I Hate Everything!

by Sophy Henn

When a ghost is in a bad mood, his pal tries to turn his frown upside down in this irresistible picture book about there always being something to love.

A ghost is having a very bad day. He feels like he hates EVERYTHING! Lucky for him, he has a good ghost friend to talk it through with. Because if he doesn’t really hate sweets or flowers or dressing up, and he definitely doesn’t hate his friend, then maybe he doesn’t hate everything after all…

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Ghosts, Halloween, Humor, Emotion, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 29, 2025

About the author

Sophy Henn (www.sophyhenn.com) lives and works in Sussex, England. She studied Fashion at Central Saint Martins, accidentally had a London based career as an Art Director in advertising, then completed an MA at University of Brighton in Illustration. Now she writes and illustrates children's books in her studio, with a large cup of tea by her side, and can't quite believe her luck. WHERE BEAR? is her first book. Follow @sophyhenn.

Reviews

[Haksito Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eu sei que estou trapaceando ao ler livros infantis em português. Ainda assim, progresso é progresso. Pequenos passos são os que às vezes mais importam. O livro que estou lendo atualmente em português tem 433 páginas. [I would’ve read more, but fuckkkk, I’m so Spanish focused right now, each time I read something in Portuguese I end up thinking that I’m cheating on Spanish.]

Livro fofo, estilo de desenho fofo, tudo sobre esse livro grita "Eu fui feito com muito amor". Um dia eu vou ler para meu filho. Isso se eu não me matar. Porque eu odeio tudo sim.

Muito hipócrita. Eu sei.

[Wendy Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming, but would be better as a board book rather than a thin $20 hardback, particularly with pretty simple text and illustrations.

3.5 stars

I am the ghost in this story, though. :D

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

huge mood

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is me! I have precisely these moments maybe next time I experience this, I will ask myself if I hate specific things. The book is clear and concise and I love the illustrations!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have our moments of hating everything and that is okay.
The ghosts dressing up and the bunnies made me laugh. I hope we see more of Frank.

[Penny Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book! I love the message. This book would make a great read aloud.

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

It made me smile.

[Linda Schipper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zo grappig en leuk! En vooral herkenbaar, een leuk prentenboek!

[Lea_ecrit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il est trop mignon ! Cet album a mis du baume dans ma journée 🥺🧡

[Tachan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avec ces petits fantômes tout mignons, c’est un autre message universel que nous livre Sophy Henn : il est trop facile de dire qu’on déteste tout ^^

Tout d’abord, je suis ravie de découvrir une autre autrice anglaise, car j’adore leur verve, leur piquant, leur humour. Avec son dessin tout rond, tout simple, tout mignon, elle fait mouche chez moi. J’adore sa stylisation des fantômes et encore plus la façon dont elle s’en sert.

Les fantômes mignons, c’est quelque chose d’assez connu maintenant, mais ça reste très chou quand même. J’aime la simplicité de leur dessin qui semble enfantine et qui donne ainsi aux plus jeunes de les reproduire. Mais au-delà, c’est le message que j’ai trouvé attachant. On se retrouve avec deux fantômes qui représentent deux enfants dont l’un est un peu chafouin, se plaignant de tout, disant ne rien aimer, mais l’autre lui démontre que non et qu’est-ce que c’est drôle.

Le registre est simple. Il parle à tous, notamment aux plus jeunes, grâce à un texte simple et direct évoquant leur quotidien. La répétition du trait enfonce le clou et on s’amuse vraiment à le voir répondre à chaque fois à ce misanthrope pour lui démontrer qu’il ne l’est peut-être pas tant que ça, mais aime plutôt se plaindre de tout. C’est drôle, cocasse. On aime le voir tourné en ridicule par son ami pour réaliser combien la vie est chouette finalement.

Un petit album tout simple à nouveau au premier abord mais essentiel dans ces temps où l’envie d’être morose est si simple alors que la vie peut être si belle si on sait la regarder avec les lunettes qu’il faut. Un peu de douceur et d’humour font toujours du bien et on remerciera ce petit OLNI plein de charme de nous le rappeler à tous avec sa mise en scène dynamique et toute mignonne.

Article complet : https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute book that I think we all can relate to. I loved how simple the story was, but it had a great message. The text fonts and the illustrations were fantastic! The whole book from front to back is great and it’s one you’ll pull off your shelf over and over again.

