Prepare to be Scared: 2026 Halloween Picture Books for Kids

Celebrating Halloween in August? It’s more common than you think! Once the July barbecues are over and the kids are headed back to school, it’s natural to start dreaming of colorful leaves, hot apple cider, and carving pumpkins. That’s why “Summerween” has become a rising trend in recent years. We all love a little summer scare to remind us that spooky season is coming. As we creep closer to October 31, there are lots of excellent new Halloween picture books to get kids hyped up for a scary good time. From vampire kittens to ghosts on the swing set, they’re atmospherically spooky without being too frightening for young readers. Gather your tiny witches, vampires, werewolves, and ghosts for these delightful 2026 Halloween picture books fresh off the presses. But I’m a Pumpkin!: A Summerween Story by Kat Choppy and Heidi MorenoFor young readers who can’t wait to start the Halloween celebrations, But I’m a Pumpkin! is a charming Summerween story that bridges the gap from August to October. A little girl plants a seed that she hopes will grow into a giant pumpkin. It grows a little differently from the other pumpkins, with different leaves and a strange shape. By the end of summer, the...