Halloween Round Up #1 with Penguin Young Readers

Today we are showcasing Halloween with titles from Penguin Young Readers. Many thanks to Penguin for letting me review these amazing titles. 

Here are FOUR of their Halloween titles!

Take a look!

Please Don't Scare the Ghost by Carrie Williford, Illustrated by Allysa Adams

Publisher: Flamingo Books
Publication Date:  July 14, 2026 

About the Book: 

It's Halloween night! Which means it's time to take your friendly neighborhood ghost trick-or-treating.

You may not think of your ghost as being scared of many things, but that's something you should know up-front about your ghostie friend: they scare easily. And before you venture out, it's important to know that there are many rules to follow when meeting your local creepy crawlies. Please Don't Scare the Ghost is your one-stop shop to navigating Halloween night and its witches, ghosts, zombies, and vampires, so as not to offend any of your new friends.

 

Review: I really enjoyed this book! The scared ghost was really adorable, and I think shy or easily frightened children will connect with the ghost and feel at ease since they can relate to him. I liked the main character's unicorn costume that was whimsical and fun, they did a good job looking out for their little ghost friend and helping them trick-or-treat. There are a few creepy moments, and the witch was definitely a little off-putting, but overall, the artwork is wonderful. It has a soft, almost airbrushed feel, with bright colors and immersive scenes that bring all the Halloween creatures to life. I loved seeing all the fun spooky characters throughout the story, and underneath it all is a sweet message about manners, friendship, and being kind to others. A cute Halloween read with just the right amount of spooky!

About the Author

Please Don't Scare the Ghost is Carrie Williford’s picture book debut. She also writes for educational and consumer trade magazines published for young readers. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, daughter, and dog.

About the Illustrator

Allysa Adams (pronounced a-LEES-a) has always loved making things. Her childhood was spent drawing, sculpting, and wandering the woods to collect bones and feathers and interesting rocks. After completing degrees in molecular biology and genetics, she became a dentist (she still is!), but found she needed more of an outlet for her creativity and has since pursued illustration as a second career. She is most drawn to projects that blend day-to-day reality with elements of surrealism and outright fantasy, and if left to her own devices, would doodle endless fantastical monsters. While not working, Allysa can be found exploring Pennsylvania with her husband, young daughter, and their poorly trained dog. They live in an old house, filled with bones and feathers and interesting rocks.

Halloween Trampoline by Scott Rothman, Illustrated by Rob Justus
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 14, 2026 

About the Book:

Halloween hijinks ensue when the monsters bring out their trampoline!

A rollicking rhyming text that features the monsters we all know and love as they carry out their favorite Halloween routine--jumping on their trampoline!

In the process, Vampire loses a fang while eating a tangerine and Werewolf howls at the moon while playing the tambourine. But the fun continues as they bounce high over pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and trick-or-treaters dressed nice and mean.

  

Review: This was a bright, colorful, and playful Halloween read. I enjoyed the rhyming scheme and the fun illustrations, and I have to admit, a trampoline was an interesting choice for a Halloween activity. I loved that all the characters were simply having a good time and doing their own thing on it. The story is definitely a bit nonsensical, but that’s also part of its charm. I think kids will enjoy the silliness and playful energy of it all. You might even feel a little bouncy yourself.

About the Author

Scott Rothman is a writer of kid's books, theater, screenplays, and humor pieces. Scott's debut picture book, Attack of the Underwear Dragon, and its sequel, Return of the Underwear Dragon were both national indie bestsellers. His other books include Warm and Fuzzy, Kittybunkport, Blue Bison Needs a Haircut, and Parfait, Not Parfait. Scott lives in Connecticut (of all places),where he recently bought a trampoline that he will put together sometime in the next ten to fifty years. He wishes all his readers the happiest of Halloweens.

About the Illustrator

Rob Justus is an award-winning author, illustrator, and graphic novelist. His graphic novel series, Death & Sparkles won a Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award in 2023. In 2022, Rob was selected as the illustrator for the prestigious TD Summer Reading Club in Canada. Prior to all this, Rob spent nearly a decade as a market researcher writing very bland reports. Taking a chance on himself, Rob decided to return to his childhood passion of drawing and storytelling and hasn't looked back. Rob has written and illustrated five picture books and two graphic novels. When Rob isn't telling people he draws awesome things for a living, he is wrangling his two young boys in Ottawa, Canada.
 

