31 Spooky and Sweet October Books for Family Story Time
orignally published September 29, 2019, revised October 2022
Making Books a Family Tradition
Building a book collection for different holidays has become part of our family tradition. Each year, when we pull out the fall and Halloween decorations, we also have a special box for the kids with their holiday books, coloring activities, stickers, and stuffies! They always get so excited and talk about how they remember reading a story or what we did during our story time, like a craft or baking a special Halloween cookie.
Intentional Family Moments for the Changing Seasons
As the seasons change and holidays approach, it provides a wonderful opportunity to create intentional family moments. These times are perfect for slowing down and appreciating the present, fostering deeper connections with your loved ones. Engaging in family traditions, like reading holiday-themed books together, allows us to take a moment away from the long to-do lists that consume our everyday lives and allow us to be present in the joy and magic of the season.
These intentional moments can help us cultivate mindfulness and presence, teaching parents and children the value of cherishing the here and now. Whether snuggling up with a book on a chilly autumn evening or baking a warm treat while discussing a favorite story, these activities create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. They also offer a sense of continuity and comfort, something to look forward to as the seasons turn.
Books as a Tool for Creating Traditions
Books are more than just stories; they are gateways to new worlds and shared experiences. By integrating books into your seasonal and holiday traditions, you are fostering a love for reading and creating rituals that your children will fondly remember and perhaps pass down to their own families.
Consider dedicating a cozy corner of your home to these seasonal reads. Make it a special place where your family can gather, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season. We love to have our diffuser on with our favorite fall scents! We also will create a calm atmosphere with low lighting (enough to read, of course!) and sometimes even have a special treat to enjoy while we read together.
You could even create themed activities based on the books you read. For example, after reading a Halloween story, you might carve pumpkins or have your children make a paper craft to later hang on the wall that matches the story.
Suggested Activities to Accompany Your Halloween Reading
Arts & Crafts | Make spooky decorations or leaf art inspired by the stories
Bake a Treat | Create story themed treats like pumpkin muffins or Halloween cookies
Explore Nature | Collect leaves and acorns for crafts or decorations; creating a seasonal nature table is always a good idea!
31 Favorite Halloween-Themed Books
The books listed are appropriate for any age, but they will most likely be most engaging for kids ages 2-7.
Click the book to learn more about the story & purchase. Save a copy of the list for your next library visit here!
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