PagineFrom “just a little spooky” to “read it under the covers” — free scary stories for kids, sorted so you can pick the right scare level for your reader.
Classic titles we don’t host yet — each links to a free, legal public-domain edition.
Only you know your reader. As a rough guide: pre-K and early readers do best with friendly “spooky” (funny monsters, gentle ghosts); ages 7–10 enjoy suspense with a safe ending; and confident older readers can handle the classic chillers. When in doubt, read it first, or read it together.
Looking for the gentlest option? Our original The Shy Little Bat is cosy, not creepy.
Friendly picture books about pumpkins, gentle ghosts and silly monsters are perfect — start with the younger-reader titles here or our original early readers.
That depends on the child and the collection. For a family-friendly alternative, our classic tales and reading-list titles let you choose the intensity, and you can always preview first.