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Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween
Young Holly Hollowell loves Halloween more than anything, but her dentist parents are totally against any event that promotes tooth-rotting sweets. While other kids trick-or-treat, Holly watches sadly from her window… until the Spoops arrive to turn things around! With their magical help, Holly can finally show her parents the true spirit of Halloween: not the candy, but the joy of expressing yourself, unleashing your imagination, and letting your spooky side soar!
Presented in rhyming verse that recalls Dr. Seuss and “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” along with nostalgic illustrations in black, white, and orange, Spoops is an instantly timeless classic that places Halloween right alongside other beloved holidays.
Presented in rhyming verse that recalls Dr. Seuss and “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” along with nostalgic illustrations in black, white, and orange, Spoops is an instantly timeless classic that places Halloween right alongside other beloved holidays.
72 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
October 9, 2026
A magic haunts the air, as small spirits pass unseen.
They whisper to your soul, "It's time for Halloween..."
Holly Hollowell, the daughter of two dentists, is unsurprisingly kept away from the ghastly affects of Halloween (think of the cavities!).
But try as they might, Holly's parents cannot keep her from falling in love with the season. Then one year, her parents have to go to a dental convention on Trick-or-Treat night and Holly makes a very special wish...one that brings all the Spoops to her house.
"These 'Spirits' are called Spoops and every fall they hatch
Born from the smallest gourds, in every pumpkin patch."
Soon Holly is surrounded by a myriad of friendly miniature owls, ghosts, bats, mummies, pumpkin heads, turnips and more.
But will she be able to celebrate before her parents come home? Or will this be another disaster of a Halloween?
I stumbled upon this one at my local library's display and I'm so glad I did cause OH MY GOSH. This was so stinking cute!
The little Spoops were freaking adorable and I wish so badly for these friendly little Halloween Spirits to be real. My favorite was the ghost in the little witch hat but also I adored the pumpkin in the cloak. The artist was fantastic!
The story was told in a satisfyingly rhyming verse, which was quite fun to read aloud to my little one - though the story was a bit long for his baby attention-span (didn't matter though, I had a lot of fun reading it).
I really hope that there will be a sequel some day!
July 21, 2025
☆☆☆☆☆
Thanks to Netgalley and IDW Publishing | Top Shelf Productions for this ARC.
Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween is a charming celebration of all things autumn and Halloween. A.J. LoCascio and Laurie A. Conley bring the season to life with adorable characters and beautifully atmospheric artwork that feels like stepping into a crisp October evening. From falling leaves to flickering jack - o’-lanterns, every page is filled with cozy, spooky magic. Perfect for anyone who looks forward to Halloween all year long!
Thanks to Netgalley and IDW Publishing | Top Shelf Productions for this ARC.
Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween is a charming celebration of all things autumn and Halloween. A.J. LoCascio and Laurie A. Conley bring the season to life with adorable characters and beautifully atmospheric artwork that feels like stepping into a crisp October evening. From falling leaves to flickering jack - o’-lanterns, every page is filled with cozy, spooky magic. Perfect for anyone who looks forward to Halloween all year long!
August 8, 2025
This book was just the cutest read for a special Halloween treat!
This has set me up to get excited for the change of season and to look forward to all the Halloween decorations and sweets!
The story was lovely and the illustrations were gorgeous. They really brought the story to life! beautiful colours and detail that just had you imagining that Halloween was already here.
A fab read.
Many thanks to the Author,Illustrator and publisher through Netgalley for the ARC.
I enjoyed every minute of reading this book🎃
This has set me up to get excited for the change of season and to look forward to all the Halloween decorations and sweets!
The story was lovely and the illustrations were gorgeous. They really brought the story to life! beautiful colours and detail that just had you imagining that Halloween was already here.
A fab read.
Many thanks to the Author,Illustrator and publisher through Netgalley for the ARC.
I enjoyed every minute of reading this book🎃
July 8, 2025
5 stars
I adored this Halloween themed book. It has magic, character growth, fun, family bonds and just enough spooky spirits to make a reader excited to continue reading and for Halloween to come. I loved the illustrations as they harken back to the classic looking illustrations of the early to mid 1900s. Loved the use of rhyming in this book too as it’s a great introduction to a form of poetry. So glad I was able to get an ebook copy to review as I can see myself rereading this book whenever I miss Autumn or need cheering up.
