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Little Ghost
Little Ghost's Summerween
Little Ghost tries to pick the perfect party theme for his summer birthday in this charming picture book companion to Little Ghost Makes a Friend by bestselling author-illustrator Maggie Edkins Willis.
Little Ghost loves parties, but he’s only ever had the Halloween kind! After attending his first ever birthday party, Little Ghost decides to throw one of his own. His good friend Anya says his party should celebrate Little Ghost and what he likes most. That’s easy—Little Ghost loves Halloween with all its bats, black cats, candy corn, and pumpkins. There’s just one it’s summertime. And Halloween and summer just don’t mix…or do they?
Little Ghost loves parties, but he’s only ever had the Halloween kind! After attending his first ever birthday party, Little Ghost decides to throw one of his own. His good friend Anya says his party should celebrate Little Ghost and what he likes most. That’s easy—Little Ghost loves Halloween with all its bats, black cats, candy corn, and pumpkins. There’s just one it’s summertime. And Halloween and summer just don’t mix…or do they?
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2026
About the author
Maggie Edkins Willis
7 books30 followersMaggie Edkins Willis grew up on the southern coast of Maine and studied design and art history at Penn. For seven years, she worked in-house for two major children’s publishers, designing, art directing, and illustrating dozens of covers. She worked on Newbery Medal-winners, Printz Honor recipients, a National Book Award shortlisted title, and numerous New York Times bestsellers.
A full-time author/illustrator, Maggie lives in New Jersey with her family.
A full-time author/illustrator, Maggie lives in New Jersey with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a spooktacular delight! Little Ghost’s Summerween is pure heart wrapped in pumpkins and sprinkled with candy corn. Maggie Edkins Willis has created a story that is both gently funny and deeply affirming, reminding kids that the very best celebrations are the ones that honor who you truly are.
Little Ghost is utterly endearing as he navigates nerves, friendship, and the big question of how to celebrate himself. The message about staying true to what makes you YOU feels organic and warm, never heavy-handed. And the Summerween twist? Absolutely inspired.
Sweet, sparkly, and full of charm, this book is a joyful read-aloud that celebrates friendship, individuality, and a little bit of spooky fun in every season. (I received an ARC from the publisher.)
Little Ghost is utterly endearing as he navigates nerves, friendship, and the big question of how to celebrate himself. The message about staying true to what makes you YOU feels organic and warm, never heavy-handed. And the Summerween twist? Absolutely inspired.
Sweet, sparkly, and full of charm, this book is a joyful read-aloud that celebrates friendship, individuality, and a little bit of spooky fun in every season. (I received an ARC from the publisher.)
May 19, 2026
The thrill of birthday parties meets sunshine, friendship, and spooky nods in a read perfect for Summer.
Little Ghost just received his very first invitation to a birthday party ever! He's always enjoyed Halloween parties, but now, that he has human friends, things are changing. And he's nervous. Luckily, his friend Anya has been invited, too, and can help him with the adventure. Highs and lows hit, but his first birthday party leads to something more. He wants to throw his own birthday party, and he's not sure how to pull it off, especially since it's still summer time.
This is the second book in the Little Ghost series, and now, we meet the Little Ghost as he already has a best friend in Anya and has made several other friends. While he is a ghost...and cute, his situation is also one readers will be able to identify with. He's excited to go to a birthday party but, at the same time, is very nervous and unsure. This desire to want to do everything right makes him relatable and easy to cheer for, especially with Anya's golden friendship at his side. And the end slides in a lovely message about also staying true to yourself to wrap things up nicely.
The illustrations bring across the scenes with details and life, making each one enjoyable to revisit and discover something new each time. Even when Little Ghost is down, the atmosphere remains positive the entire way through. The text fits nicely to the age group and creates a good read-aloud. The plot moves along quickly, making it interesting for even more impatient listeners.
It's a lovely tale, and it will be fun to see what Little Ghost and Anya experience next.
Little Ghost just received his very first invitation to a birthday party ever! He's always enjoyed Halloween parties, but now, that he has human friends, things are changing. And he's nervous. Luckily, his friend Anya has been invited, too, and can help him with the adventure. Highs and lows hit, but his first birthday party leads to something more. He wants to throw his own birthday party, and he's not sure how to pull it off, especially since it's still summer time.
