Spooky

by Sally Anne Garland

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Animals, Childrens, Family, Storytime, Contemporary

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Daniel Shellenbarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a family moves into an old abandoned house, they soon realize that they're not alone, but rather than a ghost or such, what's haunting their house is a stray cat which isn't quite sure about its new housemates. While the children of the family are excited about the possibility of keeping the cat, their parents urge them to be patient and let the cat make the first move. I'm on a little bit of a roll, two straight animal story picture books grabbed off the cart at the library which didn't traumatize me at all. This is just a charming little story with a cute mysterious mischievous cat.

[Abbigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story about moving into a new home. The beginning reminded me of those Twilight trailers where they remake the trailer to make the movie look like a true horror film-- you could read the first third of this book in a scary voice and that would be fun for kids who like spooky stuff, but obviously nothing scary happens. Might be interesting as a read-aloud for storytime...

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving into a new house is often difficult, especially because it takes time for a house to feel like a home. It is time now for one family to settle into its new house, which is larger and older than the home to which the family is accustomed. As the family members begin unpacking, they notice a shadow observing their movements and carefully staying out of sight. Letting the shadow take its time, the family begins finding new places for its treasured belongings, and when the spooky shadow finally feels comfortable, the family becomes whole in a space everyone loves. This charming, mysterious picture book is well suited to families that are transitioning from one home to another. Each image depicts the featured family unpacking and settling in, but the visuals are designed to present select moments from the perspective of the cat who is quietly observing in the background. The illustrations themselves are soft and feature muted hues, serving to give the book a feeling of mystery and unease before the characters finally feel comfortable. Brief blocks of text are found on each page, providing ample opportunity for readers to not only enjoy the narrative but also to discuss what is happening outside the written words. Together, the text and illustrations effectively portray the feelings that come with the transition to a new place alongside the joys of adopting a pet. This is a warm and heartfelt addition to library collections for young readers and their families.

[Jeimy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discovered in a local comic book shop, Spooky is a tender, quiet story about welcoming and healing. Though it’s ostensibly about a family settling into a new home and the mysterious presence they keep catching glimpses of, the emotional heart of the story lies in its gentle metaphor. What begins as a ghostly tale unfolds into something far more grounded: the slow, delicate process of earning trust—particularly from someone who has learned to be wary of it.

At its core, Spooky is about learning how to make space for others, honoring boundaries, and waiting patiently until love can be received. It’s a beautiful reflection on the process of connection, especially with those who carry invisible wounds. A story about a feral cat, yes—but also a moving portrayal of how we all deserve safety before we can offer our hearts.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a darling little book about a family…and the cat who makes their house a home.

When the little girl and her family move into the old house, they don’t notice the cat at first. He’s in the shadows, too afraid to come out and play. But they each feel something moving around the house. And each picture shows part of the cat…the tail, the head, etc. invading part of the family’s space and interacting with them until…they find him! Will the cat ever get used to having a family? Will the family keep the little cat? A cute and fun book to read to kids with an eagle eye for spotting where the cat goes from page to page.

Mia’s 2nd year of books: Day 309

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this picture book about a family who moved into a house only to discover that there was already a black cat living there. They didn't want to scare it, so they went about their business daily but left out food and water until eventually the swish of the tail or the shadow became the actual cat who cuddled up with them on the couch.

The illustrations were sweet and fun (because you could always find a hint of the cat they named Spooky) and it shows a loving family and how they showed love for this adopted cat too.

[Zan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a family moves into a big, old house, it feels strange and unfamiliar to the kids--a bit spooky even! They soon discover a black cat is already living there, and it is spooked by the new owners. As they unpack and settle into their new home, the family decides to not disturb the cat and to pretend that they don't see it padding around from room to room. Will the family and their spooky housemate ever feel at home?"--

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a cat lover, but this title is charming as a family moves into a new house and begins to adjust to their new space, but what is that lurking around in their new home. I would call this an adjustment themed story for the family who also gave space for the new pet to adjust to them. A calm peaceful story with large illustrations that I think would be good for storytime.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cute book about a family that moves into a house that at first seems to be haunted. The ghost turns out to a be a cat! The family decides to ignore the cat until it gets comfortable with the family. A GREAT story about how to interact with cats and a lesson on how to make your home cozy and welcoming.

[Alisha (booksmellz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a family moves into a new house, they quickly realize they’re not alone. With patience and care maybe their new housemate will come out of the shadows.

What an adorable children’s book about not only moving into a new house and the adjustments that come with that, but also the adjustment that comes with a new furry member of the family.

This is adorable artwork, but also - the cat carrying around its little toy mouse in its mouth was the most adorable thing.

I know this is a children’s book, so maybe I am thinking too much into this for a children’s book, but I want to know what Spooky was doing before the family moved in, because it mentions the house had been empty for a while. It only really takes the family a day to figure out that there’s a cat in their house and to start leaving it food and water, but that still means they were all alone for a bit!

Overall, this is adorable and any cat lover will love this but this is also a good story about adjustment and patience for children.

[Robin Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations in this book especially the little adorable black cat.

Very sweet story about a family that moves into a house already occupied by a stray cat. Eventually the cat warms up to the family who has been feeding him.

This is especially special to me because I have a feral cat for about a year now that lives in and around my back enclosed patio and yard. I named her mamma cat. If she has a black kitten again I will definitely name it Spooky.

I love the name Spooky!

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family moves into a new house only to discover someone is already living there. At first, they're not sure how to act, but with a little patience and understanding, they might be able to come to an agreement.

I personally would have made it less obvious that the ghost is a cat, but I can't really complain about how things turned out.

[Josh Campeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique cat story about finding an unexpected pet when you move into a new home. The cat is understandably weary of the family at first, but after they give it space it warms up. A great story to use for story time for older children, roughly ages 4-8.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A family moves into a house and thinks there might be something spooky going on. But then they discover a cat living in the new house. They ignore it and the cat learns to trust them.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A family moves into a new house that already has a mysterious resident.

A great one for storytime. Children will enjoy finding the kitty on each page before it makes it official appearance.

[Christine Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!!!

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

good, especially to quiet down a rowdy group since we have to be quiet and not scare the cat :) . A nice story

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute little story that nicely captured the essential nature of cats, both their aloof weariness and their cuddly sociability.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat Distribution System introduces Spooky to his new family.

[Lauren M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about moving to a new house, finding a new kitty, and patience!

Very cute!

[Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precious

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations and it was a great lesson about letting the animal come to you, I am just so sad that someone abandoned sweet little Spooky! I am glad he has such a sweet new family though

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet!

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤🐈‍⬛