The Little Ghost Who Didn't Like to Be Scary: A Halloween Picture Book

by Isla Wynter

Layla is a ghost, and ghosts are supposed to be scary. They’re supposed to haunt castles and shout BOOO!

But Layla would much rather play with her friends.

When Halloween approaches, she needs to decide whether she’s going to be a proper ghost or if there’s another way. One that doesn’t involve being scary.

A children's audiobook about a little ghost trying to figure out what’s right.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Audible Audio

Published October 17, 2019

About the author

​Isla Wynter lives in Scotland with a cute cat, a lonely pot plant (it used to be three) and a horde of imaginary friends.

She believes in unicorns and plans to one day convince the world of that fact. Even if she has to catch a unicorn herself.

Until then, she continues to write stories for children and young adults.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids (7) enjoyed this story. It really is such a good story for the kiddos. My daughter especially loved it because she’s a sweetheart like Laila the ghost. Will look for more books from the author.
I would also highly recommend picking up the audiobook. The narrator is great and we loved listening to the animals making noises and the background music. LOVE it.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go Your Own Way

This is a super cute very short story about a little ghost who wants to live its life in a much more positive light than ghosts typically do. It does not want to scare people. It wants to be helpful, industrious, and forge its own path, being true to itself. The audiobook is less than 5 minutes, I think, but the narrator does a good job and adds some special effects that make it more fun than just a straight reading. Perhaps you have a child who is getting resistance from others by simply acting from how they are hardwired, and this book will undoubtedly be supportive of them being their own unique little snowflake. If you have a little one who likes to be read to but would enjoy a voice different from their typical parent or caregiver, she or he may enjoy this sweet little story.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our family is so happy we have found this author. Isla Wynter is a wonderful storyteller. In this story we meet Layla and she is a ghost. Layla is different from the other ghosts. She doesn't like to be scary. Halloween is on the way and she doesn't know what to do. Layla soon discovers, with the help of a dear friend, that the right thing to do is what's best for her. She is so happy to be able to be nice and not scary, and to be herself. She creates a friendly and fun scene for Halloween and is so happy.
Truly adorable! A wonderful and important message for our little ones. A really creative little story. Simple illustrations are perfect for this story. Your family will adore this story and it will be a new Halloween tradition.
Makes a great Halloween gift.
Enjoy this meaningful story with your spooky little ones.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layla, the ghost, was quite different from the typical ghost stereotype. Rather than being scary or haunting, she was known for her kindness, friendliness, and helpful nature. Layla, the Friendly Ghost is a captivating read-aloud book, perfect for young children and students. It beautifully conveys the message that it's perfectly fine to embrace one's individuality and not feel pressured to conform to societal norms. I highly recommend this book for children aged three to eight, as it would make a valuable addition to both home and classroom libraries.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Little Ghost Who Didn't Like to Be Scary" is a delightful book that tells the story of Layla, a kind-hearted ghost who struggles to embrace the traditional role of scaring people.
Layla discovers that her true nature lies in kindness and compassion, not in frightening others. With the guidance of a wise old friend, she learns to embrace her unique personality and discover her own special way to make a positive impact on the world.
"The Little Ghost Who Didn't Like to Be Scary" is a charming and heartwarming story that celebrates individuality and encourages children to embrace their true selves.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joey Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was utterly adorable, a cute precious little ghost living in a castle and was supposed to be haunting it, didn’t like all the mean things she had to do. With great advice from an owl she chooses to be herself and not be mean.

I adore that this had a bigger message to teach children one that kindness is the best thing but also that they make the choice who they get to be.

It was super cute, I recommend if you are looking for a cute easy read with your children that you read this with them. It’s so sweet and has really cute illustrations too.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarily Wonderful!

The graphics in this story are simply beautiful - I loved black backgrounds and white/colour drawings. I loved the wise old owl’s advice in the story: you don’t have to conform, just like Layla the ghost, you can choose to act how you wish and be happy with your choices. My little guy really liked the story - another family favourite!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story that kids will enjoy. Beautiful illustrations to help tell the story. Families are going to love reading this book together. Really enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sweet-Unicorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is "the little ghost who didn't like to be scary". It is a very cute little children's storybook about a sweet ghost. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LatinAmericas · Rating 4 out of 5]

v¡A cute story about be yourself and don`t let other people tell who you want be.

Just perfect for kids on Halloween days.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheyenne Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been read over and over by my 8 year old to her little sister and she loves it so much. They both love it and it is an adorable little book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book to read to small children about not having to conform, and being yourself. The beavers loved it.

[Gilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet wee book for Halloween

[Monica M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute illustrated book :)

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little story about not being afraid to be yourself. The illustrations were cute and matched the story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned:
“Layla oiled the gate so it would no longer creak”

Simple but cute! Can be read on a deeper level if preferred, as control is rarely far from our own hands

[Sherry Priddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cute Halloween story. My daughter enjoyed it too. Cute pictures. Who doesn't love a non scary ghost?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Little Ghost who didn’t like to be Scary
Author: Isla Wynter narrated by Barry Dean Evans
Publisher: Peryton Press
ISBN: B07X9PWWJ9
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Layla is a ghost and ghosts are supposed to be scary. They’re supposed to haunt castles and shout BOOO!
But Layla would much rather play with her friends.
When Halloween approaches, she needs to decide whether she’s going to be a proper ghost or if there’s another way. One that doesn’t involve being scary.
A picture book about a little ghost trying to figure out what’s right.


Total Score: 5/5

Summary:
This was a short story about a little ghost who wanted to make friends. This was a perfect short audiobook young children who love the Halloween season. Layla had to decide between tricks or treats as all children do, but this allows them to see that there can be more to Halloween than just candy. This is a wonderful edition to the season for children of all ages.

[Suzanne Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little ghost has a problem. He thinks he is suppose to be scary and know what todo but he does not want to. This makes him unhappy.

What a wonderful book for young children. The illustrations are great, not too scary yet creative and interesting. The storyline is easy to read and at a suitable level for the target audience. But the best thing about the the book is the message that we all do not have to be the same and do the same things. We need to be comfortable and that leads to happiness. I also liked the fact that the ghost took active steps to make the house what he felt it should be. This book fosters the idea of uniqueness and hard work to make your dreams come true. Great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherri Geisler Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute sweet little story that you could read to your little ones. Lots of wonderful illustrations that they will enjoy looking at. Of course for the sake of the illustrations I recommend using a tablet or something with a much larger screen than my little phone I read it on so they can see the whole picture without scrolling about lol But I think little ones will love it, not in any way scary at all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute, age appropriate story. I read it to my 5 year old and he enjoyed it. He thought the pictures were scary, because they were black and white, however he loved the cat and the pumpkin. I thought this book taught a good lesson about being who you are and not who you are supposed to be. The owl really was wise.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[flightyinagoodway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla is the most precious ghost ever. I would definitely read this story to any little ones in my life. At any time, but especially around October. Very Dr. Seuss like tale. After all who says Halloween has to be scary?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perfectly written and illustrated and every child who was near enough to hear this story while I read it to my little ones, cheered for more! Great book for kids!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this cute sweet ghost! Teaches a very important lesson! Such a great lesson to teach children. Loved all the little characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A.L. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute kid book

My kid really liked this one. I don’t usually rate kid books on here but we happened to read this one on the ipad and it was a really cute story about a ghost who didn’t want to be scary. Super cute illustrations too.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message is great. I liked this quick, feel good treat.

I received a free copy of this book, and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.