Do you really? Do you ever get so mad that you hate everything? Or you “think” you hate everything? As an adult, I’m sure you have thought this. As a parent, these thoughts are probably heard more often. As a substitute teacher and a classroom helper, I’ve had to try to tame these thoughts in individuals who have pressures from issues, I have no knowledge of. The frustration builds and it just pops out, “ I hate everything!”

There are two ghosts in this book and one of them is really upset. He states he “hates everything!” The other ghost tries to put this statement into perspective by asking him if, “Do you hate me?” The mood and the facial expressions change as he admits that he doesn’t hate him but he’s still mad. Trying to calm him down further, he continues to ask him about other items he might not hate. It takes a while for the friend to totally calm him down and the list of items he has questioned him about is long, but the questioning is fun and entertaining.

I love the transformation that occurs between the two of them in the book. The temperament of the friends and their patience with one another. The hostility and mood within the book changes and the facial expressions were great. The bright colorful pages added to the temperament and the fun of this book. The ending was fun too. 5 stars

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

On one particular day, one ghost is certain that they hate absolutely everything. Wearing a grumpy expression on their face, it seems clear that they really do hate everything until, that is, the ghost’s friend begins to dig a little bit deeper. With pointed questions, the disgruntled ghost’s companion determines that there are at least a few things the grumpy ghost loves. Each new revelation causes the disgruntled ghost to reconsider their feelings, and these reflections might just lead to a change in the ghost’s demeanor. Readers of all ages who have ever felt overwhelmed by the world will empathize with this story’s initial pages. The extreme nature of the ghost’s pronouncements feels outlandish, and as a result, young readers may also be inspired to examine their own feelings in a different light. Similar to a Mo Willems book, this story is told utilizing very few words embedded within word bubbles against a primarily empty background. This simplistic visual style allows readers to focus primarily on the messages being shared within the story as well as the social and emotional relationships surrounding the text. Bright, colorful pages and chunky imagery make this book ideally suited to be read aloud, and the humorous nature of the storytelling will appeal to young readers. Whether read in a classroom or in a home setting, this book is enjoyable for both large and small audiences. Funny, poignant, and entertaining, this is a delightful addition to library and Storytime collections for preschool-aged readers.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes simple is the most fun, and these pages prove that point.

This ghost is grumpy and claims to hate everything, but his friend is pretty sure he just needs some cheering up. So, the friend does the most simple thing and asks the ghost if it hates things, which it definitely doesn't such as candy and more. With a cute line-up of things, it soon becomes clear that the ghost may not hate a lot of things. The conclusion rounds the message off nicely...well, with a last twist at the end to add a final groan and smile.

The text is kept very simple with the ghosts stating what needs to be said to make things clear. And that is all that's necessary. The illustrations carry the same direct simplicity. Th friend shows the ghost each item and that's that. There isn't any extra background or details, keeping the visuals centered. And that's perfect. It creates a potent, understandable read, which holds just enough familiarity and gentle humor to draw even reluctant readers in and hold their attention.

This is one of those reads, which is masterfully done to add just enough to make the entire thing sit wonderfully and be very enjoyable from beginning to end.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is old, I admit. This is not exactly the same story, and in fact doesn't even tell us why bigger ghost is upset (starts in media res) but is definitely worth using as a modern replacement.

The middle spread about bunnies and strawberries needs to be made into a poster for all of us prone to depressed or angry moods.

I love the simplicity of the illustrations - so much emotion shown with so little detail (like the comic XKCD or Mo Willems).

I will look for more by the creator.

Btw, works year round, as the characters are ghosts but not particularly Halloween.

[Murillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um quentinho na alma em meio ao caos, como acordar um dia e a única coisa que sente é um ranço, a autora conseguiu pegar essa sensação, que muita gente tem de vez em quando, e transformar numa história super delicada e cheia de esperança. sobre aceitar que às vezes a gente tá só num dia bosta.
o legal é que o fantasminha não fica sozinho na sua melancolia. aparece um amigo pra dar uma luz e mostrar que, tem pequenas coisas que valem a pena. tipo, um abraço, o raio de sol, um momento de paz. ele vai percebendo que talvez não odeie tudo, mas só algumas coisas, ou talvez só esteja cansado.
a narrativa é bem fofa, mas a mensagem é profunda. fala sobre amizade, sobre encontrar beleza nas coisas simples e, principalmente, sobre ser gentil consigo mesmo. é um lembrete de que a vida é cheia de altos e baixos, e que sempre dá pra encontrar um motivo pra dar uma rir, mesmo nos dias mais cinzas.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a super short and cute read. Great for Halloween or any other time of the year. The (grumpy sunshine) ghost duo was an adorable pair of friends and I was tickled by both the illustration and dialogue.

