The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise

A Little Ghost Quilt Book

by Riel Nason, Byron Eggenschwiler (Illustrator)

When you're a quilt instead of a sheet, being a ghost is hard! But it does mean you can float around in cold weather . . . an adorable picture book about a ghost who wants to share the magic of the season with his chilly sheet friends.

The little ghost quilt loves being out in the cold. For once, he doesn't overheat, and he likes how the snowflakes make his patches look polka-dotted. His friends, who are sheets, get too cold in the winter weather and have to stay inside, but the little ghost quilt doesn't mind. He enjoys slowly drifting along on his own. 

On one of his frosty flights, he sees something happening in the town. People are putting up warm, twinkling lights, and there's a fun festive feeling everywhere — like Halloween, his favorite season, but with snowmen and wreaths and candles in windows instead of pumpkins. He is filled with excitement and happiness looking at all the beautiful decorations and joyous people, yet he can't help but feel sad that his friends can't be there. 

But then, after almost getting caught in a blizzard, the little ghost quilt is struck by inspiration . . .

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Childrens, Ghosts, Holiday, Halloween, Fiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published August 26, 2025

About the author

Riel Nason writes for both children and adults. She lives in NB, Canada with her family.

Reviews

[Francisca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sequel to The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt, the Little Ghost Quilt Winter Surprise is a charming picture book.

The story has both moments of tension, like when the Little Ghost must face the elements despite his quilting nature putting him at a disadvantage, and moments of happy relief, as when the same quilting nature allows this little ghost to go where no other ghost has gone before.

The illustrations, by Byron Eggenschwiler, are charming and evocative. I particularly liked the landscapes, crafted with care to immerse us in the silence and cold of midwinter days.

All that said, I found this book a lesser read to its predecessor. They’re both really sweet and funny books, but this one was not as surprising as the first.

[Dona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book from Netgalley because I like children's books with excellent artwork and a unique take on an idea. I love the concept of the winter time ghost, who flies about and stays warm even in the snow. A little fish-out-of-water who discovers a new way to celebrate being with his other ghostie friends. The story teaches empathy and creativity, as Ghost Quilt strives to understand his friends' limitations while also pursuing their company. The story also teaches how adopting and expressing culture that isn't yours can be a respectful and beautiful practice.

I recommend this beautiful kids book (48 pages) to parents of 5 to 8 years olds and anyone who enjoys great illustration and well-written kids lit.

Thank you to the authors Riel Nason and Byron Eggenschwiler, Tundra Books, and NetGalley for a digital arc of THE LITTLE GHOST QUILT'S WINTER SURPRISE. All views are mine.

[Preslee Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Tundra Books for this ARC!! Sometimes you gotta add a children’s book into the mix and appreciate the artwork!

This was the CUTEST little story about a ghost who is made out of quilt instead of a sheet and his journey through snowy land and Christmas towns! The ghost gets to experience Christmas spirits at their full since he is able to go outside, his other ghostly family members are unable to since they are made out of sheets :( he feels left out but in the end realizes that he can contribute more to his family and provide them with Christmas cheer as they stay indoors to avoid the heavy snow.

Such as cute children’s book and idea!! I absolutely loved it!!! 10/10

[Miranda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The little ghost who was a quilt loved flying outside in the wintertime."

Our little ghostie is baaaaaack!!! In this one, the seasons have progressed and our ghostie really gets to enjoy the cold snowy December weather...only one problem.

"Most ghosts spent the colder months indoors. They made crafts, played ghostly games, and read boooooks."

Our little ghost has so much fun outside but his friends, who were made of lightweight sheets, would get too cold in that weather.

One day while he was wandering near the human homes, he stumbles upon something grand.

"In the distance, he could see colorful twinkling lights. ... The humans were obviously celebrating something very special."

And soon the little ghost quilt has an idea...one that will surely brighten up all the other ghosts' days!

Ahhh...this is one of those very rare cases where the sequel was actually better than the first.

