Kid-Friendly Ghost Stories That Are Just Scary Enough For Halloween!
Looking for ghost stories for kids to get them in the Halloween spirit? This curated collection of ghostly tales is perfect for introducing young readers to just the right amount of spookiness.
Our selection of the best ghost stories for kids has a bit of everything – fun, mystery, and a sprinkle of spookiness. This is artcile is oart of a series of Halloween-themed book recommendations, where we’ll dive into true crime, mystery, and paranormal reads throughout October.
Let’s kick things off with some spine-tingling, yet kid-friendly ghost stories!
Why Ghost Stories Are So Fun for Kids:
- Ghost stories tap into kids’ sense of curiosity and adventure.
- They offer a perfect mix of thrill and imagination without being too intense.
- Scary stories encourage children to explore fear in a safe environment, boosting creativity and emotional resilience.
- They’re a great way to foster a love for reading through excitement and engagement.
From Ruskin Bond horror books to global folklore, these stories offer a wonderful mix of intrigue and excitement. These short scary stories are written with young readers in mind, ensuring just the right balance between chills and laughs.
They’re perfect for bedtime, Halloween, or any time you want to enjoy a spooky tale!
By Ruskin Bond
Set in a quiet hill station, this story follows Usha, who takes a shortcut across a haunted hill to meet her friends. As the wind howls and strange sounds echo through the trees, she encounters two ghostly figures. Who could they be?
Ruskin Bond’s ability to build tension without terrifying his young readers makes this story perfect for kids aged 8+. It’s spooky without being too scary, making it a great introduction to the world of Ruskin Bond horror books.
By Angela McAllister
This anthology gathers short scary stories from around the globe, offering young readers a variety of spooky tales rooted in different cultures. From the serpentine witch Baba Yaga to the Australian bunyip, these stories combine fun and fear, creating the perfect Halloween atmosphere for readers 6+. Each story is just long enough to send shivers down spines, yet short enough to keep kids engaged without overwhelming them.
By Pamela McCord
Suited for kids aged 10+, this modern ghost story follows a group of young ghost hunters trying to uncover the secrets of a haunted house. As they investigate strange noises and spooky sightings, they form a strong friendship while facing their fears. With just the right amount of scare, it’s a fun and engaging read for kids who love mystery and adventure. The camaraderie between the characters and the steady build-up of tension make it a page-turner for middle-grade readers.
By Charis Cotter
When Alice discovers an old, dusty dollhouse in her grandmother’s attic, strange things begin to happen. The dolls seem to have a life of their own, and Alice must uncover the mystery before it’s too late. This spooky story, filled with creepy suspense, is perfect for readers 9+ who love a mix of historical intrigue and ghostly happenings. The eerie atmosphere makes it a thrilling read without being too terrifying.
By Oliver Jeffers
In this playful, interactive picture book, readers are invited to explore an old house and help spot the ghosts hidden within. The ghosts are more silly than scary, making it a delightful read for younger children (5+). With its fun illustrations and light-hearted humour, this book is great for kids who want a spooky story without the scares—an ideal pick for Halloween.
By Mary Pope Osborne
Part of the popular Magic Tree House series, this story transports readers back in time to Victorian England. Jack and Annie must help the famous author Charles Dickens rediscover his Christmas spirit by solving a ghostly mystery. With historical settings and magical adventures, this book is great for kids aged 7+ who enjoy time-travel stories with a supernatural twist. It’s a gentle introduction to ghost stories for kids who prefer adventure over scares.
By Subhadra Sen Gupta
A delightful collection of ghost stories that mix humour and light-hearted chills, perfect for young readers aged 8+. These tales feature ghosts who are mischievous, quirky, and sometimes helpful. In one story, Ajji, a strict grandmother, continues to haunt her family through her abacus, and another follows Banno Bi, who uses her djinns to aid the local children when they’re in trouble. With a blend of Indian folklore, these stories are spooky yet fun.
By P.J. Lynch
This beautifully illustrated tale tells the story of a lake haunted by spirits of those who have drowned. A young fisherman falls in love with a girl from the village, but when he doesn’t return from the lake, she fears the worst. This story blends ghostly suspense with a touching love story, making it suitable for readers aged 10+. The haunting artwork enhances the eerie atmosphere, perfect for kids who enjoy horror stories with emotional depth.
By Apeksha Rao
A historical mystery set in the Mughal era, this story follows the clever Birbal as he helps Emperor Akbar investigate a haunted gurukul. The ghostly events are more puzzling than frightening, making it a light-hearted, fun read for kids aged 8+. Fans of mystery-solving adventures will enjoy the clever twists, and the humorous interactions between Akbar and Birbal lighten the spooky mood.
By HS Norup
Freja’s family moves to Singapore during the Hungry Ghost Festival, a time when spirits are said to walk the earth. She soon encounters a mysterious boy who might not be alive. This atmospheric story introduces readers to Singaporean folklore while weaving a gripping tale of friendship and adventure. With themes of bravery and understanding, it’s ideal for kids aged 10+ who enjoy ghost stories with a cultural twist and a deeper mystery to unravel.
For more spooky fun, don’t forget to explore the rest of our October book recommendations, featuring more mysteries, true crime, and paranormal adventures!
Also explore the Crime, Mystery & Thriller section on Bookscape to find your next thrilling read.
The Halloween Book List:
Crime Thriller Picks: Indian True Crime Books To Read This Halloween
Also read: Ruskin Bond Biography: Life, Career & Best Books