I adored this Halloween themed book. It has magic, character growth, fun, family bonds and just enough spooky spirits to make a reader excited to continue reading and for Halloween to come. I loved the illustrations as they harken back to the classic looking illustrations of the early to mid 1900s. Loved the use of rhyming in this book too as it’s a great introduction to a form of poetry. So glad I was able to get an ebook copy to review as I can see myself rereading this book whenever I miss Autumn or need cheering up.
June 19, 2025
I received a free copy of, Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween, by A.J. Locascio, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Holly Howell loves Halloween, her parents not so much. Spoops are Halloween spirits, Holly's wish to celebrate Halloween is sent to the spoops. This is such a sweet Halloween story, I loved the illustrations in this book, Halloween and autumn are a great time of the year.
November 2, 2025
Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween is a longer picture book but still very much fits the bill and I absolutely adored it. That cover went straight to my child-of-the-80s heart and the whole book has such a nostalgic vibe for me though it is newly published. Full of absolutely charming and delightful sweet-and-barely-spooky Halloween details. The spoops are such cute little mascots for the holiday! Bonus points because I really love the way the parents show a willingness to adjust their perspective to better see their daughter's true self and support her interests while also remaining true to their family values. (They are dentists and don't believe in Halloween because of all the candy but their daughter loves the magic and excitement of the holiday and wants them to see there's more to the holiday than potential health hazards.)
June 8, 2025
I had the utmost insane privilege of reading this book and WOW! What a book I wish came out when I was young so I had SPOOPS to grow up with.
I love Halloween so much and this ignites the feeling of the wonders and magic Halloween can bring without it being scary.
I was telling AJ how I NEED for this to be in Libraries and School everywhere so people can fall in love and love Halloween wholeheartedly.
What a treat this was. 10/10
I love Halloween so much and this ignites the feeling of the wonders and magic Halloween can bring without it being scary.
I was telling AJ how I NEED for this to be in Libraries and School everywhere so people can fall in love and love Halloween wholeheartedly.
What a treat this was. 10/10
July 20, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Spoops is an absolutely adorable rhyming picture book for children about a little girl called Holly who loves all things spooky and is getting all geared up for Halloween.
Unfortunately for Holly, her parents are both dentists, and they dislike Halloween and won't allow Holly to trick or treat, dress up, or celebrate in any shape or form. When her parents go to a convention on Halloween night, Holly makes a wish and the little Spoops ( adorable little spirits of Halloween) hear her and come to help.
This book is just adorable. Told in rhyming format and using a black, white, and orange palet of colours, this is the perfect Halloween story for any child.
Spoops is an absolutely adorable rhyming picture book for children about a little girl called Holly who loves all things spooky and is getting all geared up for Halloween.
Unfortunately for Holly, her parents are both dentists, and they dislike Halloween and won't allow Holly to trick or treat, dress up, or celebrate in any shape or form. When her parents go to a convention on Halloween night, Holly makes a wish and the little Spoops ( adorable little spirits of Halloween) hear her and come to help.
This book is just adorable. Told in rhyming format and using a black, white, and orange palet of colours, this is the perfect Halloween story for any child.
June 14, 2025
i saw this cute little graphic novel on netgalley and thought i'd give this a try and honestly i liked it!
the fmc and the spoops were actually adorable. i didn't really care for the parents thingy going on but the way they talked about halloween was cute.
the illustrations of people and the story itself weren't my favourite but the way the spoops were done was pretty good and were my favourite part of the book!
honestly if you want a seasonal read about halloween, this could be for you. a quick read about something you love is always nice!
the fmc and the spoops were actually adorable. i didn't really care for the parents thingy going on but the way they talked about halloween was cute.
the illustrations of people and the story itself weren't my favourite but the way the spoops were done was pretty good and were my favourite part of the book!
honestly if you want a seasonal read about halloween, this could be for you. a quick read about something you love is always nice!
August 6, 2025
This book was such a joy to read!! the spoops are so cute. The illustrations and rhyming story made this feel like an old nostalgic halloween tale. This is a story that I am sure people will be reading for generations to come. Get a cup of apple cider and snuggle up with this enchanting read you will not be dissapointed. thank you to netgalley for the ARC copy.
June 23, 2025
thank you to IDW Publishing for the advanced digital copy!
this one is out August 12th, 2025.