Don't get me wrong - I adored the first but I love the second.

The story was so enjoyable to read! I had so much fun following around the little ghost quilt as he discovered what the humans were up to in December.

The illustrations were amazing this round - I could not get over how beautiful all the Christmas lights were and how cute our little ghost quilt was as he did his spy work and set about making the holidays happen for his friends.

I really hope the author continues this series. I cannot wait to read more.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Ghost Quilt returns in this follow-up to his initial picture book adventure, this time enjoying the delights of the winter season. Unlike his friends, who are all made of sheets, and who find cold weather too much to bear, our spectral hero enjoys the snow and cold, cushioned by his thicker fabric. Then one day he sees lights in the distance, and discover that the humans in town are celebrating some kind of marvelous holiday, putting up and decorating trees, baking cookies, and generally seeming to have a wonderful time. Delighted at this discovery, the Little Ghost Quilt wonders how he can share it with his friends, who are unable to venture out. Can he bring this celebration to them...?

Having greatly enjoyed author Riel Nason and illustrator Byron Eggenschwiler's The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt , I was quite excited to pick up The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise, and I was not disappointed! This winsome little spook, so different from the other ghosts in some ways, but fast friends with them all the same, has a lovely first Christmas here, and I loved pretty much everything about it! I loved that once again our ghostly hero's material sets him apart and gives him different experiences, and that he uses this to bring something wonderful and new to his friends. This isn't really a story about Christmas, as such, but about the Christmas trappings, as experienced by beings with no familiarity with them, and I loved that fact, as it made the outsider perspective feel truer and more convincing. Of course, I loved the homemade Christmas tree and decorations dreamt up by the Little Ghost Quilt and friends. Last, but certainly not least, I loved the visuals here, with the subtle but appealing color scheme, the use of light and shadow—that scene in which our ghost sits atop the clock tower, outlines in lights, is just marvelous!—and the adorable little specters. A lovely little seasonal tale, one I would recommend to young ghost lovers looking for holiday stories, as well as to readers who enjoyed this character's previous adventure.

[Julia Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the CUTEST little illustrated ghost story…a perfect & cozy read once the fall weather starts to arrive!💫🔮💫

[Josephina · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️4.5 stars

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My almost 4 year old, my 6 year old and I LOVE the Ghost who was a Quilt! When I saw this on Net Galley I knew I had to ask for it! When we read this tonight, my children immediately asked for me to read it again!

We will be buying this book!! The writing is amazing for expanding children’s vocabulary. As a preschool educator this book is wonderfully written. The illustrations are exceptional! I loved the Christmas theme but from a Halloween perspective. It was wonderful and I will suggest this to everyone I know!

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC. It was worth every page! My children were so excited! They already want the book at our house!

[☆ Mya ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOOOO CUTE!!!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this follow-up to the first little ghost quilt book! It is winter, and the holidays are coming. Little Ghost wants to bring some of the magic to his friends. Sweet story with wonderful illustrations.

[Kristina Coop-a-Loop · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise is just as cute and sweet and funny as the previous book. Little Quilt Ghost is in his element in the winter due to his heavy quilt. It keeps him warm and he can float and zip through the chill winter air much longer and further than his white-sheeted ghost friends. One day while zipping over town, he spies Christmas decorations. He loves the blinking multi-colored lights and is sad that his friends will not be able to see them. What he does he do? Well, only what a sweet quilt ghost would do, of course! He creates Christmas decorations for his friends in his home using odds and ends of glittering jewelry he finds in the attic and a large pine tree branch.

Merry Christmas ghosts!
Very cute story with lively illustrations. Fun for kids and adults.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt became one of my favourite children's books when I read it a few years ago. The art style and story have always been so sweet and if you know me in real life you know I adore all things cute and creepy, so a cute story about a ghost is always right up my alley! When I found out there was a sequel coming out in the new year I just had to request an arc of it and I am so happy that I did! I had a smile on my face the entire time reading it. I love the illustrations so much, there were so many times I would turn the page and instantly go "Awwwe!!" Introducing the concept of Christmas to the little ghosts was a genius idea and made it a perfect Boxing day read! The story was heartwarming, I will never get over what a big heart such a little ghost has! I can't recommend this book enough and I cannot wait to purchase a copy for myself and one for my nephew when it comes out in 2025!

