Unique Children's Books for Halloween

There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of Halloween themed children's books on the market. Many of the books are great Halloween tales but often have a predictable formula to the story, or your kids have heard the stories a million times before. As a school librarian I love seeking out unique Halloween reads that will be new for my students and my own children. These unique books are great for Halloween, even if they aren't all technically "Halloween" books. Try these unique children's books for Halloween.

The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg. Van Allsburg is known for his fantastic illustrations and creative stories. While The Widow's Broom isn't as well known as his Christmas classic, The Polar Express, your kids will love it just as much. The Widow's Broom begins with a witch's broom losing power during flight and falling to the earth, along with the witch who is riding it. A lonely widow finds the witch and the broom in her vegetable garden. When the witch leaves the broom behind, the widow is surprised by the magical powers that still remain in the broom. This slightly creepy and imaginative tale, with a twist ending, will leave your children awestruck this Halloween.

What was I Scared Of? by Dr. Seuss. One of Seuss's lesser-known titles, this book still features classic Seuss drawings and rhyming lines. Unlike any of his other stories, however, this book is begins with a green pair of pants….with nobody inside them! Your kids will love this slightly creepy and totally unique Dr. Seuss book, especially the ending that is excellent for reminding children that scary things aren't always so scary after all.

The Hallowiener by Dav Pilkey. This title isn't quite as unique as the other two, considering it has a portion of "Halloween" in the title, but the story itself is unique and very endearing. Written by Dav Pilkey, best known for his quirky and a little off-color Captain Underpants series, The Hallowiener is true Pilkey style with funny lines and silly puns. Instead of being scary like so many Halloween books, this book is downright silly and it has a great theme of rooting for the underdog. Your kids will love laughing along with this unique Halloween book.

There are plenty of predictable and classic children's Halloween books out there, but why not think outside the box this year and treat your kids to one of these unique Halloween books?