So I will have a post for older kids as well on this but this is aimed to the preschool age. Many of the resources here can also be used for 4 + as well but trying to help all you preschool parents plan out your month as well. Below is a screenshot of the printable I used to plan out our weeks so it is easy to fill in as well.
Books
Spooky Spooky Little Bat by Cottage Door Press
Play along with this “spooky” story an adorable little bat puppet! This Halloween story features a fun finger puppet toy built into the book, encouraging interactive play, hand-eye coordination, and language development in your little one. Babies and toddlers learn best when they are playing, especially when their grown-ups in the fun!
Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O’Connell
It’s Halloween, and ten timid ghosts in a haunted house have a problem: a mean witch has moved in and is planning to scare them out, one by one! Young trick-or-treaters learn to count down from ten to one as each ghost flees from the witch’s silly costumes and homemade props. When the homeless ghosts gather in the woods, their fear turns to determination and they plot to get their house back. Will the ghosts frighten the witch away in time for Halloween night?
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams
Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard . . . clomp, clomp, shake, shake, clap, clap.
And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life! With bouncy refrains and classic art, this timeless Halloween story is perfect for reading aloud.
The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing
Little monsters and goofy goblins take center stage in this silly, spooky spin on Clement C. Moore’s beloved poem. But what will happen on Halloween when the monsters come face to face with human trick-or-treaters in this fun-filled book by the author of The Night Before Easter?
Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman
The witch has grown the biggest pumpkin ever, and now she wants to make herself a pumpkin pie for Halloween. But the pumpkin is so big she can’t get it off the vine.
It’s so big the ghost can’t move it, either. Neither can the vampire, nor the mummy. It looks as if there’ll be no pumpkin pie for Halloween, until along comes the bat with an idea to save the day.
How can the tiny bat succeed where bigger and strong spooky creatures have failed? You’ll be surprised!
The Spooky Wheels on the Bus by J. Elizabeth Mills
Count from One Spooky Bus up to Ten Goofy Ghosts as this Halloween ride races through town picking up a few unsuspecting passengers along the way
The Bernstein Bears Trick or Treat by Stan Bernstein
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s Halloween and Brother and Sister can’t wait to go trick-or-treating with all of their friends, but when someone in the group encourages the kids to play a trick, things don’t go as planned. Includes over 50 bonus stickers!
Corduroy’s Best Halloween Ever! by Don Freeman
Halloween is almost here, and Corduroy can’t wait! He is going to have a party. He and his friends will carve a jack-o’-lantern, bob for apples, and go trick-or-treating! But there is one problem-Corduroy needs to choose a costume. What will he wear?
The first pumpkin Tim ever carved was fierce and funny, and he named it Jack. When Halloween was over and the pumpkin was beginning to rot, Tim set it out in the garden and throughout the weeks he watched it change.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Kara McMahon
It’s Halloween night, which means costumes, trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples…and waiting for the Great Pumpkin. Linus is certain that the Great Pumpkin will rise out of the pumpkin patch to bring toys to all the children of the world. Could this be the year that it finally happens?
Click, Clack Boo! by Doreen Cronin
Will the barnyard animals trick—or treat—Farmer Brown? Find out in this Halloween tale from the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of Click, Clack, Moo. Farmer Brown does not like Halloween. So he draws the shades, puts on his footy pajamas, and climbs into bed. But do you think the barnyard animals have any respect for a man in footy pajamas? No, they do not. For them, the Halloween party has just begun. And we all know these critters far prefer tricks over treats. There are big surprises in store for Farmer Brown!
Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O’Connell
t’s Halloween, and ten timid ghosts in a haunted house have a problem: a mean witch has moved in and is planning to scare them out, one by one! Young trick-or-treaters learn to count down from ten to one as each ghost flees from the witch’s silly costumes and homemade props. When the homeless ghosts gather in the woods, their fear turns to determination and they plot to get their house back. Will the ghosts frighten the witch away in time for Halloween night?
Little Boo by Stephen Wonderli
The leaves fall, the wind blows, and one little pumpkin seed tries and tries to be scary. But he doesn’t scare anyone . . . not the snowflakes in winter, not the bees in spring, not even the watering can!