*Thank you so much to Netgalley, Riel Nason and Penguin Random House for providing this arc to me in exchange for an honest review*

[Gina House · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am completely in love with Riel Nason's Little Ghost Quilt character! 😍❤️🎄👻

Not only are the richly and sweetly illustrated pages a dream to flip through, but the story is so very lovely and touching. Every single page is a huggable piece of art—both in words and pictures. I borrowed both this book (and the Halloween book) from the library, but I really need to buy them for my own collection.

An absolutely must read for anyone of any age...especially if you love ghosts, quilts and books about Christmas. Highly, highly recommended!!

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another simply adorable story about the little ghost who was a quilt. It has the same charming illustration style with so many details in the artwork. It’s such a sweet story about making others happy and bringing some beauty to the world.

I love the crossover of spooky-cute ghosts and wintery holiday fun, Christmas trees, and decor. The little ghost is such a lovable character, I hope there will be more in this series, it will be a wonderful addition to my little free library!

Thank you again, Riel Nason, Penguin Random House, and Net Galley for this sweet story.

[Katie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book! I loved the first Ghost Quilt book, so when I found out there was going to be a winter themed one, I NEEDED it. It's like a whimsical amalgamation of spooky season and yuletide 💙

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable ghost story with adorable illustrations! 🩵 Then end liners are the quilt ghost’s blue patchwork quilt! 🩵🩵🩵

[Sue Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was first posted on October 3rd at https://miramichireader.ca/author/sue...

The little ghost who was a quilt has found his season in The Little Ghost Quilt’s Winter Surprise. His friends in sheets may have to stay inside because it’s too cold, but for him, his heavy quilt keeps him cozy and warm. One evening, in December, while his friends were staying warm inside reading “booooks”, he floated off to visit the neighbouring human town. He had previously visited the town in October when it was all decked out for Halloween. He didn’t expect to see skeletons and pumpkins still, but to his delight, he did find colourful twinkling lights and festive decorations. The community looked so fun and joyful, it gave him such happiness. But the Little Ghost Quilt was also sad that his friends were missing out. On his flight home, he was struck with inspiration on how to share this celebration with them.

Another adorable story by New Brunswick author and quilter Riel Nason, a follow-up to her debut picture book, The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt. It should be noted that even though there are ghosts in these stories, they are not at all scary for kids. The possible spin-off craft activities with this amazing picture book are almost endless and would appeal to any daycare and preschool during the holiday season. Even though it is advertised as targeting the three-to-seven age group, I know the adults reading Riel Nason’s stories will also experience enjoyment and be entertained.

The illustrations by Calgary-native Byron Eggenschwiler were wonderful, complementing and expanding the storyline on each of the pages. The Little Ghost Quilt’s colours make him the focal point on each of the pages he appears on. I particularly admired the illustration of a tired Little Ghost Quilt. The illustrations invite conversations about the storyline with each turn of the page.

This story about friendship and the spirit of the holidays will bring joy to those who read it this coming holiday season. I hope there are plans to write another book about the adventures of the Little Ghost Quilt.

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this series is so cute. I would love to see more "adventures" with this sweet little quilt ghost. In the first book we saw the quilt and watched him embrace his differences from the other sheet ghosts. In this book it does sort of reinforce the fact that he is different but still wants to find and do things with his fellow ghosts.

He is a little lonely because it's winter and since he is a heavier material being outside doesn't impact him in the same way as his friends. His friends are all hanging out inside and he's still out playing and adventuring in the snow.