Gwei the Hungry Ghost by Emeline Lee, Illustrated by Basia Tran
Publisher: Kokila
Publication Date:  January 13, 2026 

About the Book: 

A picture book about a lonely ghost who learns to share and is finally fulfilled through friendship.

Gwei the ghost is absolutely famished, but unlike the other ghosts in the cemetery, he won’t eat just anything. Luckily, it’s Ghost Festival month: the one time a year when ghosts roam the realm of the living. Gwei flutters around the city eating steaming bowls of noodles, hot, hot, HOT chestnuts, and crispy fried fish with chili oil.

Yet no matter how much Gwei eats, his hunger won’t go away. As he searches for the perfect meal, he catches someone following him. It's another hungry little ghost! When he hears her grumbling belly, he reluctanctly reaches into his pouch to share. To his surprise, he finally starts to feels full.

With charming Chinese folklore-inspired text by Emeline Lee and warm, glowing illustrations by Basia Tran, Gwei the Hungry Ghost is a story about how friendship feeds the soul.

  

Review: 

I loved this one! Gwei is a hungry ghost who feels empty but can’t quite figure out why, and his journey to find something that will fill that emptiness takes him through a wonderfully colorful world of food stalls, friendship, and discovery. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, with so much detail and such a fun, atmospheric quality. I loved watching Gwei sample all the food and save some for later, only to discover that what he really needed wasn’t food at all.

At its heart, this is a sweet story about friendship, sharing, and healing. I also really appreciated the introduction to Asian mythology and legends. The glossary and definitions explaining the different types of ghosts were a wonderful touch and made the book feel like an opportunity to learn as well as enjoy the story. It’s so pretty, so fun, and filled with memorable ghost characters, but it’s definitely not a book that needs to be saved for spooky season!

About the Author

Emeline Lee is a writer of children's literature. With Gwei the Hungry Ghost, she celebrates her Chinese heritage and the folklore, traditions, and food of her ancestors. She is also the author of Bonnie's Rocket, a picture book inspired by her grandfather, an Apollo 11 engineer. Emeline’s favorite activities include hiking in the woods, eating hot pot, and crocheting cozy things. She lives in the New York metropolitan area.

About the Illustrator 

Basia Tran is a Polish-Vietnamese illustrator who shares her love of lore and laughter through graphite and pixels. She’s illustrated What's That? by Karen Chan and You're a Winner, Gracie Wei!

The Gingerbread Man: Trick-or-Treaters on the Loose by Laura Murray, Illustrated by Mike Lowery
Series: The Gingerbread Man Is Loose Graphic Novel Book 5
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication Date:  August 4, 2026 

About the Book:

It's Halloween and the Gingerbread Man can't wait to join his class in their celebrations. He even gets to make his very own costume and go trick-or-treating with friends after school! 

But when his bat costume catches the eye of a hungry owl, this smart cookie will have to do some quick thinking if he doesn't want to end up as a treat! 

The Gingerbread Man’s series of graphic novels—published in both hardcover and paperback editions—is ideal for first and second graders, full of the hilarious rhymes and action-packed escapades kids know and love from his picture books.

  

Review: 
This was such a cute and playful Halloween adventure for young readers! The graphic novel format uses big, colorful images and short sections of text, making it an approachable read. I loved seeing a classroom Gingerbread Man step outside of his usual fairy-tale setting and join in on all the Halloween fun. He plays games with the kids, gets creative making a costume, and even heads out for some trick-or-treating.

There’s a little adventure, some rhyming, plenty of humor, and lots of Halloween crafting along the way. I especially enjoyed the creativity that went into his costume and the way the story embraces the excitement of celebrating Halloween with friends. Young readers will likely enjoy the playful energy and familiar character in a completely new setting. A fun little Halloween read with a fresh twist on the Gingerbread Man!

About the Author

Laura Murray was a teacher before becoming a writer, and she has had to deal with many an escaped gingerbread man in her time.

About the Illustrator

Mike Lowery is an author and New York Times bestselling illustrator who has worked on dozens of books for kids. Some of his favorites are The Gingerbread Man is Loose series by Laura Murray, Mac B, Kid Spy series by Mac Barnett and the Everything Awesome series which he also wrote. He likes to collect weird facts and other bits of knowledge and he draws them every morning in his sketchbook.

Enjoyed these Halloween Books?

