Best Autumn & Halloween Books for Toddlers from The Works

One of my favourite ways to embrace the season with my little one is through storytime. There’s something magical about curling up with a good book, a hot chocolate, and sharing some cute (and not-too-spooky) stories as the nights get darker with my two-year-old, Jack. We are both real bookworms and I love to incorporate the seasons and activities in our reading.

If you’ve been to The Works recently, you’ll know they’ve always got some amazing autumn and Halloween books that are perfect for toddlers! From friendly witches to cheeky pumpkins, I’ve put together a list of the absolute best reads that your little one will love.

Let’s dive into our cosy autumn reading corner!

1. “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson

An absolute classic and a must-have for any toddler’s bookshelf! Room on the Broom tells the story of a kind-hearted witch and her adventures with some unlikely animal friends. It’s not too scary, super engaging, and perfect for little ones who love a bit of magical fun. Plus, the rhyming is so catchy, you’ll find yourself reading it over and over again (trust me!). ‍

This is Jack’s favourite book right now – in fact, it has been for about 4 months. We read it multiple times a day and we’ve also been to the Room on the Broom trail at Kew. Stay tuned for more on that.

2. “Five Little Pumpkins” by Tiger Tales

A simple, adorable book that’s perfect for toddlers who are just learning to count! Five Little Pumpkins is a board book with cute illustrations, and its playful rhyme is one that your little one will quickly start to recite. The pumpkins aren’t spooky at all, so it’s perfect for toddlers who might be a little sensitive to Halloween frights.

3. “That’s Not My Bat…” by Fiona Watt

You probably already know and love the That’s Not My… series – and this Halloween edition is just as fab! That’s Not My Bat… is an interactive touch-and-feel book, which is perfect for toddlers to explore with their tiny hands. From fluffy tummies to shiny wings, it’s full of different textures that your little one will love to touch while you read.

The “That’s Not My…” books were the first staple in our house. We’ve had them all and I think the interactive element and repetition have helped to build our love of books together.

4. “Pumpkin Party” by Maudie Powell-Tuck

This charming book is full of autumnal joy, with beautiful illustrations and a sweet story that’s perfect for toddlers. Pumpkin Party follows a cute group of animal friends as they prepare for a pumpkin-themed party. It’s all about teamwork, friendship, and of course, pumpkins! A lovely read for the cosy season.

5. “The Spooky Wheels on the Bus” by J. Elizabeth Mills

If your little one is a fan of The Wheels on the Bus (and let’s face it, what toddler isn’t?!), then they’ll absolutely adore this spooky twist on the classic rhyme. The Spooky Wheels on the Bus has all sorts of Halloween characters, like ghosts and goblins, but in a fun, sing-along format that won’t be too frightening for younger readers. It’s a big hit during Halloween storytime!

My toddler is transport-obsessed so we sing this song over and over and over again. This book is a big hit in our house!

6. “We’re Going on a Pumpkin Hunt” by Goldie Hawk

Inspired by the classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, this book follows a group of brave friends as they search for the biggest pumpkin ever. It’s a lovely autumnal adventure, and the rhythm of the story is perfect for keeping toddlers engaged. The artwork is stunning and captures the magic of autumn!

7. “Peppa’s Pumpkin Party” by Peppa Pig

If your toddler is a Peppa fan, they’ll love this one! Peppa’s Pumpkin Party follows Peppa, George, and their friends as they celebrate Halloween with costumes, games, and of course, pumpkins. It’s a light hearted, fun read, and the perfect way to introduce Halloween traditions to younger kids.

8. “Winnie and Wilbur: The Amazing Pumpkin” by Valerie Thomas

Winnie the Witch and her cat Wilbur are back in this autumn-themed adventure, and it’s pure magic! The Amazing Pumpkin sees Winnie using her spells to grow a pumpkin that’s a bit bigger than expected. It’s funny, playful, and full of charm – ideal for toddlers who love a little magic with their Halloween fun.

Photo by Iana Dmytrenko on Unsplash

9. “Boo! A Fishy Mystery” by Kes Gray

This one is a bit of a hidden gem! Boo! A Fishy Mystery is a playful Halloween-themed book featuring the popular character Barry the Fish. It’s a fun and light hearted story that’s perfect for toddlers who might not be into the spookier side of Halloween. The bright, colourful illustrations and silly storyline are bound to bring smiles!

10. “Ten Spooky Skeletons” by Garry Parsons

For toddlers who love counting books, Ten Spooky Skeletons is a fun (and not-too-scary) way to celebrate Halloween. It’s full of friendly skeletons and simple rhymes, helping your little one learn to count while enjoying some spooky silliness. The illustrations are colourful and engaging, making it a fun read over and over again! ️

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And there you have it – my top 10 picks for the best autumn and Halloween books from The Works!

Whether you’re looking for something cute and cuddly, a little bit magical, or full-on pumpkin fun, these books will have you and your little one getting into the Halloween spirit in no time. There’s nothing better than snuggling up with a good story, especially when it’s all about witches, ghosts, and pumpkins!

Which books are you adding to your Halloween bookshelf this year? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram, and don’t forget to share your spooky storytime setups!

LoveRosiee
xxx

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People Also Ask…

Why is reading to a toddler important?

According to a recent study from the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading aloud to your child from birth helps build key language, literacy and social skills — which typically lead to greater achievements in school and beyond.

Is it possible to teach a 2 year old to read?

Yes. And not only can they, but children between the ages of 2-7 years old have incredible brains that allow them to learn more and learn faster than they can when they’re older. Still, teaching your little one to read is a personal decision that is based on your individual child’s needs.

What does reading do to a child’s brain?

In 2012 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, neuroscientists at Stanford University reported that reading ability in young children is related to the growth of the brain’s white matter tracts—specifically, the arcuate nucleus, which connects the brain’s language centers.

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