A charming and uplifting ghost tale that celebrates kindness, family, and finding one’s unique strength.
In a ghost town filled with playful spirits, a little ghost searches for the special gift that will make her shine in Vanous’ picture book.
Right from the get-go, readers are introduced to a young ghostly floating friend named Maddie who lives in Texas. Being surrounded by lively games and dazzling displays the other ghosts participate in, Maddie longs to uncover what makes her truly unique. The others display magical talents, including her mother, who can make Monarch butterflies appear. Her father can even make the stars sparkle and dance across the night sky, leaving Maddie feeling uncertain about her own place in the ghostly world, that is, until she discovers her own hidden ability, one tied to cherished memories of baking with her mother. The storytelling is playful and fun at times, yet gentle and encouraging when the need arises, striking a balance between humor and heartfelt moments. Steven Stewart’s whimsical illustrations bring Maddie’s world to life with a cheerful, Halloween charm and a warmth that children will find comforting. The colorful details, expressive faces, and imaginative scenes draw readers in, making every page feel alive with energy and wonder. The narrative blends soft comedy with touching emotion, making it an engaging and excellent read-aloud for kids, especially around the fall season. The story accessibly explores ideas about self-discovery and family bonds. The book’s message is clear and valuable: the most meaningful gifts are those created and shared with love.
A charming and uplifting ghost tale that celebrates kindness, family, and finding one’s unique strength.Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2025
ISBN: 9798990258617
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: Oct. 17, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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