The wind tells him to be patient―he’ll be scary soon enough. But waiting is hard. Will the little seed ever be really, truly scary?
Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler
What’s the best way to help a skeleton get over his hiccups?
We’re going on a ghost hunt by Susan Pearson
Susan Pearson has written her own unique version of the popular song, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,” introducing four children who go out at night in search of a ghost. After squish-squash-squooshing through a swamp, rustle-rustle-rat-a-tattling through a cornfield, and overcoming all kinds of obstacles on their journey, they come face to face with a ghost in a graveyard. Then—RUN! RUN! RUN!—they race back to the safety of their warm, cozy house. S.D. Schindler’s spirited illustrations bring warmth and humor to this lively rhyming read-aloud.
Halloween Hustle by Charlotte Gunnufson
In the dark, a funky beat. Something white with bony feet. Skeleton dancing up the street, Doing the Halloween Hustle. Skeleton is dancing his way to a Halloween party—but as he grooves across town, he keeps stumbling, tumbling, and falling apart! Can Skeleton stay in one piece long enough to make it to the party?
Room on Broom by Julia Donaldson
The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow, and then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. But is there room on the broom for so many friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?
Skeleton for Dinner by Margery Cuyler
Big Witch and Little Witch have made stew, and now they want to have their friends for dinner! But when Skeleton mistakes the guest list for a menu, he takes off running, and soon Ghost and Ghoul join him too! But poor Little Witch has no idea there’s a misunderstanding. Luckily there’s one creature in the haunted forest who can help everyone figure it all out. This spooky and silly read-aloud is just right for Halloween.
Monster Musical Chair by Stuart J. Murphy
This is a Level 1 MathStart book, which is perfect for kids ages 5 and up. The MathStart series uses funny stories and colorful art to show kids that they use math every day, even outside of the classroom! Each book features an activity guide to have fun with the math concepts presented in the story.
Pete the Cat Trick or Treat Pete by James Dean
Pete loves Halloween and candy but not so much scary surprises. Follow Pete as he goes trick-or-treating from house to house and discover what is waiting behind each door.
With over ten flaps that open to reveal fun spooky surprises, this book is spooktacular!
The Itsy Bitsy Pumpkin by Sonali Fry
A little pumpkin is trying to find his way back home! And with a little help from a friendly witch, he is soon safe and sound, back on his porch—where there are no spiders to be seen! Little ones will love this fresh fall spin on a classic nursery rhyme!
Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins by James Dean
Bestselling author and artist James Dean brings us a groovy rendition of the classic favorite children’s song “Five Little Pumpkins,” sung by cool cat Pete and perfect for Halloween.
Sing along with a colorful skeleton band in this exuberant rendition of a traditional most-loved African-American spiritual, passed down by word of mouth for generations. Today, it’s usually sung by children as a way to learn anatomy, rhyme, and language. With its vibrant paper collage illustrations and rollicking read-aloud verse, this perfect introduction to the human body makes a wonderful addition to both home and classroom libraries, and is a fun treat for Halloween!
There was an old lady who swallowed a bat by Lucille Colandro
What won’t this old lady swallow? This time around, a bat, an owl, a cat, a ghost, a goblin, some bones, and a wizard are all on the menu! This Halloween-themed twist on the classic “little old lady” books will delight and entertain all brave readers who dare to read it!
Where’s my mummy? by Carolyn Crimi
Little Baby Mummy wants just one more game of hide-and-shriek with Big Mama Mummy before bedtime. The night is deep and dark, full of friendly creatures that click their clacky teeth and whoosh past on flippy-floppy wings. But who will comfort Little Baby Mummy if a small, scritchy-scratchy someone gives him a scare? Big Mama Mummy, of course! Fresh, comical illustrations complement this everso- slightly suspenseful story with a satisfying ending.
Skeleton Meets the Mummy by Steve Metzger
On Halloween night, Sammy has to make a quick trip through the dark woods before he can go trick-or-treating. But someone–or something–is following him. Scritch! Scratch! What could it be?
Bold, vibrant illustations make this spooky story a perfect Halloween tale that kids will want to read again and again.