This is the second book in the Little Ghost series, and now, we meet the Little Ghost as he already has a best friend in Anya and has made several other friends. While he is a ghost...and cute, his situation is also one readers will be able to identify with. He's excited to go to a birthday party but, at the same time, is very nervous and unsure. This desire to want to do everything right makes him relatable and easy to cheer for, especially with Anya's golden friendship at his side. And the end slides in a lovely message about also staying true to yourself to wrap things up nicely.
The illustrations bring across the scenes with details and life, making each one enjoyable to revisit and discover something new each time. Even when Little Ghost is down, the atmosphere remains positive the entire way through. The text fits nicely to the age group and creates a good read-aloud. The plot moves along quickly, making it interesting for even more impatient listeners.
It's a lovely tale, and it will be fun to see what Little Ghost and Anya experience next.
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May 25, 2026See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/little-gho...
LITTLE GHOST'S SUMMERWEEN is a sweet picture book about friendship and celebration. When Little Ghost is invited to a birthday party, he is not sure what it is all about - ghosts don't have birthdays! However, what he finds is pretty amazing with a special celebration, lots of friends, and things all tailored to the birthday person.
He decides to have his own birthday party, but he is having trouble picking a theme, since all the things he likes are Halloween-related. In the end, his friends come together to throw him a Summerween party with costumes and all the things he likes, including pumpkins.
What I loved: This is a sweet and gentle story of friendship and coming together. Little Ghost is a relatable character who wants to have a party but is having trouble placing his theme. When the planning starts to get overwhelming, he relies on his parents and his best friend. Everything works out beautifully and they have the party that is perfect for Little Ghost.
The illustrations are in muted colors that work well with the gentle themes and storyline. The details are fantastic, and there is a lot to visually explore on each page. The book reads smoothly and is great for toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary school readers who can enjoy the story, characters, and images.
Final verdict: LITTLE GHOST'S SUMMERWEEN is a charming and adorable picture book about friendship and being true to yourself, great for young readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
LITTLE GHOST'S SUMMERWEEN is a sweet picture book about friendship and celebration. When Little Ghost is invited to a birthday party, he is not sure what it is all about - ghosts don't have birthdays! However, what he finds is pretty amazing with a special celebration, lots of friends, and things all tailored to the birthday person.
He decides to have his own birthday party, but he is having trouble picking a theme, since all the things he likes are Halloween-related. In the end, his friends come together to throw him a Summerween party with costumes and all the things he likes, including pumpkins.
What I loved: This is a sweet and gentle story of friendship and coming together. Little Ghost is a relatable character who wants to have a party but is having trouble placing his theme. When the planning starts to get overwhelming, he relies on his parents and his best friend. Everything works out beautifully and they have the party that is perfect for Little Ghost.
The illustrations are in muted colors that work well with the gentle themes and storyline. The details are fantastic, and there is a lot to visually explore on each page. The book reads smoothly and is great for toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary school readers who can enjoy the story, characters, and images.
Final verdict: LITTLE GHOST'S SUMMERWEEN is a charming and adorable picture book about friendship and being true to yourself, great for young readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Little Ghost's Summerween was a wonderful book to read. Children will love it. The idea of a small ghost attending a birthday party was a fun idea. Little Ghost has never had a birthday. He wants one but doesn't know what type he should have. His best friend Anya tells him to make sure he finds what is special to him. He decides to have just a small party with his best friend. But, things take a surprise turn.
This is another great book for children. As a grandparent I found it delightful. The story is enhanced by beautiful pictures. This is a must read.
This is another great book for children. As a grandparent I found it delightful. The story is enhanced by beautiful pictures. This is a must read.
Want to Read
April 19, 20263
April 28, 2026
I love the illustrations in this one!
May 7, 2026
A story about embracing the things you like and appreciating all the important people in your life.
May 10, 2026
Cute artwork and sweet story!
May 16, 2026
"IT'S SUMMERWEEN!" Love the spooky versions of popular books on LG's bookcase and the girl with the thick rainbow around her head!
May 25, 2026
Cute-ish but not that special.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews