Got a kid who loves scary stories? We’ve compiled a list of mildly spooky horror stories that could still give them (and maybe you) goosebumps.
Just like us, some kids love a good spooky story. Perhaps it’s the mystery and unknown that unfolds with every page. Or, it could just be that they want to experience a little thrill through the safety net of the fictional world. So, if you think your kids are ready to read some dark tales by themselves, we’ve got a list of not-so-scary horror books that are kid-friendly to recommend (yep, we at HoneyKids HQ do read kids’ horror sometimes)! While they may not be Stephen King-level scary, these books could still give the kids (and you, perhaps?) some goosebumps…
Kid-friendly scary stories for little horror fans
1. Ghost afraid of the dark by Sara Conway
For ages 2 to 4
This enchanting book, destined to captivate the hearts of little gals and ghouls alike, tells the delightful tale of Boo, a lovable little ghost who embarks on a courageous journey to conquer the eerie October nights. While Halloween should have been a joyful time, it’s a challenging adventure for Boo, and he seeks guidance from his friendly monster pals on how to muster the courage for the big night. With its charming illustrations and a mesmerising glow-in-the-dark cover, ‘Boo’s Halloween Adventure’ is a must-read for kids, offering a charming blend of spookiness and heartwarming storytelling that will have both kids and parents enchanted from the first page to the very end.
2. Monster Trouble! by Lane Fredrickson
For ages 3 to 5
If you’ve got a kid who believes they’re fearless, this spine-tingling little book about Winifred Schnitzel, a daring young girl, is sure to pique their interest. She’s not afraid of a single thing in the entire world. However, the pesky and persistently annoying monsters that visit her at night are making it impossible for her to get a good night’s sleep. Winifred, being quite the clever thinker, hatches a plan that’s definitely worth a read.
3. The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John
For ages 4 to 8
The Bad Seed is usually all in for Halloween, but this year, he’s in a costume conundrum. He’s worried that he’ll be upstaged in the costume game, so he cooks up a plan to shift Halloween to a different night. But, fear not, because his buddy Pumpkin Seed is there to help him rediscover the true Halloween vibes. It’s all part of the Bad Seed series, and it’s a perfect mix of fun, friendship, and getting into the spooky spirit of the season.
4. The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
For ages 9 to 13
This book has everything that a classic horror story needs: a dilapidated manor house and a reclusive family who looks ghostly pale. Despite hearing rumours that the Windsor Estate and its family were cursed, siblings Molly and Kip were still determined to join the household staff. True enough, the siblings started seeing an evil-looking spectre who tends to visit the garden at night. But it wasn’t just that, their deepest, darkest desires seem to magically come true…
5. Doll Bones by Holly Black
For ages 10 to 14
The kids may have heard of Holly Black from The Spiderwick Chronicles fame. And if they loved the Spiderwick series, they’ll be sure to love Doll Bones too. The novel talks about three friends who often engage in pretend play with their dolls and action figures. However, disaster struck as one of them decided to quit the game to ‘grow up’. The antique doll that the trio used to play with started to haunt one of the girls, revealing its gruesome origins, and directing the friends to return it to its owner’s grave, or else…
6. The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes
For ages 9 to 11
Nine, the plucky orphan, is on a mission to break free from the humdrum life at the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. But here’s where things get funky – she swipes a house-shaped trinket from a mysterious lady’s purse and bam! It sprouts into a wonky, jumbled-up house with a teeny door. Inside, it’s a riot with magical and hilariously quirky characters, like the grumpy troll housekeeper who’s oddly attached to his feather duster. They’re all stuck under a whopper of a spell, and they’re banking on Nine to save the day. In exchange, they might just offer her a new life filled with magic and excitement.
7. The Mystery of the Haunted House by Willow Night
For ages eight and above
Aren’t we all a bit curious and curiouser when it comes to haunted houses? Well, this story is no exception! It follows the adventures of three brave kids who team up to unravel the mysteries surrounding a spooky, old haunted house. But hold onto your seat because this tale takes a chilling turn when Noah and Olivia find themselves faced with a gut-wrenching choice: do they risk the terrifying haunted house, or do they risk the safety of little Josh? To discover the spine-tingling twists and turns in this hair-raising story, you’ll just have to read it for yourself!
8. Ten Sorry Tales by Mick Jackson
For ages 10 and above
Here’s an anthology of ten short stories that may frighten you and make you laugh at the same time. You’ll find the tales of two antisocial and murderous sisters, butterflies that come back to life, dark and cursed forests, as well as unlucky undertakers. As the title suggests, you may feel sorry for some of the characters in these darkly humorous short stories.
9. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
For ages 10 to 13
Think of it as The Jungle Book, but taking place in a graveyard instead of the wild. The graveyard is the only world that Bod knows. He has a mentor in the form of a vampire; a werewolf as a teacher; and his adoptive parents are resident ghosts of the graveyard. Bod has adventures in the graveyard every now and then, most of them being near-miss incidents. But the real danger comes in the form of a living, breathing man who has ties to his past. Because sometimes, the scariest and most evil of hearts exists in the living…
10. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
For ages 11 onwards
What if you stumble upon an alternate universe where things are more fun and cool, and you get everything you wish for? Sounds like everyone’s dream, doesn’t it? Coraline found this in the Other world, which exists in a small door in her boring flat’s drawing room. The Other Mother and Father are willing to play with her, unlike her actual parents. The same goes for her Other neighbours too, who are more interesting than weird, which her actual ones are. But there’s something sinister about all these, especially those black button eyes they have…
11. Christmas Dinner of Souls by Ross Montgomery
For ages 9 to 12
Here’s an interesting read that’s perfect for both Halloween and Christmas! What’s more, it features seven stories within a story. As punishment for vandalism, Lewis has to spend Christmas Eve serving dinner to the Dean and selected alumni of Soul’s College. What seems like a tedious job quickly turned into a life-threatening affair, as all the dinner guests turned out to be violent and murderous. As per tradition, each guest competes to see who is capable of telling the scariest story. And the winner gets to claim an ancient, gruesome prize in the crypt…
12. Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn
For ages 10 to 12
Ali is super happy to spend summer with her aunt Dulcie’s family. However, things took an ominous turn when the cousin she’s babysitting befriended a really rude girl. Not only is she a bad influence on her cousin, but this new friend also tried to drown her cousin as well. Then there’s also that torn photograph of her mum, aunt Dulcie, and an unknown girl named T, whom the adults refused to talk about. Could T and her cousin’s new friend be related? And why is this new friend always so angry… and bloodthirsty?
13. The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
For ages 8 to 12
More than just a classic Halloween tale, this novel actually teaches children about the origins of several holidays that resemble or are linked to Halloween. It all started one Halloween night when Pipkin failed to meet up with his group of friends at the neighbourhood haunted house. With the help of the mysterious Mr. Moundshroud, Pipkin’s friends journey through time and space to save their friend from the Dark Something. Their quest takes them through Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Celtic Europe, and other civilisations as they learn about the truth of All Hallows’ Night.
Fancy a horror tale for yourself? Check out our Halloween book list and Asian horror novels recommendations!
