(Slighlty) Scary Picks for Younger Kids

Scary stories (at least mildly scary ones) are a popular pick for younger kids Many of the engaging picture books on the following list are ripe for reading aloud, even to preschoolers.

If You're a Monster and You Know It by Rebecca Emberly

Monsters sing their own version of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through voice and movement.Ten Little Beasties (2011) and There Was an Old Monster (2009) are companion volumes.

Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems

Losing all hope in his ability to scare people, which is sorely lacking, Leonardo, who is terrible at being a monster, discovers a nervous little boy who seems to be the perfect candidate for him to practice on.

Laura Numeroff's 10-step guide to living with your monster

A guide to choosing and caring for your own pet monster, which includes useful information such as "monsters love country western music" and "monsters love to buy gum."

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

A naughty little boy, sent to bed without his supper, sails to the land of the wild things where he becomes their king.