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i was always the kid who couldn’t sleep the night before halloween and felt more like me in spooky season than at any other time of year. it's hard when the people around you don't really get the obsession. that's what makes spoops so special.
this book feels like it was written for kids like i was, and for the grown-up versions of us who still feel a little left out when halloween is treated like an afterthought. holly's story captures that yearning so well. she's not after sugar, she's after magic. and with the help of the spoops, she gets it.
the rhyming verse is clever and warm, full of that classic read-aloud rhythm that makes it perfect for cozy october nights. the illustrations are gorgeous in a nostalgic, vintage-y way - black, white, and orange like an old halloween postcard brought to life. it feels like a book that could've existed decades ago, in the best possible sense.
this is a love letter to halloween, imagination, and all the kids (and adults) who feel most alive when things get a little spooky. i adored it.
this one is out August 12th, 2025.
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i was always the kid who couldn’t sleep the night before halloween and felt more like me in spooky season than at any other time of year. it's hard when the people around you don't really get the obsession. that's what makes spoops so special.
this book feels like it was written for kids like i was, and for the grown-up versions of us who still feel a little left out when halloween is treated like an afterthought. holly's story captures that yearning so well. she's not after sugar, she's after magic. and with the help of the spoops, she gets it.
the rhyming verse is clever and warm, full of that classic read-aloud rhythm that makes it perfect for cozy october nights. the illustrations are gorgeous in a nostalgic, vintage-y way - black, white, and orange like an old halloween postcard brought to life. it feels like a book that could've existed decades ago, in the best possible sense.
this is a love letter to halloween, imagination, and all the kids (and adults) who feel most alive when things get a little spooky. i adored it.
June 17, 2025
Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween resembles a children’s book from the first half of 20th century, but it’s actually a brand-new work by A.J. Locascio and Laurie A. Conley. A pair of married dentists bemoan Halloween as an assault on children’s teeth, but their 9-year-old daughter Holly Hollowell loves Halloween and everything spooky. Holly longs to go trick-or-treating like everyone else. When some tiny magical beings intervene, young readers will thoroughly enjoy those cute Spoops! And their solution is right out of the box.
This delightful throwback is destined to become a children’s classic, bound to be enjoyed by generations of children and their grownups, too.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, IDW Publishing and Top Shelf Productions in exchange for an honest review.
This delightful throwback is destined to become a children’s classic, bound to be enjoyed by generations of children and their grownups, too.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, IDW Publishing and Top Shelf Productions in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2025
As someone who loves Halloween but lives in a country where it’s not celebrated, Spoops felt like a sweet, spooky hug. Following Holly, a Halloween-loving protagonist, made me feel seen and understood—and honestly, I needed that.
The story is charming and heartwarming, with a message that really sticks with you in the best way., The illustrations are absolutely beautiful too. Spoops feel like the rhyming picture books I cherished as a kid. There’s a magic in the pages that reminds me of childhood, when stories felt like little worlds you could live in.
This book deserves a spot in every library. It’s cute, meaningful, and perfect for readers of all ages who want a bit of spooky joy in their lives.
The story is charming and heartwarming, with a message that really sticks with you in the best way., The illustrations are absolutely beautiful too. Spoops feel like the rhyming picture books I cherished as a kid. There’s a magic in the pages that reminds me of childhood, when stories felt like little worlds you could live in.
This book deserves a spot in every library. It’s cute, meaningful, and perfect for readers of all ages who want a bit of spooky joy in their lives.
July 13, 2025
A dull mash-up of The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
Holly Hollowell loves Halloween but isn't allowed to celebrate it because her parents -- both dentists -- hate that it fosters poor oral hygiene. But they leave her alone on the critical night so they can attend a dental tech convention. One wish over a magic pumpkin later and Holly is swarmed by little magical spirits -- the Spoops of the title -- who are decorating the whole house and creating a slew of jack-o-lanterns to give out to trick-or-treaters.
The reader is expected to be on the edge of their seat wondering if Holly will be caught or if the parents' hearts will grow two sizes that eve, but the rhymes are so flat and the story goes on so long -- a 74-page picture book? -- that even cute little Spoops can't keep it lively.
The art is nice, but its stiff, precise, retro vibe just sort of emphasizes the stolid, plodding nature of the rhymes and the predictability of the story.
Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
Holly Hollowell loves Halloween but isn't allowed to celebrate it because her parents -- both dentists -- hate that it fosters poor oral hygiene. But they leave her alone on the critical night so they can attend a dental tech convention. One wish over a magic pumpkin later and Holly is swarmed by little magical spirits -- the Spoops of the title -- who are decorating the whole house and creating a slew of jack-o-lanterns to give out to trick-or-treaters.
