As the days become shorter and the nights darker, curling up with a spooky book can be a thrilling antidote to those autumn chills. But are scary stories okay for children? Short answer: it depends on the kid. Those who prefer to keep their reading light may wish to avoid spine-tinglers, but for kids who like to push boundaries and embrace the shivers, scary books are not only fun and exciting, but they can actually provide some benefits.
Exploring age-appropriate scary stories can help process fears in a safe way. While reading, kids are in control. If content becomes upsetting or overwhelming, readers have the power to put down the book. This empowerment can allow kids to explore their fears in a way that feels comfortable and can even build confidence. Reading spooky stories together can open up lines of communication and allow for valuable conversations to take place, building trust and comprehension around complicated topics, and opening channels for future conversations. Finally, reading scary books can help build resilience by allowing the reader to safely experience and face their fears vicariously through the protagonists. Plus, sometimes being scared is just fun! As one young friend stated: “reading scary stories feels good in a bad way, and bad in a good way.”
Book Recommendations
Is your child ready to experience some spine-tingling tales? Glenview Public Library has got you covered! From family-friendly frights like Bunnicula, opens a new window to haunting historical fiction like Ophie’s Ghosts, opens a new window, this list delivers the goods.
Get creepy with these atmospheric, scary, and haunting tales sure to make you want to leave a light on.
Want to read something that reflects the spooky season, but is safe from scares? Try these Hardly Haunted, opens a new window picture books! From a very practical solution to Ghosts in the House, opens a new window to what it feels like to be the tiniest pumpkin, you’ll find no shortage of Halloween fun.
Enjoy these fun Halloween books for preschoolers with hardly a scare in sight.
For more information about how reading scary books can benefit kids (who are ready for it), try these links:
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