Another Halloween Round Up is Coming in October!

Early Reader Review: The Night by Mariachiara Di Giorgioc

Source: From the Publisher and Netgalley in Exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Night by Mariachiara Di Giorgio 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  September 15, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Synopsis: 

It’s a classically rainy night at home with the babysitter, and two siblings are itching for a little nighttime adventure. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, the siblings sneak out of the house and into the inky night.

Unlike the well-known fairy tale, the siblings's nighttime romp through the woods is full of wonder and fun, even a new friend! Their magical friend guides the duo across streams and through open fields, not unlike the fauns of Greek mythology, to partake in the splendor of the night. And as the moon gives way to sun, so is it time for the kids to return home where beds—and Mom!—wait.

Mariachiara Di Giorgio’s lushly illustrated, wordless tale is akin to a modern-day fairy tale and perfect for reading on the darkest of nights. After all, there is so much beauty to discover hidden in the darkness. What will you find?

Review: 

This was an illustrated children's book with no text. Readers have to interpret the story which is a bit odd and confusing. The illustration is eerie and unsettling but represents the dark scary night well. It has a fantastical vibe and definitely shows that Hansel and Gretel inspiration. 

Two kids are left with a babysitter (but she feels like a grandmother or witch too). At bedtime they run into the night for adventure or to find their mother, and odd creatures and plants appear for them, they take a rest in a cave, meet a stranger...they certainly had an adventure. 

I am not sure that younger audiences will get it. Honestly, I was a bit confused and it took reading the synopsis for more insight. 

Without any text, you are left with the illustration to get you through. It was a mix of dark tones showcasing the night which gave the sense of scary/ alone feelings but also this 'you will be fine' feeling somehow without much explanation. Illustrations were great with the theme and use of darks with pops of color that were light and shone brightly in the images. 

Overall, it was visually appealing but the story was confusing. 

Recent Reads: When the Witch Wrote Back by Nathan Christopher

Source: From Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

When the Witch Wrote Back by Nathan Christopher, Illustrated by
Pablo Pino
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Publication Date:  July 28, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Trick or Treat! Experience the magic of Halloween as never before with this picture book packed with spooky fun and a meaningful lesson, perfect for kids ages 4-10!

A new neighbor has moved in next door, and Jake is pretty sure that only one kind of neighbor would be unpacking a cauldron, a broomstick, and a black cat. Then Jake gets an idea…who better to help him plan, prepare, and clean for his big upcoming Halloween party?! When he writes letters to The Witch requesting magic to save him from doing his chores, will Jake get all that he hopes for? Or will the Witch use her powers to teach him a valuable lesson in this delightfully charming story about the Halloween…when the Witch wrote back!

With clever and fun-to-read rhymes as well as engaging art, hilarious fall fun, and an important message of putting in the hard work, When the Witch Wrote Back! is the perfect Halloween gift or boo basket stuffer for kids! Complete with a bonus spread of tips from Jake on how to have a happy Halloween, this story is the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season! 

Dear Witch,

You think you can fool me, but I've seen the proof

• Your chimney pours potions all over your roof, 
• Your mailbox is barking and chasing a mouse, 
• And some sorta goblins are painting your house! 

You might as well help me! Let's whip up a spell

To clean up my clothing, take care of that smell,

Then hang decorations. How long will that take?

My parents might cancel the party!

From Jake

Review: 

I absolutely loved this one! 

From the first pages, I was obsessed with the illustrations. The artwork is so detailed, and there are so many little things to find (I could honestly stare at each page forever). The colors are bright and things seem to be glowing, and the whole book has such a fun, magical Halloween vibe.

Jake needs help cleaning his room before his Halloween party, and when a new neighbor moves in next door with a cauldron, broomstick, and black cat, Jake is pretty sure she's a witch. Naturally, he decides she's exactly who he needs to help him get everything done!

I loved that Jake wasn't scared of the Witch at all. Instead, he asks for help - "You're a witch? Great! Can you help me?" The Witch tries to help, but Jake keeps taking shortcuts and not quite following her instructions, and somehow every attempt leaves him with an even bigger mess.

It was so funny and playful, and I really enjoyed watching everything go completely wrong. The rhymes were fun to read, too. I also really loved the message about putting in the work instead of always looking for the easiest way out. It was a great lesson for kids without feeling overly nagging about it.

