Frightfully Fun! Spooky Books for Young Readers

From giggling ghosts and monsters to delightfully creepy and mysterious adventures, these books include new and recent releases that deliver Halloween magic and mystery—without too many scares! For readers ages 4-12.

Spooky Scouts

Written and Illustrated by Kimberly Shrack

Publisher Description: When a camping trip falls under the full moon, wolf girl Luna schemes to hide her transformation from her fellow Spooky Scouts in this sweet and playfully subversive debut picture book perfect for fans of I’m Not Scary and Hardly Haunted. Tonight is the annual Spooky Scouts’ camping trip, and wolf pup Luna can’t contain her excitement. But when the forecast calls for a full moon, her delight turns to dread. Because Luna has a secret: every full moon, she transforms into something…strange—a creature so beastly and bizarre it’s sure to give her whole troop the ick! If she doesn’t want to be branded a weirdo, Luna must use all her scouting skills to stop the transformation before it starts. And hopefully in time for s’mores. Luna’s efforts to hide lead to new discoveries about friendship, bravery, and the true Spooky Scout spirit.

Genre/BISAC: Picture Book, Juvenile Fiction, Werewolves, Humorous Stories, Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance

Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster), Aug. 25, 2026, 9798347101184, Hardcover, $20, Ages 4-8

Frankenkitty

By Maudie Powell-Tuck, Illustrated by Mini Grey

#1 New York Times best seller! (Can you tell we love animals? -K.C.)

Publisher Description: Frankenstein meets the Addams Family in this lively, laugh-out-loud Halloween picture book full of playful twists on all your favorite classic horror tropes! Packed with hilariously dramatic narration and freakishly fun art, this gothic tale with a twist is perfect for kids ages 3-7 who love spooky season story time! #Meet Frankenkitty—a stitched-together kitten with a haunted castle for a home and a reputation that seems to terrify everyone…even his own inventor! Only Olive, the inventor’s brave young daughter, sees the sweet side of this misunderstood kitty. But when terrible things start to happen at the castle—like mice invading the kitchen, frogs appearing in the bathtub, and Brussels sprouts showing up on the dinner menu—poor Frankenkitty gets the blame and is banished from the castle into the snow. Will Olive be able to rescue the poor kitten before it's too late? This spooky-but-fun story is perfect for kids who love their monsters cute and their bedtime stories dramatic!

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Monsters, Animals, Cats, Thrillers & Suspense

Tiger Tales, July 7, 2026, Ages 3 to 7, Grades P to 2, 9781664300972, Hardcover Picture Book, $19

Art Attack

Written by the author of the City Spies series, an Ink-a-Dink Spotlight Series, an Ink-a-Dink "Kid's Corner Selection," and "Favorite Series for Middle Graders." A really smart mystery series with characters kids will root for, plus interesting and sometimes wacky mysteries, all told with heavy doses of humor. I love the humor. -K.C.

By Edgar Award–winning author James Ponti

Publisher Description: The Sherlock Society goes undercover in the Miami street art scene to find an anonymous graffiti artist in this third book in the hilarious, New York Times bestselling Sherlock Society middle grade series from Edgar Award–winning author James Ponti! The Sherlock Society’s latest case is tracking down stealth graffiti artist Funky Munky—well-known for their artistic statements calling out local politicians—on behalf of a developer who wants them to create a mural for a new hotel. Their investigation leads Alex, Zoe, Lina, and Yadi deep into the very colorful south Florida art scene.

But finding someone who doesn’t want to be found is challenging, and it doesn’t help that Miami Art Week is coming up, bringing lots of attention—and lots of new artists—to the area. The Sherlock Society’s best bet is an elaborate sting operation, which involves them picking up spray cans themselves. Can they trap their quarry without exposing themselves?

