Families who loved The Spooky Express: Omaha by Eric James often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when you want to celebrate local pride and the magic of the Halloween season with a story that feels personal to your home. It is a wonderful choice for children who might find traditional horror too intense but are eager to participate in the excitement of spooky themes through a lens of wonder and regional discovery. The story follows a magical train, the Spooky Express, as it travels through Omaha, Nebraska, picking up a cast of friendly monsters and visiting familiar local landmarks. While it introduces themes of bravery and the unknown, the tone remains lighthearted and festive. It is an ideal read-aloud for preschoolers and early elementary students, blending rhyming verse with a sense of community. Parents will appreciate how it transforms potentially scary concepts like ghosts and ghouls into playful neighbors, making the holiday feel accessible and joyful rather than frightening.