This was such a cute and fun Halloween read! I loved the artwork, the humor, the Halloween magic, and Jake's whole attitude toward the Witch. Definitely one I'd recommend for a spooky-season read!

Early Reader Review: Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads by Bret Shuford

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads by Bret Shuford,  Illustrated by Elena Hager
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Publication Date:  September 8, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Leap, soar, and dance into the joyous life of a little boy whose dads are dazzling Broadway performers in this lyrical, rhyming picture book from one of Instagram and TikTok's Broadway Husbands.

Where do parents go when they walk out the door for work?

In this charming, vibrant picture book, a little boy's dads have a very special job—they're Broadway performers! 

By day, these two are like any other parents. They do the dishes, help with chores, and give lots of hugs and kisses. But by night, they take to the stage, donning elaborate costumes and dancing for thousands of theatergoers.

From Bret Shuford, Broadway dancer and cocreator of the social media sensation Broadway Husbands, this sweet story is a love letter to the theater and an ode to parents who do it all. Perfect for theater-loving families, aspiring young performers, and anyone who believes in the magic of being yourself, this heartwarming book is a celebration of family, creativity, and unconditional love.

Review: 

This book ... was SO heartfelt and cute. 

A story for young listeners or readers about dads heading to work at night to perform. A bit of an unconventional job but they love their little kid and always try to say good night. 

This was a cute story with a rhyming scheme. The illustration were so perfect! Vibrant, fun, and entertaining they showed people in costumes and Broadway and musicals. The best was that there were little Easter-eggs throughout plays on words for plays and musicals, like THAWED (in the font of Frozen),  SPAMilton (a combo of Spamalot and Hamilton?). It was all just so joyous and playful. I couldn't stop smiling.

The best part were the overall themes - this book showcases love, unconventional jobs, support of dreams, and a beautiful family. 

I think this will be a great book for any families library...and we will all be jealous of how cool this kid's dads are. 

Early Reader Review: A Trophy for the Jackal by Jule Wellerdiek

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

A Trophy for the Jackal by Jule Wellerdiek 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  September 8, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

This humorous tale of competition from creator Jule Wellerdiek will have winners and runners-up alike laughing out loud at Jackal’s many antics.

All Jackal has ever wanted is to win a fancy trophy. But when Goose wins the best hairdo competition, he decides that it’s time he take matters into his own paws. Jackal very quickly discovers that awards aren’t that special when everyone gets one . . .

A laugh-out-loud story about competition and sportsmanship that will speak to every reader’s innermost desire to win

Review: 

This book follows Jackal, who is excited to enter the Best Hairdo Competition. However, when he doesn't win, he becomes very upset. Rather than accepting that we can't always be winners, he creates an award just for himself. Soon, all the other animals do the same, and before long, everyone has a trophy.

I found this book to be funny and entertaining, and the illustrations and animal characters will likely appeal to young readers. The story opens up opportunities for conversations about competition, sportsmanship, ad handling disappointment.

However, I'm not entirely convinced that the overall message comes across clearly. One of my concerns is that it may unintentionally encourage the idea that everyone should receive an award simply for participating, rather than teaching children how to cope with not winning. Jackal also displays bad behavior throughout the story, including being selfish and lying to others, which may require additional discussion with younger readers.

That said, the book does have several strengths. It uses humor effectively, the story is engaging, and it creates a great opportunity for parents, caregivers, and teachers to talk about important life lessons such as resilience, fairness, and how to celebrate others' successes.

Overall, while I enjoyed the funny story and all the emotive animals, I think this book works best as a read-aloud that includes adult guidance and discussion rather than as a standalone lesson about competition and sportsmanship. It is a fun story, but readers may need help unpacking the message behind Jackal's actions.

Back to School Round-Up with Penguin Young Readers

Today we are showcasing Back to School with titles from Penguin Young Readers. Many thanks to Penguin for letting me review some of these amazing titles. 

Here are three of their Children's book releases that are out now!

Take a look!

Forty the Fortune Teller by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Kevin Cornell
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Date:  February 24, 2026 

About the Book:

What's a fortune teller to do when she's dropped on the ground half-finished when the bell rings to mark the end of recess? Make friends and save the day, that's what! 

In this hilarious graphic novel-style picture book, Forty the Fortune Teller, along with her friends Potato Chip and Basketball convince a team of chewed-up chewing gum to help repair the playground slide so that the kids at school won't get hurt.  

