If you’re looking for a deliciously spooky picture book (but one that won’t utterly terrify your toddler), Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown is sure to hit the spot.

Illustrated in film-noir-reminiscent black and white, with highlights in carrot orange, it tells the story of Jasper Rabbit, who has a passion for the carrots he digs up in Crackenhopper Field. Soon he begins to see creepy carrots at every turn — following him home, in his garage, even in his bedroom at night. But when he yells for help and his mom and dad run in to check under the bed, there’s nothing there. Is it his conscience, or are creepy carrots really out to get him? Jasper must find a way to solve the mystery on his own, and ends up giving the carrots exactly what they want.

Illustrator Peter Brown’s previous picture books include The Curious Garden and Children Make Terrible Pets. As quirky as his previous books, Creepy Carrots is destined to become a Halloween favorite for years to come.

Creepy Carrots, $16.99, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. Available at Little Shop of Stories in Decatur.