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories, Action & Adventure, Humorous Stories

Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), Sep 8, 2026, 9781665983563, Hardcover, $19, Ages 8-12

Mission Manta Ray

By Philip Kavvadias

​Publisher Description: Finn and his friends defend a deep-sea octopus from an unknown danger in this hilarious and action-packed second book in the R.A.P.T.O.R. middle grade series perfect for fans of Alex Rider and Jurassic Park. Finn and Milo get assigned a R.A.P.T.O.R. mission in the Pacific Ocean, along with a new girl, Tasi, and Arty the Microraptor. They’ve been sent to investigate a giant, deep-sea octopus that’s coming unusually close to the surface. But when their ship is torpedoed by a submarine that’s shaped like a manta ray, it’s clear something nefarious is happening in the ocean that someone doesn’t want R.A.P.T.O.R. to discover. Plunged into danger, the junior agents will have to survive on their own as they once again come face to face with an enemy with fathomless ambition.

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Action & Adventure, Animals, Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures, Spies & Spying

Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), Aug 25, 2026, 9781665989350, Hardcover, $19, Ages 8-12, Series: R.A.P.T.O.R.

Ghost Guild The Lost Three

By Annie Barrows, Illustrated by Chloe Bristol

Publisher Description: A wickedly entertaining supernatural story about three siblings finding their way in the world as ghosts from the bestselling author of the Ivy and Bean series, Annie Barrows. Everyone at the Ghost Guild knows how the afterlife is supposed to work. But something is amiss with the case of three siblings—Genie, Fenella, and Tillotson Maconochie—who are beginning their journey as ghosts in a highly irregular way. They haven’t even been issued their copy of the Ghostology, which would have helped them know how to stay out of trouble. It’s no wonder that they fall prey to the infamous swindler Serena Aster, and end up trapped in her mansion to do her evil bidding for eternity. When they discover that a young orphan is trapped with them, their desire to break free and find their greater ghostly purpose takes on new urgency. Perfect for fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science.

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Ghost Stories, Family, Siblings, Action & Adventure

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Hachette Book Group), Sep. 29, 2026, 9780316593908, Hardcover, $18, Ages 8-12

You vs the Poison Plot

By Josh Hicks

Publisher Description: Can YOU solve the biggest crime of the century (or at least of the after-school talent show)? With multiple choose-your-own paths, suspects to investigate, and endings to uncover, this fresh and funny whodunit—the first in an interactive series—puts readers in control. When Mr. Rosso, the drama teacher, is found unconscious before the big school talent show, the theories for what happened are plentiful—and it’s up to the reader to solve the mystery. Through an exciting, page-hopping format, readers themselves decide how the story progresses. Should they question Levi, the popular kid with the voice of an angel? Investigate the crime scene with Allie, the sharp-eyed school newspaper photographer? Dig up dirt on Ms. Lynch, the nervous teaching assistant? Following the clues however they choose, readers might get caught in a wild goose chase or sleuth their way to the clever solution.

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Interactive Adventures, Mysteries & Detective Stories, Humorous Stories

Candlewick (Walker Books Group), Oct. 13, 2026, 9781536243857, Hardcover, $19, Ages 8-12

The Danger Files: Real-Life Disasters

By Anna Crowley Redding, Illustrated by Robbie Cathro

Publisher Description: From the Titanic to the Boston molasses flood, investigate five famous historical disasters just like a real reporter—through facts, eyewitnesses, and clues—with Emmy-winning journalist Anna Crowley Redding.

Delve deeper into some of the most dramatic disasters in history! Using case files full of firsthand accounts, critical facts, do-at-home experiments, and clues, readers can become disaster detectives and determine for themselves what happened and why. Take on the sinking of the Titanic, the crash of the Hindenburg, the Great Influenza epidemic of 1918, the Boston molasses flood, and the fire that decimated the city of Chicago. A “Your Mission!” introduction gets readers actively involved, and an inviting layout evokes the feel of a working case file, complete with paperclipped notes and important pictures, keeping readers eager for the next clue. Author Anna Crowley Redding brings her extensive journalism background to this engrossing dive into history, and Robbie Cathro’s active illustrations bring the scenes—and the real people involved—to life. Back matter includes extensive source notes and a bibliography for young journalists who want to get an even bigger scoop.