Glad Monster Sad Monster by Ed Emberley
Glad, sad, silly, mad – monsters have all kinds of different feelings! In this innovative die-cut book, featuring a snazzy foil cover, you’ll try on funny masks as you walk through the wide range of moods all little monsters (and kids!) experience.
Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley
Caldecott Award-winner Ed Emberley has created an ingenious way for children to overcome bedtime frights. As kids turn the die-cut pages of this vibrantly illustrated book, they’ll watch the Big Green Monster grow before their very eyes. Then, when they’re ready to show him who’s in charge, they’ll turn the remaining pages and watch him disappear!
It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse by Laura Numerous
Mouse is excited for fall because that means it is time to decorate pumpkins! But one is missing. Where could it have gone?
Ten Creapy Monsters by Carey F. Armstrong- Ellis
And so the countdown begins . . . A mummy, a witch, a ghost, a werewolf, a vampire, and others all gather, but one by one their crowd diminishes. At last there is only one creepy monster left. But what kind of monster is it?
Squeals of laughter are sure to accompany the reading of this book from bestselling illustrator Carey Armstrong-Ellis, as ten creepy monsters set out for fun.
The Dinosaur Halloween Adventure by Jessica Brady
Its Logans first Halloween, come along as he navigates through this awesome holiday
Packed with Pumpkins, Monsters, Costumes, Trick or Treating and of course, Dinosaurs!
The story includes a subtle message about how mistakes help us to grow.
Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton
Pookie gets dressed up for Halloween in this silly board book from beloved and bestselling author and illustrator Sandra Boynton.
It’s Halloween! What will little Pookie decide to be this year? Pookie tries on costumes one by one, but somehow can’t find just the right thing. The resolution to Pookie’s dilemma will delight toddlers and their caregivers alike. Told and illustrated with Sandra Boynton’s celebrated charm and pizzazz, Spooky Pookie has all the makings of a beloved Halloween classic. Boo!
Little Blue Truck’s Halloween by Alice Schertle
Beep! Beep! It’s Halloween! Little Blue Truck is picking up his animal friends for a costume party. Lift the flaps in this large, sturdy board book to find out who’s dressed up in each costume! Will Blue wear a costume too? With the delightful rhymes and signature illustration style that made Little Blue Truck a household name, Blue’s new adventure is full of festive costumes, fall colors, and plenty of Halloween fun!
t’s bedtime in the cold gray tomb with a black lagoon, and two slimy claws, and a couple of jaws, and a skull and a shoe and a pot full of goo. But as a little werewolf settles down, in comes the Goon determined at all costs to run amok and not let any monster have his rest.
A beloved classic gets a kind-hearted send up in this utterly monsterized parody; energetic art and a hilarious text will have kids begging to read this again and again.
Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
Rebecca Estelle has hated pumpkins ever since she was a girl when pumpkins were often the only food her family had. When an enormous pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes in her yard, she shovels dirt over the pieces and forgets about them. But those slimy pumpkin smithereens sprout up in autumn, and Rebecca Estelle finds a sea of pumpkins in her garden.
A heartwarming classic for more than twenty years, this story shows what happens when one thrifty gardener figures out how to make other people happy with the squash she can’t stomach.
Filled with colorful illustrations from a season of gardening, this is a perfect book for young gardeners and pumpkin lovers. Its wonderful lesson about helping others can be appreciated in the classroom or at home.
Peppa’s Halloween Party by Eone
It is the spookiest time of year! Peppa and her family play outside in the leaves, carve pumpkins, and dress up in costumes for a Halloween party with all of their friends!
Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman
The witch has grown the biggest pumpkin ever, and now she wants to make herself a pumpkin pie for Halloween. But the pumpkin is so big she can’t get it off the vine.
It’s so big the ghost can’t move it, either. Neither can the vampire, nor the mummy. It looks as if there’ll be no pumpkin pie for Halloween, until along comes the bat with an idea to save the day.
How can the tiny bat succeed where bigger and strong spooky creatures have failed? You’ll be surprised!
Pinalicious: Pink or Treat! by Victoria Kann
Pinkalicious can’t believe it: The mayor has canceled Halloween because a storm has knocked out the town’s power. No Halloween means no Halloween candy. No Halloween jack-o’-lanterns. No Halloween trick-or-treating. No Halloween holiday parties. And worst of all, no Halloween costumes. Pinkalicious has the perfect Pinkagirl costume and she absolutely has to wear it.