The reader is expected to be on the edge of their seat wondering if Holly will be caught or if the parents' hearts will grow two sizes that eve, but the rhymes are so flat and the story goes on so long -- a 74-page picture book? -- that even cute little Spoops can't keep it lively.
The art is nice, but its stiff, precise, retro vibe just sort of emphasizes the stolid, plodding nature of the rhymes and the predictability of the story.
Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
June 8, 2025
Dr. Seuss for Halloween!!
I would have killed for this book as a kid but I’m lucky to have it now 🧡🎃
Holly’s story is sure to bring on heart warming cozy fall feelings for any and all readers.
I would have killed for this book as a kid but I’m lucky to have it now 🧡🎃
Holly’s story is sure to bring on heart warming cozy fall feelings for any and all readers.
July 31, 2025
My first Netgalley ARC. I’m really thankful to the publisher for giving me the chance to read this early. This is a cozy mid grade story about a girl whose parents disapprove of her love for spooky, weird things. She’s not allowed to take part in the celebration, but one night silly little spirits called Spoops come to the rescue.
This book really captures the magic of Halloween perfectly and brings out the soul of autumn.
The artwork is wonderful, I love the color combination too. It’s minimalistic yet rich in detail.
This said, i do think some of the rhymes were a bit off, and a few of the words might be complicated for young readers.
If you are looking for a short, fun and easy read that describes the spirit of Halloween perfectly, this one is for you.
This book really captures the magic of Halloween perfectly and brings out the soul of autumn.
The artwork is wonderful, I love the color combination too. It’s minimalistic yet rich in detail.
This said, i do think some of the rhymes were a bit off, and a few of the words might be complicated for young readers.
If you are looking for a short, fun and easy read that describes the spirit of Halloween perfectly, this one is for you.
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October 30, 2026I'm always interested by the overlap between Hallowe'en and horror, and specifically the places it isn't. As in, this gets treated as the best time of year for horror in general, but there's lots of horror that doesn't feel remotely Hallowe'eny to me, right down to Halloween as in the film not being nearly as Hallowe'eny as Halloween 3. And equally, there's stuff that is extremely Hallowe'eny but not horror except in the most distant by-association way, such as Spoops. Spoops, it turns out, are the spirits of the season, who grow in the smallest gourds in pumpkin patches, and from that idea outwards this is essentially a Christmas story retooled for the other best festival, with a little girl whose parents disapprove of it having her wish to experience it for herself granted by the supernatural helpers, before the parents realise the error of their ways. I go back and forth on whether having said parents be dentists opposed to all the sweets involved was cowardly (given whingers in reality tend to be the followers of terrible upstart religions), or legit (given the amount of joyless ultra-processed crap widely spouted about 'wellness' these days); either way, the real problem with the writing is that it's in verse, firmly rhymed but with the syllable count all over the place in a way I struggle to buy as a fully thought-through choice. The art, on the other hand, bar an occasional stiffness to close-up human children, is delightful, exactly the sort of small-town autumnal American where we all know (thanks to Bradbury and Spielberg) that the season is most itself.
October 6, 2026
Perfectly encapsulates the feeling of a childhood Halloween. I love. 🎃
October 19, 2026
The sweetest Halloween story told in verse with the most fabulous vintage looking illustrations done in black, white, and orange! It was Halloween magic from start to finish. So fun!
September 9, 2025
I've been a longtime fan of Laurie Conley's art, and Spoops was every bit as fun and whimsical as I'd hoped it would be. The bold, clean black ink illustrations and limited color palate hearken back to children's books of the past. The story, about a little girl whose love of Halloween is simply misunderstood by her parents, is highly relatable for those of us who were the weird child that was extra obsessed with all things spooky and creepy. I adore everything about this book!
June 14, 2025
The cutest Halloween book!
Laurie Conley is one of my favourite ghostie/ grim reaper artists and this book did not disappoint with all the little spoops.
The story was adorable, giving Grinch vibes but Halloween!
thanks for the review copy. Can't wait to force everyone to buy this in September..🎃
Laurie Conley is one of my favourite ghostie/ grim reaper artists and this book did not disappoint with all the little spoops.
The story was adorable, giving Grinch vibes but Halloween!
thanks for the review copy. Can't wait to force everyone to buy this in September..🎃
July 5, 2025
”It’s the only time of year when spooky people can feel free! No judgement! No more hiding! Just be who you want to be!”
