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Little Ghost
Little Ghost's Summerween
Little Ghost tries to pick the perfect party theme for his summer birthday in this charming picture book companion to Little Ghost Makes a Friend by bestselling author-illustrator Maggie Edkins Willis.
Little Ghost loves parties, but he’s only ever had the Halloween kind! After attending his first ever birthday party, Little Ghost decides to throw one of his own. His good friend Anya says his party should celebrate Little Ghost and what he likes most. That’s easy—Little Ghost loves Halloween with all its bats, black cats, candy corn, and pumpkins. There’s just one it’s summertime. And Halloween and summer just don’t mix…or do they?
Little Ghost loves parties, but he’s only ever had the Halloween kind! After attending his first ever birthday party, Little Ghost decides to throw one of his own. His good friend Anya says his party should celebrate Little Ghost and what he likes most. That’s easy—Little Ghost loves Halloween with all its bats, black cats, candy corn, and pumpkins. There’s just one it’s summertime. And Halloween and summer just don’t mix…or do they?
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2026
About the author
Maggie Edkins Willis
10 books33 followersMaggie Edkins Willis grew up on the southern coast of Maine and studied design and art history at Penn. For seven years, she worked in-house for two major children’s publishers, designing, art directing, and illustrating dozens of covers. She worked on Newbery Medal-winners, Printz Honor recipients, a National Book Award shortlisted title, and numerous New York Times bestsellers.
A full-time author/illustrator, Maggie lives in New Jersey with her family.
A full-time author/illustrator, Maggie lives in New Jersey with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 3, 2026
Lovely little ghost story for Summer fun and birthday wishes.
June 5, 2026
Little summerween perfection! I adored the story and the artwork is incredible. I checked Little Ghost’s Summerween out from the library and definitely want a copy of my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a spooktacular delight! Little Ghost’s Summerween is pure heart wrapped in pumpkins and sprinkled with candy corn. Maggie Edkins Willis has created a story that is both gently funny and deeply affirming, reminding kids that the very best celebrations are the ones that honor who you truly are.
Little Ghost is utterly endearing as he navigates nerves, friendship, and the big question of how to celebrate himself. The message about staying true to what makes you YOU feels organic and warm, never heavy-handed. And the Summerween twist? Absolutely inspired.
Sweet, sparkly, and full of charm, this book is a joyful read-aloud that celebrates friendship, individuality, and a little bit of spooky fun in every season. (I received an ARC from the publisher.)
Little Ghost is utterly endearing as he navigates nerves, friendship, and the big question of how to celebrate himself. The message about staying true to what makes you YOU feels organic and warm, never heavy-handed. And the Summerween twist? Absolutely inspired.
Sweet, sparkly, and full of charm, this book is a joyful read-aloud that celebrates friendship, individuality, and a little bit of spooky fun in every season. (I received an ARC from the publisher.)
July 30, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy. This was such a sweet story.
July 16, 2026
I have to say, this book was really cute, with a simple yet effective plot against the backdrop of a really interesting series premise, even being a little innovative along the way. We open to Little Ghost, who gets an invitation to a party. He and his mother have haunted the house they live in for a hundred years, though they occupy it like humans would as if they were still alive, complete with bedrooms such as Little Ghost’s bedroom, which looks really good. And the ghosts are certainly not scary looking, with their designs being archetypical bed sheet ghosts. It’s very simple, but it works really well for a picture book.
Little Ghost has only ever celebrated Halloween parties, though Anya, his human companion, encourages him to go to the birthday party to get out of his comfort zone and try something new. Anya’s design is adorable. Her almost chibi-like shape is super cute, and I especially love how her hair frames most of her body. Willis’s art style in general is lovely, with the shifting thickness of her lines and the childlike designs feeling like the drawings of a really skilled child artist, which fits the tone of the series really nicely. From the first exchange Anya and Little Ghost have, they speak in word balloons, which I found very surprising. I’ve never seen a picture book that uses the language of comics before. It actually makes a lot of sense for Willis since she also writes graphic novels, so if there’s anyone who can get innovative, it’s her.
