Best Children's Spine-Chilling Horror Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 10, 2023

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Children's Spine-Chilling Horror Books are perfect for young readers who enjoy the thrill of being scared. These books provide a safe and exciting way for children to explore their fears and imaginations. From classic tales like Goosebumps to newer releases like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, there is a wide range of options to choose from. These books are filled with creepy creatures, haunted houses, and supernatural events that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats. With Halloween around the corner, there's no better time to introduce your child to the world of horror literature.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Dragons Love Tacos Cover #TOP 1
Dragons Love Tacos
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Moon Rising: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #6) (Wings of Fire Graphix) Cover #TOP 2
Moon Rising: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #6) (Wings of Fire Graphix)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Murtagh: The World of Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle) Cover #TOP 3
Murtagh: The World of Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Children's Spine-Chilling Horror Books

Dragons Love Tacos

Adam Rubin
Daniel Salmieri
Dial Books
Jun 14, 2012

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri is a hilarious and imaginative read for children. The story follows a group of dragons who love tacos, but things take a spicy turn when they accidentally eat some salsa. With colorful illustrations and witty writing, this book is sure to make kids laugh out loud. It's a perfect gift for any occasion and belongs to the category of children's dragon stories books. What sets this book apart is how it incorporates humor into a fun and engaging story that kids will want to read again and again.

Moon Rising: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #6) (Wings of Fire Graphix)

Sutherland, Tui T.
Holmes, Mike
Dec 27, 2022
Moon Rising: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #6) (Wings of Fire Graphix) Cover
Moon Rising: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #6) (Wings of Fire Graphix)

Moon Rising: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #6) is another thrilling addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series. The story follows Moonwatcher, a young NightWing with the ability to read minds and see the future. As she starts attending Jade Mountain Academy, she becomes overwhelmed by her powers and the danger that surrounds her. The sixth graphic novel adaptation is beautifully illustrated by Mike Holmes and is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys epic, animal-based fantasies.

#TOP 3

Murtagh: The World of Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)

Paolini, Christopher
Nov 7, 2023
Murtagh: The World of Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle) Cover
Murtagh: The World of Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)

Murtagh: The World of Eragon is a gripping novel by Christopher Paolini, set a year after the Inheritance Cycle. It follows the journey of Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn, as they confront a new enemy in a world that has abandoned them. The book is a perfect entry point to the World of Eragon and a joyous return for the fans. Paolini's storytelling skills are at their best in this epic fantasy, which is both familiar and untraveled. The book is a must-read for fantasy action and adventure enthusiasts, especially teens and young adults.

Wings of Fire #1-#4: A Graphic Novel Box Set (Wings of Fire Graphic Novels #1-#4) (Wings of Fire Graphix)

Sutherland, Tui T.
Nov 2, 2021
Wings of Fire #1-#4: A Graphic Novel Box Set (Wings of Fire Graphic Novels #1-#4) (Wings of Fire Graphix) Cover
Wings of Fire #1-#4: A Graphic Novel Box Set (Wings of Fire Graphic Novels #1-#4) (Wings of Fire Graphix)

The Wings of Fire Graphix series is now available in a four-book paperback boxed set, featuring The Dragonet Prophecy, The Lost Heir, The Hidden Kingdom, and The Dark Secret. These graphic novel adaptations are a must-read for dragon fans, according to Kirkus Reviews. The series follows the adventures of five young dragonets destined to end a war in the dragon world. The books are written by Tui T. Sutherland, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series. The Wings of Fire #1-#4: A Graphic Novel Box Set is an excellent addition to any children's dragon stories book collection.

Wings of Fire: The Brightest Night: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #5) (Wings of Fire Graphix)

Sutherland, Tui T.
Holmes, Mike
Dec 28, 2021
Wings of Fire: The Brightest Night: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #5) (Wings of Fire Graphix) Cover
Wings of Fire: The Brightest Night: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #5) (Wings of Fire Graphix)

The Wings of Fire series continues to set the world on fire with its graphic novel adaptations, including the latest installment, The Brightest Night. In this fifth book, Sunny must face buried secrets, deadly surprises, and an unexpected side to scavengers in order to fulfill the Dragonet Prophecy and end the war. Author Tui T. Sutherland delivers an epic, animal-based fantasy that will thrill fans of the series and draw in new readers. The stunning artwork by Mike Holmes brings the beloved characters to life in a dazzling visual representation. The Brightest Night is a must-read for any dragon fan, young or old.