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Disasters, History, Exploration & Discovery, Law & Crime

Candlewick (Walker Books Group), Oct. 7, 2025, 9781536236736, Trade Paperback, $9, Ages 7-10

The Terribles #2: A Witch's Last Resort

By Travis Nichols

Publisher Description: The Terribles might be monsters, but they're also kids just like you! Well, sort of. This hilarious peek into the world of vampires, mummies, swamp things, and bigfoots is perfect for fans of the Hotel Transylvania movies.
There’s a NEW WITCH in town. And everyone wants to be her friend! She lives at the local island resort and gets to enjoy all the perks. Dolphin acrobats! Enchanting spa! Portal to the Underworld! Meanwhile, THE TERRIBLES hold a class election for the next Line Overlord (that’s like their student leader or whatever), and the results are TERRIFYING! Then Frankie (you know, the daughter of an INFAMOUS SCIENTIST) helps Quade the SASQUATCH build a greenhouse. Finally, YOU (as a wereskunk) go to a sleepover in an INVISIBLE HOUSE. They may be TERRIBLE, but these kids make some pretty great pals! Want to be a little more TERRIBLE? This series is told in alternating chapters, activities, charts, and crafts so you can read about monsters AND be like one!

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Humorous Stories, Monsters, School & Education

Yearling, July 2023, 9780593425787 Paperback, $8, Ages 9-12

The Chime Seekers

By Ross Montgomery

Publisher Description: From the #1 New York Times best-selling and critically acclaimed author of I Am Rebel comes a middle-grade fantasy adventure about siblings, courage, and the magic that hides in the cracks.

Step into a world of fairy tricks and hidden danger . . . When an evil fairy steals Yanni’s baby sister and swaps her for a changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back. After all, fairies delight in tricks, and rescuing her won’t be easy. With the help of his cousin, Amy, and the reluctant changeling, Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way. Yanni will need every drop of courage and even a few tricks of his own if he’s to outwit the fairy and save his sister.

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Legends, Myths, Fables, Fairy Tales & Folklore, Fantasy

Candlewick (Walker Books Group), July 7, 2026, 9781536254778, Trade Paperback, $10, Ages 9-12

Project Wooff

By Matthew McElligott

Publisher Description: A wacky adventure series starter featuring spunky talking animals, hilarious hijinks, and a mystery to uncover. Project WOOFF was top-secret . . . until now. Alex Grebert has lived in the off-grid community of Underland with his nature-loving Aunt Zinnia ever since his parents died unexpectedly. When Alex’s best friend Lily Day takes in a stray cat named Fuzzypants, Alex is pulled into an adventure straight out of one of his self-made video games. Professor Fuzzypants, PhD. is a product of Project WOOFF (Weaponized Optimization of Flora/Fauna), a top-secret government project that used AI to develop intelligent, speaking animals. Project WOOFF should’ve been shut down a long time ago, but someone is continuing the experiments. Alex and Lily are determined to find out what went wrong. Featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout and short, accessible chapters, Project WOOFF will appeal to the young middle-grade reluctant reader.

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Humorous Stories, Science Fiction, Technolog, Inventions, Animals

Bloomsbury Children's Books (Bloomsbury), Oct. 13, 2026, 9781547617999, Hardcover, $18, Ages 7 - 10

Hardy Boys Clue Book Fall Mysteries 3-in-1

By Franklin W. Dixon, Illustrated by Matt David and Santy Gutierrez

Publisher Description: Brothers Frank and Joe Hardy tackle three spooky investigations in this fall-themed Hardy Boys Clue Book three-books-in-one paperback bind-up!

