Spooky Stories, Robot Adventures, and Dreams of Space: Exciting New Children’s Books

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, what better way to get cozy than with a brand-new stack of children’s books? This month, we’ve got everything from a Halloween countdown courtesy of Tonight Show’s Jimmy Fallon to an astronaut fly with big dreams and a book by TV star Eve Mendes. There’s something here for every curious kid (and let’s be honest, we adults love these, too). So grab a pumpkin spiced treat and let’s dive into the magical, the wild, and the wonderfully weird.

5 More Sleeps ’til Halloween by Jimmy Fallon

If your household is already buzzing with the Halloween countdown, Tonight Show star Jimmy Fallon has you covered with his latest picture book, 5 More Sleeps ’til Halloween. In classic Fallon style, the story oozes with silly fun as it counts down those final days before the big night of trick-or-treating. Each night, the excitement builds with fun rhymes and Rich Deas’ spookily charming illustrations that perfectly capture the giddy anticipation of costumes and candy. It’s got all the classic Halloween thrills—wide-eyed ghosts, chilly autumn nights, and that irresistible sense of something magical just around the corner.

Perfect for little ones who can’t wait for Halloween (and for parents who need a little help building the hype), this book is a countdown kids will want to do over and over again. Plus, who doesn’t need more Jimmy Fallon in their life? Grab your copy in hardcover now, and let the countdown begin

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Adventure? Check. Robots? Check. Life-or-death wilderness survival? Double check. Peter Brown’s The Wild Robot is back in the spotlight with a movie adaptation coming soon from DreamWorks, and it’s the perfect time to revisit (or discover) this action-packed middle-grade novel. Roz, a robot who wakes up alone on a deserted island, has no manual, no instructions—just instincts. Brown’s world-building is simple but profound, weaving in the timeless questions of what it means to belong and the tricky relationship between nature and technology.

As Roz learns to adapt to her wild surroundings and even makes some unlikely animal friends, you can’t help but root for her in this heartwarming story. There’s drama, survival, and a lot of heart—a great pick for the 8-12 age group (or anyone who loves a good adventure). Plus, with the movie coming to theaters soon, this is your chance to read the book before it hits the big screen.

The Fly Who Flew to Space by Lauren Sánchez

The award for cutest new hero in a picture book has to go to Flynn the Fly, the ambitious little insect in The Fly Who Flew to Space. This adorable glow-in-the-dark adventure is the debut of Lauren Sánchez, and it’s a perfect pick for any kid with big dreams. Flynn isn’t your average fly—while other flies buzz around snacks, Flynn is determined to blast off into space, and one day, they accidentally do just that.

Young readers will love Flynn’s thrilling journey, which touches on early space concepts like atmosphere and G-force. Plus, who can resist a glow-in-the-dark page and poster? Whether your kid is a budding astronaut or just loves a quirky story, this one is bound to light up their imagination (literally, thanks to the glow-in-the-dark features). With a message about following your dreams, no matter how out there they seem, Flynn will be a favorite on any bedtime shelf.

Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries by Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes steps into the world of children’s literature with Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries, a relatable story for any family who has faced the classic “monster under the bed” dilemma. Desi is a little girl with big, scary thoughts that keep her up at night, but with the gentle guidance of her Mami, she learns that these worries aren’t real monsters—they’re just thoughts. Together, they work through different techniques to tackle Desi’s anxiety and make those nighttime fears a little less terrifying.

Illustrated by Abbey Bryant, this beautifully heartfelt picture book isn’t just about getting to sleep; it’s about empowering kids to face their fears head-on. Whether your little one struggles with bedtime worries or you’re just looking for a sweet story with emotional depth, Mendes’ debut is both reassuring and uplifting. This one is a must-read for families navigating nighttime anxieties.

Wrapping Up: Fly to Space, Count Down to Halloween, and Keep Adventuring

There you have it—this month’s lineup of children’s books that will have your kiddos counting down to Halloween, surviving the wild with a robot, flying into space, and tackling their bedtime worries. Whether you’ve got a budding astronaut, a Halloween fanatic, or a kid who just loves a good adventure, these picks are perfect for fall. Plus, they’re pretty fun for grown-ups too. Who said bedtime stories were just for kids?

Grab a cozy blanket, dim the lights (so you can see those glow-in-the-dark pages), and get reading. Until next time, keep turning those pages and letting your imaginations soar.