What a simple and relatable book to help our little ones understand that it’s perfectly fine to feel out of sorts and say things we don’t really mean. We just need a friendly reminder that not everything is terrible or bad as we might think. I appreciate the humor, cuteness overload, and overall gentle message of this book.


Thank you Simon & Schuster/Simon Kids for a free copy of this book.

[Erin Buhr]

One ghost hates everything! Well, maybe not. Told through simple conversation bubbles, two ghosts talk us through big feelings and how to turn a mood around. The brief text and bold illustrations lend themselves well to being read aloud - especially with voices. The ghost characters lean into the Halloween season although, aside from brief mentions of costumes and candy, this isn't really a Halloween story. It is a story about big feelings, exaggeration, and shifts in perspective.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple cute story about two ghosts who go through things one of them hates until it realizes that it Loves things (and incidentally forgot why or what it hated in the first place). This book is a good example to kids of riding the wave, a DBT principle that emotions and feelings change. And the humor here + simple (read: not overdone) illustrations make this book shine.

Themes: ghosts, humor
Ages: preK-2nd grade+
Pub year: 2025

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moody ghost is determined to HATE EVERYTHING until a clever friend reminds them of the things they love.

So sweet and so funny. The entire story is written in dialogue with simple words; straightforward, bold graphics in a saturated color palette complement the sparse text, and give weight to the ghosts' carefully-rendered facial expressions.

At last a booooook that gets me, and one that I don't mind being haunted by.

[Lectora brújula · Rating 3 out of 5]

«A veces sientes que odias el mundo, pero cuanto te paras a pensarlo, no es así, y en realidad te encanta (casi) todo lo que hay en él».

Un fantasma grita que ¡ODIA EL MUNDO! sin parar, odia todo. Pero el fantasma más pequeño le demuestra que eso no es verdad recordándole todas las cosas que no odia. La idea es una buena herramienta para combatir las rabietas, sirve incluso en la edad adulta. Pero siento que al libro le faltan páginas e ilustraciones.

El final tiene gracia.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perspective shifting! Two ghosts, one that hates everything until friend ghosts asks a few questions to which other friend ghost replies that actually... I don't hate / can't hate therefore stop being a loudmouth about "hating everything".

Totally enjoyed the sparseness of the ghost interactions to focus on the message.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emotion ST. A cute ghost says they hate everything until their friend starts to ask if they hate specific things. Like their mom, candy, their other friend. Kids might see that they can challenge the idea they hate everything by thinking of things they don't hate. Not super deep, but was cute enough.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two ghosties - one proclaiming that they hate everything, the other challenging that idea. After going through a long list they realize they don't hate everything after all. They LOVE everything. Except, well, maybe not EVERYTHING...

Another cute book that would make a great read aloud. Especially for a non-spooky ghost book.

[Camie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this to cheer up my 18-year old who was moving out and having a tough time staying positive about different aspects of her life. We read it together and laughed and cried as we reminisced about who she has become along the way. It's an adorable book - if only in my mind, because of the memory I will cherish from that moment with my girl. I will buy it again and again.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little ghost in a bad mood declares that it hates everything, and each time a littler ghosts reminds it that this is not true.

Young readers will relate to the experience of "hating everything" when they are likewise in bad moods or having a bad day.

The illustrations use solid background colors that make the white ghosts pop.

[Sarah Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those modern children's books that leaves the sugary sweetness of past children's books behind and gives kids (and adults) a fun, but very real, lesson. A must read for parents, young adults, and little ones.

[Christa Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable and hilarious! Cute book about how a friend can help you forget your troubles and remember the things you love until... oops, they can't. It really is funny. I loved the bright background colors in the illustrations. These little ghosts were so cute!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

One ghost isn't a bad mood and proclaims. he hates everything, while the other ghost asks him about things he knows he doesn't hate. I would have been really annoyed if I were the first ghost, but I did enjoy the illustrations.

[Abby Carothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the positive spin the book had. It reinforces that even when things are going badly there are still good things in your life you can use to lift your spirits. This lesson on optimism is one I think can be very useful to kids.

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did your small child write this book? Possibly.