Halloween Children's Books That Take Place in Massachusetts
For the younger members of your family, seeing their own communities come to life within the pages can be a magical, and spooktacular, reading adventure.
With October 31st just around the corner and the cold air moving in (too fast, if you ask me!), it’s the perfect time of year to curl up with a good book. For the younger members of your family, seeing their own communities come to life within the pages can be a magical, and spooktacular, reading adventure.
Thanks to Massachusetts being home to the renowned town of Salem, we have more Halloween book options than most states. I've put together a list of six Halloween books for children who live in Massachusetts (or just want to learn more about the Bay State!). Plus, if you have a teen in your life, the last book on this list might be perfect for them.
A Haunted Ghost Tour in Boston
This rhyming picture book, written by Louise Martin and illustrated by Gabriele Tafuni, is a delightful and whimsical Halloween story for children aged 3 - 7. It follows the adventure of a friendly little ghost as it embarks on a spooky tour of Boston, exploring iconic landmarks like Fenway Park and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. With its playful and not-so-spooky theme, this book is sure to captivate young readers and bring smiles to their faces.
All Hallows' Eve in Salem the Unofficial Town of Halloween
Published in 2021 by Kristian James (Author) and Alisa Aryutova (Illustrator), this picture book has received over 50 positive reviews on Amazon, making it a true community favorite. The book invites readers into a world filled with monsters and Halloween spirit, set in the culturally rich town of Salem. With beautiful artistry and emotional storytelling, it captures the essence of Halloween and leaves readers wanting to experience the unique atmosphere of Salem, Massachusetts.
A Halloween Scare in Massachusetts
This charming book written by Eric James and illustrated by Marina Le Ray is recommended for children aged 4 to 8 who will enjoy recognizing the local landmarks that make Massachusetts unique. The story takes place on Halloween night, when creatures and critters from Boston to the Berkshires gather outside their front doors, creating a spooky atmosphere. With a flurry of monsters on broomsticks, buses, and bikes, the book invites young readers to join in the excitement and suspense.
Trick or Treat in Massachusetts: A Halloween Adventure Through The Bay State
This Halloween picture book written by Eric James and illustrated by Karl West follows the journey of an alien who crash-lands in the Bay State and explores different tourist spots throughout Massachusetts, from Southwick's Zoo in Mendon to Old North Church in Boston. Readers will join the mysterious visitor as they travel through familiar places in Massachusetts, uncovering the answers to questions about who the visitor is and where they came from! It is a delightful and engaging story recommended for readers aged 4-8.
The Spooky Express Massachusetts: A Halloween Thrill Ride
The locomotive-themed picture book "The Spooky Express" is a delightful and engaging story written by Eric James and illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski. With its bright and colorful pages, this book captures the Halloween spirit as children dressed in costumes embark on an exciting train adventure across Massachusetts, with mentions of Springfield, Quincy, Boston, and Plymouth Bay- just to name a few! Readers aged 4 to 10 will be captivated by the thrilling journey, working alongside witches, ghouls, ghosts, spiders, and more, all in an effort to save Halloween.
Hocus Pocus & The All-New Sequel
This young adult novel adaptation, written by A.W. Jantha, is based on the beloved Disney film "Hocus Pocus" and its sequel. It offers a spooky and fun reading experience, making it perfect for teenagers. Released on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the original film, this two-part novel takes readers back into the enchanting world of witches. It starts with a fresh retelling of the original story and then continues with an all-new sequel, introducing the next generation of Salem teens. Fans of "Hocus Pocus" will be captivated by this new era of the beloved franchise.
If you see a book on this list you want to pick up for a younger person in your life, consider calling or stopping by your local independent bookstore to see if they have it in stock before ordering it on Amazon! Or, if you want to check it out before you buy it, visit your local library to see if they have the book available.