Kids Book Nook: Horror for Youthful Beginners

With the recent influx of fantastic horror films, television programs, and streaming content, it’s easy to forget that horror can be for any age. I grew up watching Scooby Doo, the Addams Family, and the Munsters. I have great affection for the Munsters since my maternal grandparents were also named Herman and Lily. Even though these programs didn’t always showcase jump scares, gore and violence, there were still horrific elements that I could easily categorize as horror as I was aware that monsters in these programs were supposed to be scary. If something is scary that would equate as horrific. 

We shouldn’t discount horror for children merely because it’s not as graphic as horror for adults. Horror for children is a great way to explore emotions and learn about fear. Children can discover that it’s okay to be scared. There are ways to control your fear and fight against the darkness. Sometimes it’s the thrill of the scare and the anticipation of what happens on the next page that makes horror such a delight. Plus, children’ picture books about ghosts and other creepy creatures are more likely to be cute and adorable and sometimes we need that spark of joy to make everything feel okay. 

Here are a few of my favorite original horror-themed picture books that are perfect for young readers. 

Sir, Simon

Written and Illustrated by Cale Atkinson

Cale Atkinson is an amazing artist and author. My favorite artists are those who understand that background images in a picture book are just as important as the characters. There are little nuances throughout this story and I can’t help but wonder if we’re seeing the influence of Hayao Miyazaki’s artistry. 

Sir Simon is the story of a ghost assigned to his first haunted house. What follows is a lesson on empathy and understanding when Sir Simon meets the human who now resides in this home. Even ghosts have chores to complete before they can work on their first novel. 

Bonus points if you find a famous horrific film director within the pages.

Boo! Haiku

Written by Deanna Caswell, Illustrated by Bob Shea

I love interactive storytime books. These are the types of picture books that play well with an audience as it allows children to be part of the story-telling experience. Deanna Caswell has two haiku titles - one with animals and one with horror/halloween icons. Each haiku is written as a clue. Bob Shea’s delightful artwork is revealed on the next page with the answer. This book is a great way to engage young readers who may not be familiar with different Halloween terms. It’s also a way to explore poetry and how poetry comes in different formats. 

Creepy Carrots and Creepy Pair of Underwear

Written by Aaron Reynolds, Illustrated by Peter Brown

If you want to introduce the concept of a slasher film to a child, this series is the best way to begin. Jasper Rabbit is addicted to carrots. The carrots from Crackenhopper Field are the most delicious and readily available. Everything seems fine and dandy until the day that Jasper gets the feeling that someone is watching him. The carrots are after Jasper and no one believes him. 

Creepy Carrots has great tension and does very well during storytime. I’m a tremendous admirer of Peter Brown’s art and will always recommend his writing as well. The sequel, Creepy Pair of Underwear, is just as delightful as the first book and really plays into the concept of learning to control one’s fear. 

Shivery Shades of Halloween

Written by Mary McKenna Siddals, Illustrated by Jimmy Pickering

Concept books are a wonderful tool to help with a child’s education. Before a child enters kindergarten, they should know the alphabet, basic counting, shapes, and colors. Shivery Shades of Halloween is a great concept book that ties the concept of colors with Halloween imagery. The story is also written in rhyme so young readers will get a kick out of the different color descriptions.

Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise

Written by Sean Taylor, Illustrated by Jean Jullien

This book is pure camp and would be paired well with any extravagant screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show. The story starts with Hoot Owl searching for his next meal. As he stalks his prey, Hoot Owl repeatedly monologues before takes action. Each scenarios is hilarious and young readers will delight in Hoot Owl’s antics. When I read this book during storytime, I encourage children to laugh maniacally after Hoot Owl’s monologues as if we were classical serial villains. I may or may not add a twirling of a mustache.