An entertaining and accessible start to a spooky-funny early-reader series.
The creators of the Goosebumps and Arthur books launch a new series centered on a certifiably nonthreatening monster duo.
Winks, who resembles an amber-colored plushie with horns, is just trying to build a block tower when his bigger and wilier friend Tiddly, who looks like a green Muppet with the reddish hairstyle of a punk rocker, jumps out and yells “BOOO!” Winks’ blocks go tumbling. It’s the first of Tiddly’s efforts to “teach” Winks how not to be scared: “You will get it sooner or later, Winks.” They go outside, where it’s Tiddly who proves to be the scaredy-cat: “Oh no! A SPIDER?” he yelps. “Run for your life, Winks!” Once the terrified Tiddly has fled, readers learn that the spider is actually Winks’ pet, Slippy, and that Slippy and Winks had joined forces to teach Tiddly a lesson of their own. Stine and Brown’s book is fueled by personality dynamics more interesting than what’s typically found in early-reader fare: Tiddly is like a domineering older sibling who’s not so tough on the inside, whereas Winks, stuck in the subordinate role, ends up turning the tables by using his wits. As in his Arthur books, illustrator Brown keeps things congenial, presenting monsters who may have snaggleteeth and unkempt fur but are clearly pussycats underneath.
An entertaining and accessible start to a spooky-funny early-reader series. (Early reader. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
ISBN: 9780063482951
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: June 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
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
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available.
A ghost learns to appreciate his differences.
The little ghost protagonist of this title is unusual. He’s a quilt, not a lightweight sheet like his parents and friends. He dislikes being different despite his mom’s reassurance that his ancestors also had unconventional appearances. Halloween makes the little ghost happy, though. He decides to watch trick-or-treaters by draping over a porch chair—but lands on a porch rail instead. A mom accompanying her daughter picks him up, wraps him around her chilly daughter, and brings him home with them! The family likes his looks and comforting warmth, and the little ghost immediately feels better about himself. As soon as he’s able to, he flies out through the chimney and muses happily that this adventure happened only due to his being a quilt. This odd but gently told story conveys the importance of self-respect and acceptance of one’s uniqueness. The delivery of this positive message has something of a heavy-handed feel and is rushed besides. It also isn’t entirely logical: The protagonist could have been a different type of covering; a blanket, for instance, might have enjoyed an identical experience. The soft, pleasing illustrations’ palette of tans, grays, white, black, some touches of color, and, occasionally, white text against black backgrounds suggest isolation, such as the ghost feels about himself. Most humans, including the trick-or-treating mom and daughter, have beige skin. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 66.2% of actual size.)
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
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