Those of us who have “spooky kids” in our lives — i.e., the kids who enjoy the macabre, the eerie, and the horrific — know that enjoying scares is a year-round hobby. The good news is that mid-to-late summer is exactly when the latest in children’s book chills and thrills are hitting the shelves (just in time to celebrate Summerween)! To help your kid pick their next spine-tingling read, here are nine upcoming and recent picture book releases for young readers that we’re keeping our eye on.
We Are Already Haunting Here! by Gideon Sterer, Illustrated by Charlie Mylie
“They say every ghost needs a place to haunt,” explains the gentle, ghostly protagonist of this title, just as he is venturing out into the world to find one of his own. However, every nook, crack, and cranny of his city seems to already be occupied by a ghost who is currently haunting it, and is NOT willing to share. At last, the little ghost finds a perfect spot to practice his ghastliness — until another ghost in need of a home comes knocking. A surprisingly tender tale of making room for new friends and those in need, this will be a hit with little fans of the supernatural.
Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry, Illustrated by Charles Santoso
Evelyn has practically everything a witch could need, but something’s missing; perhaps a pet? Heading to the pet store, she looks over the myriad of companions on offer, but finds that she can only afford the “mystery pet”: a plain white egg. Little readers follow along as Evelyn attempts to wait for her mystery pet to hatch — with varying degrees of success — and learns an important lesson in patience. Fans of mystery and magic will adore this sweet tale, especially its immensely satisfying ending.
Leonard Builds a Haunted House by Mike Ciccotello
After their crumbling gothic mansion is condemned, Leonard takes on the task of designing and building a perfect home in the suburbs for his ghostly family. However, no matter how perfect his plans, his family has notes: the house isn’t dark or dank enough, the roof doesn’t leak, and there isn’t a cobweb or scary cellar in sight! In a humorous lesson about sticking to one’s convictions and vision, Leonard is a model for those who struggle with second-guessing their knowledge and skills.
The Gingerbread Monster by Dan Gemeinhart, Illustrated by Hugo L. Cuellar
Young Frank N. Stine is in the mood for a sweet treat, so he heads to the lab to cook up something diabolically delicious. However, when he accidentally knocks one of his experimental mixtures into the cookie batter, a frightening transmogrification occurs! Now Frank is on the run from a terrifying gingerbread creature, while the villagers are on the hunt for a taste of the monster’s mouth-watering flavor. A clever play on a traditional horror favorite that cautions against hasty first impressions (and even offers a gingerbread recipe in the backmatter)!
Gilbert and the Ghost by Heather Pierce Stigall, Illustrated by Jess Mason
Ghosts aren’t really real… or are they? That’s the central question of this quiet tale, in which young Gilbert senses that the ghost in the house at 632 Savannah Street is most definitely there, and that they need a friend. Gilbert knows what it’s like to feel invisible, so despite his family’s doubts, he decides to make overtures of friendship to the unseen spectre… and receives a surprising response that only deepens the mystery. A lovely story of practicing kindness and finding friends in unexpected places, this spooky title has year-round appeal.
The Zombees by Justin Colón, Illustrated by Kaly Quarles
On Halloween night, a brave young trick-or-treater ventures near the graveyard, where a mysterious buzzing noise can be heard. Here, she finds the rise of the zombees: sickly green, undead creatures with unknown motivations. The kiddo runs for help, calling in beekeepers to fight the monstrous invading horde — but were the zombees actually on the attack, or did they have a sweet surprise to offer? A delightfully creepy story and art combine perfectly with a metaphor on the presumed “scariness” of pollinators that all bee enthusiasts will appreciate.
To Catch a Ghost by Rachel Michelle Wilson
Sam’s just started at a new school, and is feeling a little nervous about show-and-tell. Determined to impress the other kids, they decide to bring in a jaw-dropper of an offering: a real ghost. Donning ghost-hunting equipment, Sam spots a ghost on the playground and sets about earning its trust through play and pizza. However, when the time comes to capture their spirit friend, will Sam have second thoughts? Fans of paranormal investigations will love this one, which features a subtle yet important story on recognizing and respecting the rights of others.
This Year, a Witch! by Zoey Abbott
Every year since she was a baby, the youngster at the center of this tale has been dressed up in some adorable costume — and she’s sick of it. This year, she wants to pick her own costume, and she has chosen the least cutesy costume she can think of: a witch! Getting into character and gathering her supplies, the little sorceress prepares for her most frightening Halloween yet…but is it a little too frightening? A smart look at the importance of supporting children’s autonomy, this hilarious story is also sure to tickle the funny bones of fellow creepy kids.
The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs by Mamiko Shiotani
In the attic of an unassuming house lives a grumpy little ghost who is perfectly happy being alone, thank you very much. Nobody ever comes up to his dark and quiet attic, and he is perfectly content with this: it gives him all the time and freedom in the world to practice swooping and changing size. That is, until the day that a curious little girl creeps up to the attic. Having spotted the ghost the previous night, the child is hoping to meet her housemate, something the ghost is vehemently against. Combining gorgeous art with a sweet story of opening up to new friends, this ghost story is sure to charm readers of any age.
We hope that you and the spooky young readers in your life enjoy these titles, and that they help you enjoy both your Summerween and the countdown to Halloween! Happy haunting, and happy reading!
Looking for more picture books for the creepy kid in your life? Check out our article on Odd, Spooky Picture Books for Little Goths in the Making.
For all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
