uniqueness and find their own way to connect with others.
  • Perfect for: Children who are shy or introverted, and those interested in learning about different cultural celebrations.

• Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Friendship
  • Synopsis: Leo is a friendly ghost who is looking for a new home after the new residents of his house can’t see him and become scared. He meets a new friend who needs his help and learns what it means to be truly seen.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, friendship, acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a heartwarming perspective on friendship and acceptance, wrapped up in a gentle ghost story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy sweet stories about friendship and those learning about acceptance and empathy.

• Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Will Terry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bonaparte the skeleton is having a tough time at school because he keeps falling apart. With the help of his friends, he tries to keep it together in the literal sense.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, problem-solving, anatomy basics
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a funny, light-hearted story that teaches about perseverance and the importance of having supportive friends.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy quirky characters and those learning about the value of friendship and teamwork.

Challenging Scary Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Lucy hears sneaking, creeping, crumpling noises coming from inside the walls of her house. She tries to warn her family that wolves are living in the walls, but they don't believe her until the wolves come out.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses a sophisticated narrative structure and rich, complex illustrations that challenge young readers to think critically about the story and its themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: Neil Gaiman crafts a thrilling narrative that encourages children to trust their instincts and face their fears, all wrapped up in a creatively spooky tale.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good mystery and those who appreciate visually stimulating illustrations alongside a captivating story.

• The Widow’s Broom by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A witch's broom loses its power and is left with Minna Shaw. She discovers that the broom has some powers left, but the broom's strange behavior starts to frighten her neighbors.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story delves into themes of superstition and fear, using more subtle and nuanced language that can challenge younger readers to think deeply.
  • Why we recommend this book: Chris Van Allsburg's beautiful illustrations and the intriguing plot provide a magical yet eerie story that teaches about misunderstanding and compassion.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready for more complex stories that blend reality with elements of the supernatural.

• The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt, illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Genre(s): Horror, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Based on the cautionary tale by Mary Howitt, this book tells the story of a cunning spider who invites a fly into his web through flattery and careful persuasion.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is written in a poetic form, which can be a complex structure for young readers to grasp, especially with its old-fashioned language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated adaptation that brings a classic poem to life, teaching important lessons about caution and skepticism.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy rhymes and have an interest in classic stories with moral lessons.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the woods and encounters several dangerous animals. To scare them away, he invents a monster called the Gruffalo. But what happens when he meets a real Gruffalo?
  • Why this book is challenging: The clever use of rhyme and build-up to the surprise twist provides a linguistic challenge that encourages critical thinking and prediction skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a delightful tale that combines humor with a bit of suspense, teaching children about bravery and quick thinking.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who love engaging, rhythmic stories that feature clever protagonists and a touch of suspense.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of scary books with your 6-year-old, you might be wondering how to make this a fun and enriching experience. Here are some great exercises to help your little one develop good reading habits while enjoying some spooky stories:

• Create a Spooky Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner dedicated to reading scary books.
  • How it helps: Makes reading an exciting and comfortable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child help decorate the nook with some Halloween-themed items to make it extra special.

• Story Prediction Chart
  • What it is: Before reading, have your child predict what might happen in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and engages your child’s imagination.
  • Tips: Use a simple chart or sticky notes to jot down predictions and compare them after reading.

• Character Costume Day
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character from the scary book.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection with the story and characters.
  • Tips: Plan a small costume reveal for family members to make it more exciting.

• Scary Story Sequel
  • What it is: Encourage your child to write or draw a sequel to the scary story.
  • How it helps: Promotes creativity and writing skills.
  • Tips: Provide prompts or start the story together if your child needs inspiration.

• Reading Aloud with Effects
  • What it is: Read the book aloud together using spooky voices and sound effects.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a fun, interactive experience.
  • Tips: Experiment with different voices for different characters to keep it lively.

• Book-Themed Snacks
  • What it is: Prepare snacks that are themed around the book’s content.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading session enjoyable and memorable.
  • Tips: Simple ideas like ghost-shaped cookies or a witch’s brew (non-alcoholic punch) can be fun.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only make reading more enjoyable for your child but also help them develop a lifelong love for books. So, grab those spooky tales and get ready for some eerie-sounding fun!