Book Review: 'The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt' by Riel Nason

✰✰✰✰✰ There once was a little ghost who was a quilt. While most ghosts are white sheets, including his mom and dad, this little ghost was a beautiful patchwork of squares. The little ghost who was a quilt was frustrated because he just wanted to be like other ghosts. He couldn't even fly as fast as them because his quilt was too heavy. However, there was one special day that made him happy every year, and that day was Halloween. And this year something special happened that made him the talk of the other ghosts.

The Bottom Line: Sometimes it's difficult to be different. However, as the little ghost who was a quilt found out, sometimes being different can be a gift too. Beautiful illustrations by Byron Eggenschwiler accompany this sweet tale of self-discovery, diversity, and gratitude. Highly recommended for little ghosts everywhere.

Details: The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt written by Riel Nason & illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler. Hardcover picture book published by Tundra Books in 2020. 48 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2 

Book Review: 'If You Ever Meet a Skeleton' by Rebecca Evans

✰✰✰½ Skeletons might seem a bit spooky or scary, but really they are just like anybody else. Sure, they can’t smell or play hide-and-seek, but when it comes to making friends, they’d like to find a few. Do you think you’d like to be friends with a skeleton? If so, check out this treat.

The Bottom Line: Well, if you ever happen to run into a skeleton, you now know skeletons aren’t scary. With engaging, humorous illustrations, this picture book is fun seasonal reading for kids ages 5 - 8.

Details: If You Ever Meet a Skeleton written by Rebecca Evans & illustrated by Katrin Dreiling. Picture book published by Page Street Kids in 2021. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-64567-215-9

Book Review: Brooms Are For Flying!' by Michael Rex

✰✰✰½  A little witch encourages everyone to march, stomp, and shake as they follow along with her. A clown, werewolf, mummy, and skeleton join in the fun, and before the night is through a surprise is  revealed.

The Bottom Line: With large print and a surprise twist ending, this Halloween gem is sure to entertain preschoolers. Illustrated in pencil and graphic software. Perfect for story time and getting kids to follow along.

Details: Brooms Are For Flying! written & illustrated by Michael Rex. Picture book published by Henry Holt and Company in 2000. ISBN: 0-8050-6410-9 

Book Review: 'Hardly Haunted' by Jessie Sima

✰✰✰✰  A house has a big problem; it’s been empty for a really long time. The house worries about maybe being haunted because she does not want to be. However, there’s no mistaking that her doors were creaky, the stairs squeak, and the pipes rattle. The house thinks that if she could just keep quiet, someone might move in. And it works…sort of. Sometimes we do actually get what we wish for, but it’s just not always in the way we want. 

The Bottom Line: This adorable haunted house tale is for anyone who ever wished they could change, but realized along the way that they are perfect just the way they are. Illustrated with just the right amount of spookiness, this picture book is sure to please kids in grades K - 2.

Details: Hardly Haunted illustrated & written by Jessie Sima. Picture book published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in 2021. 48 p. ISBN: 978-1-5344-4170-5 

Book Review: 'Halloween is Coming!' by Cal Everett

✰✰✰½ It's that time of year, and if you look around, you'll see the signs. With leaves falling and a chill in the air, it's nearly time. As a group of friends notice the signs of fall, they prepare for Halloween, a celebration where you can be anything you want. 

The Bottom Line: This gentle, inclusive tale will appeal to kids in grades Pre-K - K. With rhyming verses and digitally created, colorful art, this picture book is full of seasonal fun.

Details: Halloween is Coming! words by Cal Everett & pictures by Lenny Wen. Hardcover picture book published by Sourcebooks in 2021. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-7282-0586-1 

Book Review: 'Mr. Pumpkin's Tea Party' by Erin Barker

✰✰✰½ Mr. Pumpkin is having a tea party, and everyone is invited. As his spooky guests arrive, each brings a yummy treat with them. As more treats are added to the bountiful banquet at twilight, we’ll count up to 13. Fun will be had by all until the magic hour arrives, and Mr. Pumpkin must bid everyone farewell.

The Bottom Line: This sweet & spooky (but not scary) counting book is perfect for Halloween fun as children learn to count from 1 to 13. Illustrated with charming watercolors in autumnal and evening tones, this book will appeal to preschoolers.

Details: Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party written & illustrated by Erin Barker. Picture book published by blue manatee press in 2019. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1936669776