It’s no secret that Halloween is and will forever be my favorite holiday. Some people claim that the unofficial start of Halloween is the 5th of July. Pfft! I say Halloween is a lifestyle not a day.
This story was super cute. It’s about being who you are and enjoying things that you love. Not everyone is going to understand or like what you do but it’s great to encourage people to be themselves. Embrace your weird side!!
It’s no secret that Halloween is and will forever be my favorite holiday. Some people claim that the unofficial start of Halloween is the 5th of July. Pfft! I say Halloween is a lifestyle not a day.
This story was super cute. It’s about being who you are and enjoying things that you love. Not everyone is going to understand or like what you do but it’s great to encourage people to be themselves. Embrace your weird side!!
September 11, 2026
If you love to celebrate Halloween with more than candy this book is for you. The main character is adorable and so are the spirits. The art is beautiful. Combine the art with the rhyming text and you have a delightful read.
July 5, 2026
2.5 stars. First off, I expected something a helluva lot funnier from a book called Spoops.
The premise had promise: two dentists who dislike Halloween with a daughter who’s obsessed with it. There’s so much comic potential there. I kept waiting for Holly—or the Spoops themselves—to become a little more mischievous and lean into the chaos their name promises. Instead, they mostly carve pumpkins, which felt surprisingly tame. They also dig up the neighborhood dead, but I’m not convinced that’s the bedtime laugh young readers are looking for.
I was also intrigued by Laura Conley’s illustrations. She’s been illustrating for decades, and I definitely caught echoes of the picture books I grew up with—Maurice Sendak and Hildegard Slobodkina (Caps for Sale—and yeah I had to look that up lol) came to mind. But some of their layouts and perspectives had an oddly artificial feel that made me wonder if AI played a role. But maybe I’m just becoming overly AI-sus in my old age.
So imo, its promising premise and a nostalgic artistic influence weren’t quite enough to save this one. More a missed opportunity than a Halloween treat.
The premise had promise: two dentists who dislike Halloween with a daughter who’s obsessed with it. There’s so much comic potential there. I kept waiting for Holly—or the Spoops themselves—to become a little more mischievous and lean into the chaos their name promises. Instead, they mostly carve pumpkins, which felt surprisingly tame. They also dig up the neighborhood dead, but I’m not convinced that’s the bedtime laugh young readers are looking for.
I was also intrigued by Laura Conley’s illustrations. She’s been illustrating for decades, and I definitely caught echoes of the picture books I grew up with—Maurice Sendak and Hildegard Slobodkina (Caps for Sale—and yeah I had to look that up lol) came to mind. But some of their layouts and perspectives had an oddly artificial feel that made me wonder if AI played a role. But maybe I’m just becoming overly AI-sus in my old age.
So imo, its promising premise and a nostalgic artistic influence weren’t quite enough to save this one. More a missed opportunity than a Halloween treat.
June 14, 2025
Holly Hollowell loves Halloween. Ever since she was a baby, it's been her favourite time of year. Unfortunately, her mom and dad are both dentists, and to them, the holiday means candy and candy, which means cavities and dentists don't like cavities! All these things mean that for Holly, Halloween is banned! This year however, her parents are going out for the evening and Holly is determined to have a good time but even she couldn't have imagined, when she made a wish which the Sp.oops heard, just how her all hallows eve was going to go!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers IDW Publishing/Top Shelf Productions, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a beautiful book that could easily become both a classic Halloween title and a beloved family must read for autumn. The narrative bounces along. It's easy to read, scans well, and mentions all the things that children love about this slightly spooky holiday. The illustrations could not be better. They fit the words perfectly, and I, for one, would love there to be an accompanying colouring book. This comes highly recommended, and my copy is on pre-order.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers IDW Publishing/Top Shelf Productions, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a beautiful book that could easily become both a classic Halloween title and a beloved family must read for autumn. The narrative bounces along. It's easy to read, scans well, and mentions all the things that children love about this slightly spooky holiday. The illustrations could not be better. They fit the words perfectly, and I, for one, would love there to be an accompanying colouring book. This comes highly recommended, and my copy is on pre-order.
June 23, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the advanced copy.
Holly Hollowell loves Halloween but unfortunately she has two dentists for parents - two dentists staunchly against everything Halloween.
LoCascio has put together a fun little rhyming story about a little girl who loves Halloween more than anything and just wants to share that love with everyone, especially her parents. She just wants them to accept her for who she is: a spoopy little girl with spoopy interests. It's a simple but sweet story about loving people for who they are, even if the things they like are different from the things you like, because that's ok.