Superhero Pinkagirl would find a way to save Halloween, and Pinkalicious decides she will too. All she needs to do is figure out a way to get the town’s lights back on. The lights don’t come on—here’s what happens: Pinkalicious persuades the mayor to have a Halloween party in the park in front of City Hall—from all over town, folks come with their flashlights, their pink pumpkins, and goodies to share.
You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie by Natalie Marshall
With adorable illustrations, shaped cutouts, and raised elements, You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie is a sweet board book to share with your little one. With chunky pages for little hands and die-cut shapes to add depth and interest, children will love the interactive features alongside the story. This endearing board book is a wonderful read for Halloween or any time.
Llama Llama Trick or Treat by Anna Dewdney
With short and simple rhyming text, the Llama Llama board books introduce Llama Llama to babies and toddlers before they’re ready for longer full-length stories. And their small size and durable pages are perfect for little hands.
One, Two …Boo! by Kristen L. Depken
The littlest trick-or-treaters can lift the flaps to count their way through a spooky old house . . . but they had better be prepared for a few surprises! With a die-cut cover, adorable illustrations, and a flap on every page, this sturdy little board book is the perfect Halloween gift for trick-or-treaters everywhere.
Splat the Cat and the Pumpkin Picking Plan
Take a trip to the pumpkin patch in this funny Splat the Cat tale by New York Times bestselling author-artist Rob Scotton. This is a festive fall 8×8 storybook complete with more than 30 stickers, just right for Halloween.
When Splat goes to the pumpkin patch with Seymour, he’s determined to find the biggest pumpkin ever. But when he finally does, Splat finds out the real challenge isn’t the pumpkin picking—it’s how to get the pumpkin home!
Read all about Splat’s funny autumn misadventures in Splat the Cat: Pumpkin-Picking Plan!
Eek! Halloween by Sandra Boynton
A new addition to the Boynton on Board series, with over 21 million copies sold, Eek! Halloween! is all treat and no tricks, a journey with Boynton and her nutty characters through the tradition of Halloween.
It starts with an uh-oh—the chickens are nervous! Strange things are happening. One chicken saw a pumpkin with flickering eyes, another spied a mouse of enormous size. They all saw a wizard and a witch, and a spooky robot. “WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? WHAT DOES IT MEAN? / Relax, silly chickens! It’s HALLOWEEN!”
Sweet and Spooky Halloween by BH Disney
Trick or treat! It’s Halloween and the Disney Princesses are celebrating this sweet and spooky season! Cinderella carves pumpkins, Ariel dresses up in costume, and Belle explores the creepy corners of the Beast’s castle in this 24-page storybook featuring all-new illustrations.
Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht
Pairing a wonderfully rhythmic read-aloud text with expressive retro illustrations, author Patricia Toht and illustrator Jarvis capture all the excitement and familial feeling of a favorite holiday tradition. Readers will be happy to follow along with each step, from picking out the perfect specimen at the pumpkin patch (be sure to stop for cider and toffee apples) to carting it home, scooping out the insides, carving a scary face, and finally lighting a candle inside — savoring the familiar ritual of transforming an ordinary pumpkin into a one-of-a-kind glowing jack-o’-lantern.
Trick or Treat Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
A short and sweet mini-adventure especially created to introduce the youngest guppies to the popular Pout-Pout Fish.
It’s Halloween under the sea! Mr. Fish is wearing his costume, but what is he dressed as? A goblin? An astronaut in space? A pirate at the helm of the spooky submarine? Tiny tots will love swimming along with Mr. Fish as he turns little pouts into big smiles.
With just one line of text per page, this simple, 12-page board book will send Debbie Diesen and Dan Hanna’s much-loved Pout-Pout Fish flippering and swishing into the hearts and minds of very young children.
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll
Desmond and Clayton must work together to win the Biggest Pumpkin competition, in this popular bestselling picture book.
Once there were two mice who fell in love with the same pumpkin….
