There's a story about 'The Library Ghost'. In a small town library, there were rumors of a ghost that would turn the pages of books when no one was around. A girl who loved to read often felt a cold breeze while she was in the library. One day, she found out that it was the old librarian who had passed away but still loved books so much that she seemed to be around taking care of them. It gives a bit of a spooky feeling but is not too terrifying for kids.
One is 'The Haunted Doll'. It's about a doll that seems to move on its own at night. But it's not too scary as it ends with the discovery that it was just the family cat knocking it over. Another is 'The Ghostly Footsteps'. In an old house, a child hears footsteps at night. Turns out it was just the old floorboards creaking in the wind. And 'The Strange Shadow'. A kid sees a strange shadow outside the window, but later realizes it was a tree branch moving in the moonlight.
The story of 'The Greedy Goblin'. There was a goblin who was always stealing things from the villagers. One day, he stole a magic ring that was cursed. Every time he tried to sell it or use it for bad things, something bad would happen to him. The moral is that greediness can lead to trouble.
A great example is 'Hansel and Gretel'. The idea of being lost in the forest and then finding the witch's house is scary. But it has moral lessons like not wandering off and being brave. Also, 'The Tell - Tale Heart' can be made kid - appropriate in a way. The narrator's madness and the hidden heart can be spooky, but it can be used to teach about right and wrong.
One is 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'. It has a spooky character, the Headless Horseman. But it also has elements like the small town setting and Ichabod Crane's comical attempts at courtship that make it suitable for kids. It's a story that can give a bit of a scare but also teach about superstition and old - fashioned beliefs.
Use vivid descriptions. For example, when describing the ghost, don't just say 'there was a ghost'. Say 'a wispy, white figure with long, flowing robes drifted silently through the hall'. This helps kids visualize the story better. Also, add some mystery. Instead of revealing everything right away, let the kids wonder what the ghost's purpose is.
Most likely, there are some scary parts in the 'Random House Kid Ghost Stories'. The idea of ghosts alone can be intimidating to kids. But these stories are also designed to be age - appropriate, so while there may be scares, they won't be too extreme or traumatizing for young readers.
Well, 'The Ghost at the School' is a great one. There was a ghost in an old school building. This ghost used to be a student there long ago. Instead of scaring the kids, it would help them find lost things like pencils and books. It would also give hints to kids who were stuck on their homework. Another one is 'The Cottage Ghost'. In a small cottage by the woods, there was a friendly ghost that would leave little gifts for the children in the family, like shiny pebbles or pretty feathers.
One is 'The Haunted Doll'. There was a little girl who found an old doll in the attic. At night, she could hear strange giggles coming from the doll. But every time she looked, the doll was still in the same position. It turned out that the doll was once owned by a mean little girl in the past who put a curse on it.
There's 'The Headless Horseman'. It's a classic. Although it can be scary, it's often told in a way that kids can handle. The story of 'La Llorona' can also be adapted to be kid - appropriate. It tells of a weeping woman which is spooky but can be used to teach kids about right and wrong. Also, 'The Dark, Dark Room' with its various elements like the old chest and the noises can be a good kid - appropriate scary story.