The poetry gets a little try-hard at time with rhymes stretching here and there but it's overall an incredibly cute read. The art is where the story truly shines though, with the illustrations resembling those of the children's books from the past. It's mainly black and white with gorgeous pops of orange, and I just LOVED it.
I'm absolutely buying this for my shelves, to share with my niblings who are the perfect age to love this book.
Holly Hollowell loves Halloween but unfortunately she has two dentists for parents - two dentists staunchly against everything Halloween.
LoCascio has put together a fun little rhyming story about a little girl who loves Halloween more than anything and just wants to share that love with everyone, especially her parents. She just wants them to accept her for who she is: a spoopy little girl with spoopy interests. It's a simple but sweet story about loving people for who they are, even if the things they like are different from the things you like, because that's ok.
The poetry gets a little try-hard at time with rhymes stretching here and there but it's overall an incredibly cute read. The art is where the story truly shines though, with the illustrations resembling those of the children's books from the past. It's mainly black and white with gorgeous pops of orange, and I just LOVED it.
I'm absolutely buying this for my shelves, to share with my niblings who are the perfect age to love this book.
June 29, 2025
4.5 stars
Holly loves Halloween but her parents are dentists and just can't get behind a holiday that promotes eating so much candy. When they leave for a dental convention on Halloween, Holly makes a wish on a carved pumpkin that she can celebrate this year. Little does she know, the Halloween spoops are listening and are determined to make her wish come true!
What an absolutely adorable graphic novel!! The art is STUNNING - such a beautiful "old school" children's book style in a gorgeous orange, black & white colour palette. The spoops are adorable and there is so much whimsy.
This is all told in rhyme so perfect for children. I think this does really feel like a Halloween version of the Grinch and is a perfect story for that time of year.
Reading this as an e-ARC wasn't totally ideal on my reader as I couldn't get the sense of the full scale of the beauty of the 2 page spreads so I will be picking up a physical copy when it's out for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Holly loves Halloween but her parents are dentists and just can't get behind a holiday that promotes eating so much candy. When they leave for a dental convention on Halloween, Holly makes a wish on a carved pumpkin that she can celebrate this year. Little does she know, the Halloween spoops are listening and are determined to make her wish come true!
What an absolutely adorable graphic novel!! The art is STUNNING - such a beautiful "old school" children's book style in a gorgeous orange, black & white colour palette. The spoops are adorable and there is so much whimsy.
This is all told in rhyme so perfect for children. I think this does really feel like a Halloween version of the Grinch and is a perfect story for that time of year.
Reading this as an e-ARC wasn't totally ideal on my reader as I couldn't get the sense of the full scale of the beauty of the 2 page spreads so I will be picking up a physical copy when it's out for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2025
This was such a cute Halloween story. We're following Holly who loves everything about Halloween, but her parents are dentists, and they don't like Halloween and won't let her trick or treat. One Halloween night her parents are gone to attend a dental conference, so she decides she is going to celebrate by herself. She gets a pumpkin and carves it and puts a candle in it and sits it on the window and makes a wish that she could celebrate Halloween like all the other children. Then the Spoops appear and make her wish come true. They use their magic and give her the best Halloween ever and they also help her parents see that Halloween isn't just about eating candy. I love the message behind the story and the artwork has a retro 80s vibe and was so nostalgic for me. Super cute book!
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. #SpoopsTheLittleSpiritsofHalloween #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. #SpoopsTheLittleSpiritsofHalloween #NetGalley
June 13, 2025
CUTEST BOOK IN ALL THE LAND!
For reals though, I don’t think I could love a children’s book more. If I hadn’t been a kiddo with parents who fully embraced Halloween growing up, I probably would’ve wept a little at how validating this story felt. At the heart of it, the message is universal - embrace your own strange self, believe in a little magic and kindness will always prevail.
I dare say I love the artwork more than the story itself but the rhyming, whimsical dance of words made for a perfect pairing. Every kid I know is getting a copy of this from me come October.
For reals though, I don’t think I could love a children’s book more. If I hadn’t been a kiddo with parents who fully embraced Halloween growing up, I probably would’ve wept a little at how validating this story felt. At the heart of it, the message is universal - embrace your own strange self, believe in a little magic and kindness will always prevail.
I dare say I love the artwork more than the story itself but the rhyming, whimsical dance of words made for a perfect pairing. Every kid I know is getting a copy of this from me come October.
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