With just one week until Halloween, it's definitely spooky season. 👻 Last year, I reviewed some recently published fictional Picture Books for Halloween, but this year I wanted to highlight some fun nonfiction picks! Some children connect more with factual text, and it can be a fantastic way to introduce them to different narrative styles and build their background knowledge.
Kathy Ross’s Crafts for Halloween is a treasure trove for young makers who love turning everyday items into something magical. What makes this book especially delightful is its focus on reusing materials you might already have around the house—like tin cans, milk cartons, and paper scraps—to create ghoulishly festive decorations. The book includes clear, step-by-step directions and simple illustrations by Sharon Lane Holm. Crafts for Halloween empowers kids to see the creative potential in recycling and repurposing old toys and recyclable items. The projects range from adorably spooky to just plain clever, making this a fun choice for families looking for some creative ideas for Halloween activities!
Ruth Owen’s Let’s Bake Halloween Treats! is a cheerful eBook full of spooky fun and real kitchen know-how. This book invites young bakers to roll up their sleeves and create monstrously delicious goodies—like spiderweb cookies, marshmallow ghosts, and “witches’ fingers” made from shortbread dough. Owen’s step-by-step directions are clear and encouraging, with helpful notes on safety and cleanup that make it perfect for family baking sessions. The recipes included are perfect for little bakers, and invite children to get their hands dirty and learn some new techniques in the kitchen. It's the perfect balance of Tricks and Treats!
Few Halloween traditions are as iconic as carving pumpkins, and Dana Meachen Rau captures that magic perfectly. This nonfiction guide offers some history and hands-on how-to, blending practical tips with some interesting context about the origins of the Jack-o’-lantern. Readers will learn where the tradition began, how pumpkins became the star of the show, and the best method to safely design and carve their own masterpieces. Since this activity requires a carving tool or knife, definitely be sure to supervise or assist your child with the fun. Who doesn't love scraping out the pumpkin guts, and maybe even roasting the seeds for a yummy seasonal snack?!
While Halloween might take center stage in October, Let’s Get Festive! broadens the lens to show how communities across the globe mark the changing seasons. Kończak and Poklewska-Koziełło introduce readers to celebrations like Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and other autumn observances that honor family, gratitude, and the rhythms of nature. The illustrations glow with color and warmth, and each of the sections encourages young readers to see how all of these traditions share the same joyful spirit of gathering and renewal.
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, these nonfiction books remind us that celebrations—whether spooky, sweet, or full of sparkles— can really help brighten the darker months. However you celebrate this season, may your days be filled with warmth, imagination, and just the right amount of spooky fun! 🎃✨
