Families who loved The Spooky Express: Tulsa 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 channel a child's bedtime jitters into a festive, adventurous celebration of their own community. It is the perfect choice for a pre-trick-or-treat read-aloud or for a child who feels a mix of apprehension and excitement about the 'scary' elements of Halloween. The story follows a magical train that travels through Tulsa, picking up a whimsical cast of monsters and ghosts for a night of harmless fun. While the book leans into spooky imagery, the core emotional themes are wonder and joy, framed by rhythmic, bouncy poetry that keeps the mood light. It offers a wonderful way to ground a fantasy story in a real-world setting, helping children between 4 and 8 see their city as a place of magic rather than shadows. It is an ideal pick for families who want to celebrate the holiday without any genuine frights or dark themes.