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: '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: 'All the Colors of Christmas' by Matthew Paul Turner

✰✰✰✰✰ The colors of Christmas are just like children, with all different shades and hues. There's the color of cranberries, garland, jingle bells, sky, snow, and the baby Jesus. Everyone is unique with their own special gifts. Christmas is you, and you are Christmas. 

The Bottom Line: This gentle picture book is filled with rhymes and positivity. Featuring all the colors of Christmas, it also celebrates diversity. Gamble's colorful illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the lyrical text. Highly recommended for school and library story times, but also for simply reading with your child at bedtime.

Details: All the Colors of Christmas written by Matthew Paul Turner & illustrated by Gillian Gamble. Picture book published by Convergent Books in 2020. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-525-65414-8 

Book Review: 'Ghoulia' by Barbara Cantini

✰✰✰½ Ghoulia is a little zombie girl who lives in a haunted manor. Although she has her dog to play with, she longs to play with children her own age. Unfortunately, her dear Auntie Departed has warned her many times to hide from the local children in the village. But Ghoulia is not your ordinary little zombie girl. When she learns about Halloween, she comes up with a plan to join in the fun. Will it work? Or will Auntie Departed foil her plans? Check out this first book in a fun new series to find out.

The Bottom Line: Ghoulia just wants to be ordinary, and tries very hard to fit in. When she finally learns to be herself, she discovers that making friends isn't scary at all. Recommended for kids in grade school, who enjoy creepy little tales of friendship.

Details: Ghoulia (Book 1) by Barbara Cantini. Hardcover published by Amulet Books in 2018. 64 p. ISBN: 978-1-4197-3293-5

Book Review: 'Fright Club' by Ethan Long

✰✰✰✰ The Fright Club meets annually to practice making ghoulish faces and chilling sounds. Only the most frightening monsters are invited to join, but that’s not fair! When a sweet bunny and some cute little critters ask to join, Vladimir the Vampire won’t allow it. After all, what would these cute critters know about being scary? The monsters don’t have time to waste as they brush up on their scary skills without the bunny and his cute friends. Not to worry, the cute critters have a plan, and they won’t give up. Will Vladimir eventually give in and let them join? Read this spooky tale to find out!

The Bottom Line: This is a cute seasonal picture book with adorable illustrations in soft, muted colors, but there’s a deeper message here: Everything’s more fun when EVERYONE is included. This would be a frightfully fun choice for story time for kids in grades K - 2.

Details: Fright Club written & illustrated by Ethan Long. Picture book published by Bloomsbury in 2015. 32 P. ISBN: 978-1-61963-337-7