Looking for a few good Halloween reads? Check out these five brand new books for 2022, perfect for the spooky season! From fiendish fun to educational tales, there’s something for everyone in this selection.

“A Spoonful of Frogs” by Casey Lyall, Illustrated by Vera Brosgol

“A Spoonful of Frogs” is a charming and delightful book framed in the context of a 70’s era cooking show. The host attempts to cook a witch’s favorite treat, frog soup, when suddenly, the key ingredient creates a magical stir. A silly and fun read-aloud, perfect for Halloween or any day of the year! The illustration style reminded me of LeUyen Pham! But, of course, Vera Brosgol is entirely original and has illustrated many other great picture books and graphic novels.

“The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard” by Ron Keres, Illustrated by Author Lin

“The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard” takes place in a dark bedroom, where there is not much to see, and so it is told mainly with words. But the words find new life as sounds that you both visualize and hear.

When the lights come back on, prepare for a delightful twist.

“Blood: Not Just a Vampire Drink” by Stacy McAnulty and Shawna J. C. Tenney

“Blood: Not just a Vampire Drink” is an educational and highly entertaining book about the importance of blood and its role in the body of…the living. The story is a conversation between a traditional vampire and a young vampire who manages the “I Don’t Vant to Suck Your Blood Smoothie Shop.” The young vampire shares his knowledge in a fun and informative way.

If you missed my interview with Shawna J. C. Tenney, I am leaving it here.

“Creepy Crayon!” by Jason Reynolds, Illustrated by Peter Brown

“Creepy Crayon!” Is a welcome addition to the “Creepy Series.” The artwork mimics black-and-white horror films from times past. But, taken altogether, it is light-hearted and rather fun to read out loud. It tells the story of a young rabbit struggling at school until he finds a crayon that is both a blessing and a curse. In addition, there are pleasant little Easter Eggs here and there hinting back toward previous installments in the series.

“The Witchlings Wish” by Lu Fraser and Sarah Massini

“The Witchlings Wish” is a sweet rhyming book with beautiful illustrations that are a pleasure to look at. A Witchling tries to conjure up a friend from a teddy bear’s fur. She finds the key ingredient in another child’s room, where she must choose between kindness and her friendship spell. It is a satisfying read that ends on a happy note. There is a lot more color than in a typical Halloween book, but the illustrator desaturated it so that it doesn’t become a distraction. The effect is actually quite calming.


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