Rubin, Adam
Salmieri, Daniel
Dial Books
May 2, 2017
Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel Cover
Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel

The dragons are back, and this time they are on a mission to save the world from the extinction of tacos. In "Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel" by Dial Books, the dragons travel back in time to plant taco trees and save the world. However, things take a spicy turn when the dragons encounter spicy salsa and end up traveling to the wrong time periods. The comical illustrations, deadpan statements, and absurdity of the plot make this book a humorous tale for children who love dragons and tacos. Overall, "Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel" is a delightful addition for old fans and new readers alike.

Franklin, Ashley
Apr 11, 2023
The Little Mermaid: Make A Splash Cover
The Little Mermaid: Make A Splash

The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash is an enchanting children's book that retells Disney's live-action movie. It follows Ariel, a mermaid who dreams of exploring the human world. After rescuing Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she makes a deal with the Sea Witch, Ursula, to meet him. But Ursula's plans are evil, and it's up to Ariel to save both the human and ocean world. This book is perfect for children who love marine life and Disney. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story teaches important values such as courage and determination. Overall, it's a fantastic addition to any children's book collection.

The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions

Llenas, Anna
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Sep 4, 2018
The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions Cover
The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions

The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions is an international bestseller that helps young readers identify emotions and feel more in control. Color Monster wakes up feeling confused with his emotions all over the place, but a little girl helps him understand each feeling through color. The book is a great guide and conversation starter for children to understand that they can have many emotions at once. The multimedia illustrations are splendid, and the story should resonate with children whose emotions are not always easy to control. Overall, this book is a visually rich and poetically told exploration of colors and emotions that uses beautiful, affirming language.

My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish Boxed Set: (My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish; The Seaquel; Fins of Fury)

O'Hara, Mo
Jagucki, Marek
Square Fish
Oct 10, 2017
My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish Boxed Set: (My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish; The Seaquel; Fins of Fury) Cover
My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish Boxed Set: (My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish; The Seaquel; Fins of Fury)

If your child loves humorous and adventurous stories with a touch of the paranormal, then the My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish Boxed Set is a must-have. The set includes the first three books of the series, featuring the misadventures of Tom and his hypnotic undead goldfish, Frankie. From thwarting evil scientist older brothers to battling a Super Electric Zombie Eel, each book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments that even fans of Dav Pilkey's books would enjoy. Mo O'Hara's writing style is engaging, and the illustrations add to the fun. Overall, this boxed set is an entertaining and unique addition to any child's book collection.

Wings of Fire: The Dark Secret: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #4) (4) (Wings of Fire Graphix)

Sutherland, Tui T.
Holmes, Mike
Graphix
Dec 29, 2020
Wings of Fire: The Dark Secret: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #4) (4) (Wings of Fire Graphix) Cover
Wings of Fire: The Dark Secret: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #4) (4) (Wings of Fire Graphix)

The Wings of Fire Graphic Novel series continues with the fourth book, The Dark Secret. Starflight, a dragon, is kidnapped by his own tribe and discovers the dark secrets of the NightWings. He finds out that they have imprisoned innocent RainWings and must find a way to save them and get back to his friends. The book is an exciting addition to the series with stunning illustrations that bring the characters to life. The author, Tui T. Sutherland, creates a unique and immersive world that will captivate young readers. Overall, The Dark Secret is a must-read for any dragon fan and fans of the series will not be disappointed.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the name of the famous spooky of books that were famous in the 90s and had a TV show movies and are considered the reason most people got into reading?

Subsequent printings have restored the original Gammell art. The titles of the books are Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (1981), More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (1984), and Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones (1991)....Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.

Editor's Notes

During our children's spine-chilling horror book research, we found 1,000+ children's spine-chilling horror book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 155,993 customer reviews through our big data system to write the children's spine-chilling horror books list. We found that most customers choose children's spine-chilling horror books with an average price of $7.48.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.