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

Looking for the perfect chill to thrill your little reader this Halloween? You're in the right spot! Our roundup of spooky books for 7-year-olds is packed with just enough spook to make the hairs on their tiny arms stand up, but not too much to keep them up at night. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to captivate and slightly spook your young ones!

Fun Spooky 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 and rhythmic story that teaches about friendship and cooperation, engaging young readers with its rhyming text and colorful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about magic and teamwork.

• The Dark by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: This tale follows young Laszlo who is afraid of the dark living in his house. The story unfolds as he learns how to confront and live with his fear.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses childhood fears in a gentle and understanding way, encouraging kids to face and overcome their own fears.
  • Perfect for: Children who might be afraid of the dark and need a comforting story about bravery.

• 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 running wild, or are the carrots really out to get him?
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a touch of suspense and teaches about the consequences of greed in a light-hearted manner.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good giggle along with a slight thrill.

• 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 the surprise twist at the end!
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging, repetitive tale that builds anticipation and teaches courage and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who like stories with repetitive phrases and a brave protagonist.

• Bone Soup by Cambria Evans
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: Finnigin, known for his voracious appetite, arrives in a new town where everyone seems to be hiding their food. He cleverly tricks them into making a delicious soup everyone can enjoy.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story is a spooky twist on the classic tale of "Stone Soup," promoting sharing and community in a fun, engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy tales of cleverness and community spirit with a spooky twist.

Educational Spooky Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Gustavo is a ghost who is incredibly shy and has trouble making friends with the other monsters. He musters up the courage to invite them to his violin concert on the Day of the Dead.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet and gentle story that tackles themes of shyness and bravery, all while introducing children to a culturally significant holiday.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel a bit shy themselves and can relate to overcoming fears to make friends.

• 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 his previous residence gets new occupants who aren't keen on ghosts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, acceptance, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a unique perspective on friendship and acceptance through the charming story of Leo finding his place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about friendship and those who like ghost stories without the scare.

• The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea
  • Genre(s): Humor, Interactive
  • Synopsis: A ghost tries to convince the reader to stay away from the scary woods, but it turns out he might just be scared himself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, interactive engagement, overcoming fears
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous take on fear that encourages interaction with the reader, making it a fun and engaging experience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love interactive reads and those who need a humorous nudge to face their own fears.

• Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Sports & Recreation
  • Synopsis: A young vampire girl wants to become a ballerina but finds it challenging to fit in at ballet class while hiding her true identity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perseverance, self-acceptance, coordination
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines the spooky element of vampires with the graceful world of ballet, teaching important lessons about perseverance and being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Little dancers who might feel different and anyone who loves a story about following your dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Challenging Spooky Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Witches by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: This story follows a young boy and his grandmother as they encounter real witches, who despise children and have a master plan to eliminate them from the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative involves complex themes of good versus evil and the concept of child empowerment against adult adversaries.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that stimulates the imagination and teaches critical thinking about trust and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good scare and tales of adventure and cunning.

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Coraline Jones discovers an alternate universe that initially seems better than her own but soon realizes it holds dark secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents a sophisticated plot with eerie and surreal elements that require a higher level of comprehension and emotional maturity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, spooky narrative that encourages perseverance and courage in the face of fear.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate creepy stories and learning about self-reliance.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where ghosts raise him and protect him from the outside world.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel explores complex themes of life, death, and belonging through a unique narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating and heartwarming tale that explores family, friendship, and courage through a unique setting and storyline.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy ghost stories and mysteries with a deeper meaning.

• The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt, illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Genre(s): Horror, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Based on the cautionary poem by Mary Howitt, this illustrated book retells the sinister interaction between a cunning spider and an innocent fly.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of early 19th-century poetic language and its dark, metaphorical content present a higher level of interpretive challenge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines haunting illustrations with a timeless poem, teaching important lessons about persuasion and manipulation.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in poetry and enjoy visually stimulating, thought-provoking stories.

• The Witch’s Guide to Cooking with Children by Keith McGowan, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A modern retelling of Hansel and Gretel, this book follows a witch who uses clever means to lure children into her grasp.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex narrative that includes dark humor and smart, strategic thinking by the characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever twist on a classic fairy tale that engages young readers with its wit and macabre sense of humor.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good twist on traditional stories and those who appreciate a bit of dark humor.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a little one at home who's ready to dive into some spooky stories, why not pair that excitement with some fun exercises to boost their reading habits? Here are a few engaging activities that can help your 7-year-old get the most out of their eerie reading adventures.

• Create a Reading Fort
  • What it is: Build a cozy, comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and exciting event, especially for spooky stories.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up and decorating the fort to spark more interest.

• Spooky Story Summaries
  • What it is: After reading, have your child summarize the spooky story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps them remember the story better.
  • Tips: Encourage creativity; they can draw or act out the summary too!

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before starting a new book, ask your child to predict what might happen based on the title and cover.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and sets the purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions as they read to see how the plot unfolds.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Choose a character from the story and connect their experiences with personal experiences.
  • How it helps: Builds empathy and deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Use guided questions to help them think about similarities and differences.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks each book your child finishes.
  • How it helps: Encourages reading through a visual progress display and rewards.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for milestones to keep the motivation high.

These exercises aren't just fun; they're stepping stones to turning your child into a lifelong reader. So, grab those spooky books, get comfy in that reading fort, and watch your little one grow into a big reader! Happy reading!