Desmond the field mouse wants to carve the biggest jack-o’-lantern in the neighborhood with his pumpkin. Clayton the house mouse wants to win the Biggest Pumpkin contest with his. But when they discover that their choice pumpkins are actually the same one, Desmond and Clayton decide to work together to grow the biggest pumpkin ever!
The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano
One day in the pumpkin patch the strangest little pumpkin hatched…. Spookley the Square Pumpkin was different. All the other pumpkins teased him, until Spookley proved that being different can save the day! “The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin” is a perennial fall-favorite children’s book that is the inspiration for the animated hit, “Spookley the Square Pumpkin,” that airs on Disney Junior and Netflix. It delivers a special message of tolerance and kindness in a fun, accessible format for early learners.
Goodnight Little Monster by Helen Ketterman
Little Monster needs to get ready for bed. That means howling at the moon, scrubbing his scales, getting into his creepy PJs, and enjoying a nice snack before bed: worm juice and baked beetle bread. And, of course, Little Monster’s mother is nearby to tuck Little Monster into bed and turn on his night-light—because even little monsters can be afraid of the dark. Bonnie Leick’s soft, child-friendly illustrations rendered in watercolor bring a new and quiet twist to the evening’s bedtime ritual. Sweet dreams, Little Monster!
The Hallo-weiner by Dav Pilkey
Oscar is a little dog with a big problem — he gets more tricks than treats because other dogs tease him all the time. But one brave act on Halloween makes Oscar a Grade-A hero, proving that a little wiener can be a real winner!
The Bernstein Bears and the Prize Pumpkin by Stan Bernstein
This Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about what they should truly be thankful for. Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s November, and the Bear family are entering the Thanksgiving Festival’s Big Pumpkin Contest. Will winning be the only thing that matters, or will the Bear family learn about the true meaning of Thanksgiving? Includes over 50 bonus stickers!
This tender and affectionate story reminds us of the comforting power of friendship and the joy of helping others—a tale that will inspire and delight children for generations to come.
All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing.…
He saves the tiny baby crow.
Soon a loving bond grows between the two unlikely friends. But is it strong enough to weather the changing of the seasons?
Stumpkin is the most handsome pumpkin on the block. He’s as orange as a traffic cone! Twice as round as a basketball! He has no bad side! He’s perfect choice for a Halloween jack-o-lantern.
There’s just one problem—Stumpkin has a stump, not a stem. And no one seems to want a stemless jack-o-lantern for their window.
As Halloween night approaches, more and more of his fellow pumpkins leave, but poor Stumpkin remains. Will anyone give Stumpkin his chance to shine?
How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace
Get ready to laugh along with this fun children’s monster book as a young ninja heads into the closet to meet the monster that’s been so scary night after night! But what if things aren’t what they seem and our monster isn’t scary at all? What if our ninja hero is about to make a friend of the strangest sort?
There’s a monster in my closet,
with claws, and teeth, and hair,
and tonight, I’m going to scare him!
He lives just right through there…
If you dare to travel beyond the closet door and into the land of the monsters… you might just find the very best reward of all. But with robots, lava pie, and a smattering of traps-catching monsters is no easy business!
Is there a monster living in your closet? Are you brave enough to catch him? Whether you’re looking for Halloween kids books or a great bedtime story, parents and children alike will love sharing this fun and inventive picture book, which reminds us that things aren’t always as scary as they seem.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Halloween by Disney Book Group
With over 40 flaps to peek under, this OVERSIZED board book is full of all sorts of tricks and makes the perfect Halloween treat for your little one!
Happy Halloween Little Critter! by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter and Little Sister dress in fun costumes, bob for apples, play pin the broom on the witch, and much more. There are plenty of surprises to be had, even if some of them are just a little spooky!
B is for Boo: A Halloween Alphabet by Greg Paprocki
B Is for Boo: A Halloween Alphabet features a collection of twenty-six illustrations featuring Halloween-themed concepts, including imaginative costumes, oodles of treats, pumpkins galore, masks and monsters, and haunted houses.
Songs
Activities
You can search Pinterest (follow us for more ideas at @homeschoolinginnyc) and Google but here are just a few fun ideas.
Draw your One Jack O Lantern
Use masking tape to create mummies
Fall wreaths
Create your own Skeleton
We also did Pumpkin and Apple science as well.