The little quilt ghost stumbles upon some humans and he is really inspired by how the are decorating the trees. He decides that he wants to bring this joy inside to his friends. This aspect of the story kind of gave off nightmare before Christmas vibes but not as creepy, more cutesy.

The illustrations in this are beautiful. The story is sweet. I can't think of any reason it shouldn't have a spot on your shelves and be a winter tale staple for your kids!

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Ghost Quilt loves flying around at night in winter, but his sheet ghost friends don't like the cold. They stay inside, craft and read. And though the Little Ghost Quilt enjoys these activities, he wants to share the outside with his friends.

When he sees a town all beautifully decorated for Christmas, he gets a bright idea, and after a storm, brings home a huge tree branch, and suggests his friends begin crafting…

There is one scary moment in this story, but there is also so much beauty and friendship. The story is sweet and heartwarming, as Little Ghost Quilt and his friends share something beautiful together.

I adore the illustrations, which convey so much emotion and energy. The near empty landscapes really helped me feel the chill of winter, but also the incredible beauty of that time of year.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Tundra Book Group for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The little ghost who was a quilt loves going outside in winter, but his friends, who are thin sheets, prefer to stay indoors. And that's why they have never seen the world decorated with festive evergreens and twinkling lights. The ghost quilt really wants to share this holiday magic with his friends, but he can't think of a way to make it fun for his friends to go out. So instead, he finds a way to bring the holidays to them.

I loved the first ghost quilt book, and I wasn't sure anything could top it, but this book is at least as adorable and just as cozy. The illustrations are a lovely blend of soft and spooky, and the text is easy to read with a lot of lovely details. I smiled as I read the ending, and I'm feeling inspired about my own holiday decorating for next year.

A Huge thank you to Tundra Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Simanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who love the first book in what I suppose I have to now call a series, this will be joy.
A heartwarming return to the already adorable world of ghosts who are literally made of fabric, we find our patchwork hero discovering winter holidays, and problem solving a way to share them with his friends.
Non denominational in a very school friendly way, with overriding themes of problem solving, bravery, creativity, and a giving spirit (pun intended). The only real drawbacks I can state are that you definitely need to have read the first, Halloween focused book, and that this one shares the same timing problem one might have with The Nightmare before Christmas. Do you read it to them at Halloween? During winter holidays? Split the difference around Thanksgiving, which it does not allude to?
I love it, and I did the latter.

[Reading_seas0n · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Tundra Book Group | Tundra Books and NetGalley, for the early access. Here is my honest review!

As I get older and I watch my friends' kids and my nieces get older, I find a more genuine appreciation for the small & simple tales.
This story shows that uniqueness is not a hindrance but a blessing waiting to happen.
We all have things that make us special. Sometimes, it's being a quilt with many layers and colors, and having someone show you in a moment, you least expect how splendid you are.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Little Ghost that was a Quilt last year and absolutely loved it! So when I saw that this was up for review, I just had to read it! This book is so charming, and we get to see more of Little Ghost Quilt and his friends. The art is so beautiful, and the story is simple, without feeling like it might be talking down to children. Seeing all the ghosts celebrate Christmas was both creepy and cute! I recommend this for if you're looking for a good fun read or if you have littles!

Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Book Group for the e-arc of this gorgeous picture book!

Judging by the title and cover art alone I knew I needed to request this little book and I’m so glad I did! It’s a beautiful, kind story of friendship and inclusion that would make anyone smile. The illustrations were impeccably done and I love the Christmas setting along with the ghosts that makes it perfect for fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas

Go out and buy this book when it comes out, read it and display it around your home. The compliments will be never ending

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little ghost is so dang cute, I love the illustrations, so much detail.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An instant holiday classic. The story is suspenseful and cute, and the illustrations are so damn good.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so darling!

[Tamara Morrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a super cute book
would recommend to anyone

should be apart of every childs library

[Danny Hacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book that’s a beautiful coffee table book for the holidays! Can not wait to read this to my baby nephew!

[Carol Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO ADORABLE!!!