Children’s Halloween books, humorous kids stories, witch picture book for preschool, spooky read-aloud, Halloween book ages 4–8, kids costume book, fun read-aloud, Halloween picture book

A story about a girl who is tired of being adorable every Halloween, so she hatches a plan to be terrifying. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Starred Reviews: Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, BookPage and School Library Journal)

"Electric accent colors infuse Abbott’s inky multimedia and risograph-printed illustrations, which fittingly capture the protagonist’s effort to achieve independence in this lively tale that gestures toward the push and pull of growing up." -- Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW ― 6/9/2025

Banana

by Zoey Abbott

Edited by Samantha & Boomer Swenson

Designed by Sophie Paas-Lang

Tundra Books, May 2023

Buy:

* Downloadable Banana Craft -
"Don't just' let a banana be a banana!"

Zoey Abbott - The Original Art Show - Society of Ilustrators

"[A] visually striking allegory about the dismay and jealousy a child may feel over change — and this young protagonist’s triumph gives the tale a sense of dark, unexpected gratification." —Publishers Weekly

"Abbott succeeds in conveying the see-saw nature of childhood."

—Imaginary Elevators

Clementine & the Lion

by Zoey Abbott

Edited by Yasemin Uçar

Designed by Marie Bartholomew

Kidscan Press, 2022

Buy:

Bookshop

* Downloadable Hair Design Craft

"A plucky and self-determined girl confronts an unexpected houseguest in this imaginative tale reminiscent of Roald Dahl and Maurice Sendak. This story sure to spark a multitude of questions and great discussions about setting and respecting boundaries, accepting oneself and others, and finding friendship in unlikely places." ―Children's Literature

Pig and Horse and the Something Scary

by Zoey Abbott

Edited by Emma Ledbetter

Designed by Jade Rector

Abrams Books, Jan 2022

Buy:

Powells Books

Bookshop.org

Green Bean Books

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

* Educator's Guide

* Downloadable Tea set Craft

* Fancy Dessert/ Feelings Craft

Also available in:

* New Music Video by Emily Arrow

"...the duo stands out as evidence, proof that there are sometimes new characters in children's literature who seem to have been there forever...the charming and timeless allure of [Abbott's] two animals shows that she has assimilated the beauty of readings from the past. — Marine Landrot of Telerama (translated from the French)

"Both animals, drawn standing upright with rosy cheeks, are appealing and accessible protagonists who evoke some of the great friendships of children’s literature. Gentle and effective." ― Kirkus Reviews

I Do Not Like Yolanda

by Zoey Abbott

Edited By Samantha Swenson

Tundra Books, March 2021

Buy:

* Downloadable Educator Guide

“The delightful, soft line-and-color illustrations show a diverse contemporary California community ... This offbeat, intergenerational story celebrates connection." — Kirkus Reviews

★ “A book that will inspire readers to find their own pen pals, a good book, and a new friend.” — STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal

Marty

by Rachel Noble

Edited By Sally Morgridge

Designed by Kerry Martin

Holiday House, July 2021

Buy:

* Downloadable Costume Craft

"Bound to invoke more than a few laughs. . . The outlandishness of the story contributes to the fun."

—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Over The Moon

by James Proimos

Edited by Victoria Rock

Designed by Jill Turney

Chronicle Books (March 10, 2020)

Buy:

“Abbott’s soft, cartoon illustrations perfectly match and set the tone. [Over the Moon] is a zany twist on an age-old tale of growing up and realizing that family means the ones who choose, love, and raise you.” —School Library Journal

Finn's Feather - book about grief by Rachel Noble & Zoey Abbott

Finn's Feather Featured on The Marginalian

Finn's Feather

by Rachel Noble

Edited by Claudia Bedrick

Enchanted Lion Books (2018)

Buy:

Downloadables:

Special Object Project - Draw an Object

and Special Object Project Build a Story

★ "...more a celebration of love than sadness over a death."―STARRED REVIEW, Katrina Yurenka, Youth Services Book Review

"[…] Easy to read words combined with graceful artwork from Zoey Abbott completes a work which is both significant and poignant and perfect for children struggling to understand the process of death and grieving." ―Blue Wolf Reviews