7 Non-Scary Halloween Stories
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We love reading stories! But we do not enjoy scary stories. We hold Halloween very loosely. We don’t decorate or celebrate with skeletons, witches, blood, monsters, or brooms. We barley trick-or-treat. Not only does our daughter have a really low tolerance for scary things, but we don’t enjoy them either. There is real evil and real dark in the world and we do not want to mess with it. We also don’t love candy. No one needs that much sugar.
Now that I’ve officially repelled the people who enjoy haunted houses, I’ll share our 7 non-scary halloween stories. These stories were picked for their sweet Halloween feel, either addressing a sweet Halloween night, a touch of magic, If you’re looking for more fall stories I have great options in my September, October, and November book lists.
These seven fall favorites incorporate ones we reach for again and again and some new ones we’d like to try or are holding onto for future years:
Stumpkin. by Lucy Ruth Cummins is a really sweet tale about a nearly perfect pumpkin who doesn’t get picked for a window for Halloween.
Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White is a beautiful story about a woman who has sworn off pumpkins but discovers—quite by accident—they hold a power to bring people together on Halloween. It’s a little lengthier, but super sweet.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams is a sweet story about a brave , clever woman who meets random objects walking through the woods at nightfall. Not a Halloween book but leans into the right reason to scare. Also check out Who Goes There? about a mouse who’s afraid and steps out in courage.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson is a clever, rhyming tale of wit and courage that keeps little listeners laughing and engaged. While not a Halloween book, it does have a sweet monster and a clever mouse.
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola a new fairytale about a magic pot and the importance of following the rules and the consequences for not. Again, not a Halloween book, but it does involve a bit of magic.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by by Jerry Pinkney is a retell of the classic story of three hungry goats outsmarting a mean, ugly troll. I also like Paul Galdon’s version. If you want something a little spookier you could read Mac Barnett’s version.
Our daughter does not like the troll, so we will try again next year. My kindergarten students loved this book.
The Great Pumpkin Switch by Megan McDonald. This is an old story, but new to me. It’s a little lengthy story about two boys who accidentally hurt a sister’s prized pumpkin and do hard work to make amends set in the past.
Each story isn’t just well-written or beautifully illustrated—they help us pause, notice God’s creation, and grow in love for Him together. My hope is that as you read them with your family, they’ll bring the same delight, conversation, and faith-filled moments to your home.