This story is totally wacky, totally adorable, and a perfect read-aloud for a storytime.

  

Rating:

Review: 

What a cool concept for a book - a fortune teller. I have not thought about those in years! The books end-pages even teach you how to make one!

This was a fun read. The illustrations are colorful and plentiful, with lots of little scenes and fun details filling each page. The story about Forty the Fortune Teller is cute and a little silly, and some of the fortunes are sure to make kids laugh. 

I also loved the way the book encourages spelling and counting practice thought Forty, even though it doesn't feel like a lesson. It also does a good job highlighting the importance of teamwork and helping others. 

There was a lot packed into this story, making it feel more substantial than a typical picture book. It was a fun and adorable read.

About the Author

Drew Daywalt is the author of many books, including the blockbuster #1 New York Times bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit and its sequels, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, as well as The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, illustrated by Adam Rex; Twinkle Twinkle Little Kid, illustrated by Molly Idle; The Wrong Book, illustrated by Alex Willmore; and many more. He lives in California with his wife, two children, and multiple pets. 

You can visit Drew Daywalt at DrewDaywalt.com

The Crayons' Book of Manners by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication Date: May 19, 2026

About the Book

The Crayons are ready to learn how to polite. But what do they need to know? When to say please and thank you? How to eat neatly? What to do when they have to (uh-oh!) burp? This laugh-out-loud addition to the Crayons mini book series will teach children their manners as they giggle at the Crayons' missteps.

Rating:

Review:  

This was a cute addition to the Crayons series. I like the simple illustrations and the way each page focuses on the Crayons and their bad manners. 

I think one of the best opportunities for learning comes from discussing what the Crayons are doing versus what the text is telling us they should be doing. While I liked the focus on manners, I would have preferred to see the Crayons correct each incident as it happened rather than having everything resolved with an “I’m sorry” at the end. 

I also wasn’t a fan of “my bad” being used as an apology, especially in a book meant to teach young children about good manners. But any book about manners is welcome and the Crayons are good teachers of what not to do. 

About the Illustrator 

Oliver Jeffers makes art and tells stories. His books include How to Catch a Star; Lost and Found, which was the recipient of the prestigious Nestlé Children's Book Prize Gold Award in the UK and was later adapted into an award-winning animated film; and the New York Times bestsellers Here We Are, What We'll Build, Stuck, This Moose Belongs to Me, and Once Upon an Alphabet. He is also, of course, the illustrator of the #1 smash-hit Crayons series, written by Drew Daywalt. His fine art is world-renowned, and his dip-art exhibitions are much-sought-after events. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Oliver now splits his time between Belfast and Brooklyn, New York. 

You can visit Oliver Jeffers online at OliverJeffers.com or follow him on Instagram @OliverJeffers.

Pencil & Eraser: New Friends Rule by Jenny Alvarado

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: January 6, 2026

About the Book

Pencil and Eraser complement each other perfectly, like any best buds should. Who else could help Pencil when she messes up her drawings in art class? But what if she didn't make any mistakes? Enter Ruler, a new friend who can easily help Pencil keep her lines straight, without any need to ever erase again...

When these school supplies learn a green crayon has gone missing, Pencil insists her new bud Ruler join their quest to save them. The two hit it off immediately, building off each other’s wacky ideas. And as the sole voice of reason, Eraser quickly starts to feel like the odd one out. With Stella and the rest of the students due back form lunch any minute, and each of their plans to rescue Green a bigger disaster than the last, can our dynamic duo learn to work as a trio before it’s too late?

Rating:

Review: 

I really enjoyed this book! The school supply characters were adorable, and I loved following Pencil, Eraser, and Ruler on their adventure to find Green Crayon. 

The graphic novel format and little jokes that break up the chapters make this feel like a great choice for beginner and early readers. I also loved the themes of finding new friends, values of friendship, trying new things, and learning about teamwork. 

The story was funny and entertaining, and I have to admit it even made me excited for school supply shopping again even though I don't need to any more. I can only imagine it will get young readers excited too.

About the Author

Jenny Alvarado is an author and illustrator of books for kids. She lives in Palm Bay,
Florida with her family. Making friends doesn’t always come easy to her, but she is so happy when she makes new ones. 

You can find more of her work at www.JennyABooks.com or follow her @JennyABooks on social media