If your little ones can’t resist tossing a blanket over their heads and sneaking around the house whispering “boooo,” this list is going to be their jam. These ghost story books for kids are light on the scares and heavy on the giggles. The kind of stories that make you want to turn off the lights just enough to make it fun.
Silly and Spooky Ghost Books for Kids
We’ve rounded up over 30 friendly ghost stories that are perfect for preschool and early elementary classrooms. Think shy ghosts who’ve lost their “boo,” silly spirits who forget how to haunt, and a few grumpy ghouls who just need a nap. Every one of them brings that perfect mix of sweet and spooky your kids will love.
So grab a flashlight, a cozy blanket fort, and maybe a snack that crunches loud enough to scare the ghosts away. Storytime’s about to get boo-tiful.
The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs by Mamiko Shiotani
This ghost just wants peace and quiet until some unexpected visitors help him see the joy in a little company. Tender, humorous, and great for talking about big feelings.
We Are Already Haunting Here by Gideon Sterer
What happens when a family moves into a house…and the ghosts were already there? It’s funny, clever, and full of personality, with an ending that makes everyone smile.
To Catch a Ghost by Rachel Michelle Wilson
A curious child sets out to find a ghost and ends up finding something even better. Playful, rhythmic, and just spooky enough for bedtime.
Leonard Builds a Haunted House by Mike Ciccotello
Leonard’s on a mission to build the best haunted house ever and, naturally, things don’t go quite as planned. It’s goofy, creative, and perfect for getting little builders in the Halloween spirit.
Wolfgang in the Meadow by Lenny Wen
Wolfgang dreams of spooky adventures, but his meadow feels much too quiet…until it doesn’t. This gentle, imaginative story mixes cozy art with just the tiniest dash of Halloween magic.
Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythe
Aggie’s new house has a secret...and it floats. A mischievous ghost won’t stop haunting her room until they figure out how to share the space. This one’s sweet, a little silly, and full of friendship.
The Ghosts Go Scaring by Chrissy Bozik
Bouncy rhyme and bright illustrations make this counting story a Halloween favorite. Friendly frights, happy faces, and lots of giggles.
The Teeny Tiny Ghost by Kay Winters
A little ghost with a big heart learns that courage doesn’t mean being scary, it means showing up when it matters most.
Beneath the Ghost Moon by Jane Yolen
Lyrical and lovely - a gentle, poetic ghost story about friendship and courage.
The Tailypo: A Ghost Story by Paul Galdone
A classic American folktale retold with rhythm and suspense, perfect for slightly older kids ready for a little thrill.
No Such Thing by Ella Bailey
A clever ghost hides from a skeptical girl. This book is filled with fun visual humor with a critical-thinking twist.
The Ghost of Donley Farm by Jaime Gardner Johnson
A curious ghost befriends a barn owl and learns about nocturnal animals. This book is a great science crossover.
The Boo-Book by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer
A lonely ghost finds a friend in the pages of a magical book. Lovely for talking about imagination.
The Ghost Afraid of the Dark by Sara Conway
Turns the tables on fear! A ghost learns it’s okay to be scared too. Funny and kind.
How to Make Friends with a Ghost by Rebecca Green
A whimsical “guidebook” for caring for your very own ghost. Sweet, imaginative, and beautifully illustrated.
At the Old Haunted House by Helen Ketteman
Rhythmic counting story perfect for preschool. Friendly ghosts, not frights!
The Haunted Hamburger and Other Ghostly Stories by David LaRochelle
Three short, funny ghost stories. Excellent for storytime or classroom reading practice.
The Haunted Ghoul Bus by Lisa Trumbauer
Hop on board a spooky school bus full of monsters and ghosts. Glow-in-the-dark illustrations make this one a hit!
Goodnight Goon by Michael Rex
A spooky-silly Goodnight Moon parody. Great rhythm and rhyme for Halloween bedtime reading.
The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea
A dramatic ghost narrator who’s terrified of his own story - guaranteed giggles!
Ghost in the House by Ammi-Joan Paquette
Playful repetition as a ghost creeps through a house meeting new spooky friends. Perfect for Pre-K read-alouds.
The Ghost’s Dinner by Jacques Duquennoy
A group of ghosts enjoy a colorful dinner...and hilarity ensues when they all turn the color of what they eat!
Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O’Connell
A counting book with rhythm and rhyme as a witch tries to spook ghosts out of their haunted house. Great for early math and repetition.
Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohara
A witch and her cat move into a haunted house, but don’t worry, she knows just what to do with ghosts! Bold orange-and-black art perfect for preschool.
Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson
Simon the ghost gets stuck with a human haunting buddy who just doesn’t get how to haunt. Laugh-out-loud funny and full of heart.
There’s a Ghost in This House by Oliver Jeffers
Lift-the-flap magic meets interactive storytelling. Not scary, just pure Halloween fun.
Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett
Leo just wants to make a friend, but being invisible makes that tricky. Sweet, quiet, and full of kindness.
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
A shy ghost learns to be brave and make friends. Heartwarming illustrations and an SEL gem for classrooms.
The Ghost Went Floating by Kim Norman
A sing-song, lyrical book that’s just begging to be read aloud. Kids love chanting along as the ghosts go floating down the street.
I Hate Everything! by Sophy Henn
This grumpy ghost is having one of those days where nothing goes right. It’s hilarious and surprisingly sweet once he learns how to turn his mood around.
We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt by Susan Pearson
March along and chant the words! This playful twist on We’re Going on a Bear Hunt turns reading into a whole-body adventure.
The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo by Elaine Bickell
A tiny ghost can’t find her “boo,” and she’s searching everywhere to get it back. It’s full of charm, repetition, and the kind of ending that makes kids grin.
Gilbert the Ghost by Guido Van Genechten
Gilbert isn’t like other ghosts. He’s sweet, kind, and just a little shy, which makes this story such a gentle way to talk about being yourself.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Ghost by Lucille Colandro
You know her...you love her...and now she’s swallowing ghosts! This silly Halloween version of the classic rhyme always gets kids laughing and guessing what’s coming next.
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason
This gentle ghost can’t float like the others...because he’s made of a cozy patchwork quilt! A beautiful story about self-acceptance and finding your own way.
Please Share These Ghost Books for Kids
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Know a teacher, librarian, or parent who’d love these friendly ghost stories? Share this list on Facebook or save it to your favorite Halloween board on Pinterest. Every share helps more kids fall in love with reading, laughter, and a little Halloween magic.