In The Bad Luck Skate, Frank and Joe are excited to be supporting their friends on the Bayport Checkers hockey team. But when someone dumps paint all over the team’s lucky skate, their star player worries their luck has run out. Then his stick breaks before he takes the ice! Has the team really lost their luck or is someone trying to psych them out so they lose the game? Without a clear suspect, Frank and Joe are on thin ice. After Frank and Joe’s friend Jason wins a treasure map at Bayport’s Pirate Palooza, a message in a bottle warns him not to hunt for the treasure! Could it be the legendary ghost of Captain Scurvydog? In The Pirate Ghost, the Hardy Boys are on the case to prove that spirits definitely do not exist…or do they? In The Great Pumpkin Smash, Frank and Joe can’t wait to celebrate Halloween at Bayport’s annual party, Boo at the Zoo. But when the brothers go to check out the painted pumpkin display, they’re all completely squashed! The two detectives must find out who pummeled the pumpkins or else this will be the last Boo at the Zoo.

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Mysteries, Early Readers/Chapter Books, Action & Adventure

Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), Sep. 8, 2026, 9798347112128, Trade Paperback, $9, Ages 6-9

Socks & Secret Quests

By Triona Murphy, Illustrated by James Firnhaber (Series: The Wandering Shop)

Publisher Description: Howl’s Moving Castle meets Dungeons & Dragons in this debut cozy illustrated middle grade fantasy adventure that follows an unlikely heroine who rallies a ragtag team to face a dark wizard, uncovering her own magic along the way. Peri has been waiting for her magic to show up, but there’s been no sign of it since she was chosen as an Apprentice Shopkeeper a year ago. Now she travels with a magical shop that equips adventurers for their quests, unsure if she’ll ever do more than stock shelves, mend mittens, and knit non-magical hats that don’t do anything but keep heads warm. Then a dark wizard kidnaps the Master Shopkeeper, intent on using her power to create an unstoppable army. To save her master, Peri must leave the cozy shop and seek help from the closest adventuring party, who is really good at arguing and really bad at working together. As Peri’s magic unexpectedly begins to show itself in the items she’s knitting, it’s up to her and her team to stop the dark wizard before war breaks out—or it won’t be just her shop at stake but the entire kingdom.

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Friendship

Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon & Schuster), Oct. 20, 2026, 9781665990011, Hardcover, $20, Ages 8-12

Alfie Hazard and the Spy Cats: A Spy in the Embassy

By Kekla Magoon, Illustrated by Fanny Liem

Publisher Description: A fun, new chapter book series about a ten-year-old boy enlisted as a spy—along with his two savvy cats.

Alfie Hazard is thrilled when his big sister, Mika, comes home from college to live with their family at the embassy in Washington, DC. Usually her visits mean endless games, lots of laughter, and spontaneous late-night dance parties, but this time there’s something strange about the way Mika is acting. Bonnie and Baxter, Alfie’s talented cats, detect a suspicious smell on her shoes, and she’s spending an unusual amount of time locked in her bedroom closet. Mika definitely has a secret, and Alfie and the cats are determined to get to the bottom of it. When Alfie’s mom, the ambassador, tells the family that some classified documents have been stolen, it’s up to Alfie, Bonnie, and Baxter to investigate! Surely Mika couldn’t be the spy . . . or could she? Engagingly illustrated in black-and-white and featuring two fabulous cat characters, this series will appeal to fans of young chapter books like Ivy + Bean, Jasmine Toguchi, and Judy Moody.

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Spies & Spying, Animals, Cats

Candlewick (Walker Books Group), Feb. 2, 2027, 9781536240894, Hardcover, $15, Ages 8-10, PREORDER 40OFF, Ink-a-Dink.com.

Elliana Shaffer

Childress Ink Editorial Intern, Fall Semester 2026

Elliana Shaffer is a recent graduate of Lee University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature who believes that stories hold the power to cultivate empathy, curiosity, and wonder. She even suspects that this power might just change the world. As an aspiring editor, she hopes to hone her craft of catching a writer's vision and helping them to sharpen their words and stories until they shine, ready to do their best possible work in the hearts and minds of readers. It would be ideal if she could venture forth on this quest armed with tea, a sketchbook, and an animal companion—perhaps a dragon.

View the full book list at InkADink Bookshop.

Subscribe for more book-ish reviews.