Those of us who love to read know there's nothing quite like cozying up with a good seasonal book this time of year. Even if it means cranking the A/C down to 60 degrees because we live in the South.

I know many people, myself included, enjoy having a seasonally curated TBR list, and I think there's real value in doing this for our young readers too.

The seasonal changes are special. They remind us that while life can feel unpredictable, some things stay beautifully consistent. (Did your granny ever tell you there's nothing new under the sun?) Within our year, we have this regular rhythm: summer, fall, winter, spring. And with each season comes a reminder of birth, life, death, and renewal. These are the same themes that accompany us throughout our lives, and they often mirror the themes we find in books.

There's something comforting about knowing there are specific things we do every season. It helps us feel grounded when the world gets chaotic. When we lean into this rhythm with our kids through seasonal reading, we create a peaceful space they can retreat to when life gets too loud or too busy. And just like the concept of hygge, they can reach for that comfort anytime they need it.

Here are a few Fall/ Halloween tales to get kids in the mood for the cozy and spooky season. Some of these may look familiar, as they are really great classics with a few newer titles peppered in.

(Please always vet each book for your own traditions and standards, and take into consideration not every child will do well with spooky reads. Please do not ever force a child to read something they are opposed to just to help them get over their fear. In most cases this will backfire.)

Ages 3-5

1. Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden by George Levenson - A beautiful exploration of the life cycle of a pumpkin from seed to jack-o'-lantern and back again.
2. Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert - A whimsical journey following leaves as they blow away in the autumn wind, creating different characters and scenes.
3. We're Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger - A playful twist on the classic bear hunt story, perfect for little ones exploring fall's colorful changes.
4. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson - A tender story about a fox who worries when his favorite tree starts losing its leaves, learning about the seasons' natural rhythm.
5. Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell - A sweet story following a family's trip to an orchard and pumpkin patch, capturing all the cozy fall traditions.
6. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert - A gorgeous book about a sugar maple tree through the seasons, with stunning collage illustrations.
7. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak - Max's wild adventure has that perfect slightly spooky, imaginative quality that makes it ideal for fall reading.

Ages 6-9

1. The Witches by Roald Dahl - A deliciously spooky tale perfect for October reading, with just the right amount of thrills for this age group.
2. The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury - A group of friends follows a mysterious boy on a magical journey through Halloween's history on All Hallows' Eve.
3. Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe - A cozy, funny mystery about a vampire rabbit who may be draining the vegetables, told from the family dog's perspective.
4. The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan and Jan Berenstain - A fun Halloween adventure as the bear cubs navigate costumes, candy, and spooky surprises.
5. In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz - Perfect bite-sized scary stories for young readers just getting into spooky tales.

Ages 10+

1. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - A beautifully atmospheric story about a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard, perfect for fall evenings.
2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman - Spooky and atmospheric, this tale of a girl who discovers a dark mirror world is perfectly chilling for fall reading.
3. The House With a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs - A classic creepy mystery about a boy, his uncle, and a house hiding magical secrets.
4. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead - Set during a New York City fall and winter, this mystery unfolds during the school year with thought-provoking twists.
5. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare - Set in autumn 1687, this historical fiction captures both the season and themes of change beautifully.
6. Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn - A genuinely spooky ghost story set in an old converted church, perfect for readers who want a good October chill.
7. The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright - A chilling mystery involving a haunted dollhouse that holds secrets from the past.
8. Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine - Classic spooky tales that have been thrilling young readers for decades, perfect for October marathons.