The montage of Little Ghost trying to have fun at the party was funny. But the experience changes him enough to the point that he wants to have his own birthday party. But he has trouble deciding what he wants the theme of his party to be, since he loves Halloween-themed stuff and figures it’s weird to celebrate anything Halloween-related during the summer. That’s when his mother suggests that he simply celebrates what speaks the most to him. I like what Little Ghost ultimately opts to do, suggesting that more intimate moments with others was what mattered to him more than anything else. But then his mother suggests he head outside, which leads to a reveal that comes out of nowhere. The point seems to be that the reader discovers what Summerween is through Little Ghost’s experiences, and it was handled pretty well.
Ultimately, Little Ghost’s Summerween is a cute and simple, yet effective and innovative story about staying true to yourself even for things as small as a party. It shows how you shouldn’t have to worry about expressing the truest version of yourself if you think that the context doesn’t suit the situation, that throwing a party is more about the time you spend with those closest to you than the festivities themselves, and how those closest to you can help assure you that there was nothing to worry about to begin with. This book will absolutely serve as a perfect introduction to Summerween for kids, and it could even give them ideas on how to celebrate it, in a way that’s more fun than if they discovered it through an article on the Internet.
For more children’s book reviews and other content, check out the blog of a children's book writer and illustrator at the Naimoli Children’s Books Blog!
Little Ghost has only ever celebrated Halloween parties, though Anya, his human companion, encourages him to go to the birthday party to get out of his comfort zone and try something new. Anya’s design is adorable. Her almost chibi-like shape is super cute, and I especially love how her hair frames most of her body. Willis’s art style in general is lovely, with the shifting thickness of her lines and the childlike designs feeling like the drawings of a really skilled child artist, which fits the tone of the series really nicely. From the first exchange Anya and Little Ghost have, they speak in word balloons, which I found very surprising. I’ve never seen a picture book that uses the language of comics before. It actually makes a lot of sense for Willis since she also writes graphic novels, so if there’s anyone who can get innovative, it’s her.
The montage of Little Ghost trying to have fun at the party was funny. But the experience changes him enough to the point that he wants to have his own birthday party. But he has trouble deciding what he wants the theme of his party to be, since he loves Halloween-themed stuff and figures it’s weird to celebrate anything Halloween-related during the summer. That’s when his mother suggests that he simply celebrates what speaks the most to him. I like what Little Ghost ultimately opts to do, suggesting that more intimate moments with others was what mattered to him more than anything else. But then his mother suggests he head outside, which leads to a reveal that comes out of nowhere. The point seems to be that the reader discovers what Summerween is through Little Ghost’s experiences, and it was handled pretty well.
Ultimately, Little Ghost’s Summerween is a cute and simple, yet effective and innovative story about staying true to yourself even for things as small as a party. It shows how you shouldn’t have to worry about expressing the truest version of yourself if you think that the context doesn’t suit the situation, that throwing a party is more about the time you spend with those closest to you than the festivities themselves, and how those closest to you can help assure you that there was nothing to worry about to begin with. This book will absolutely serve as a perfect introduction to Summerween for kids, and it could even give them ideas on how to celebrate it, in a way that’s more fun than if they discovered it through an article on the Internet.
For more children’s book reviews and other content, check out the blog of a children's book writer and illustrator at the Naimoli Children’s Books Blog!
June 13, 2026
Little Ghost has attended his very first birthday party and decides he wants one of his own. His friend Anya gives him the most beautifully simple advice: the party should celebrate what Little Ghost loves most. And of course, what Little Ghost loves most is Halloween - bats, black cats, candy corn, pumpkins, the whole gloriously spooky lot. The small snag? It's the middle of summer.
What unfolds is a genuinely delightful little story about identity, creativity, and the joy of refusing to be boxed in by expectations. Maggie Edkins Willis has a wonderful instinct for the interior logic of childhood like of course you can have Halloween in summer. Why wouldn't you? The solution Little Ghost lands on (a "Summerween" party) is exactly the kind of lateral thinking that picture books do best: it validates kids who feel like they don't quite fit the calendar of normal celebrations.
The illustrations are where this book truly shines. The art is soft, warm, and wonderfully atmospheric , she somehow makes a ghost in sunlight feel just as cosy as a ghost by candlelight. The visual contrast between summer brightness and Halloween's signature palette is handled with real skill and makes every page a small pleasure to linger on.
If I have one quibble, it's that the emotional arc resolves a little quickly. A beat or two of genuine doubt for Little Ghost would have made the triumph feel even sweeter. But for the picture book format and its intended audience, the pacing works just fine.
Reading this genuinely made me think about my own upcoming birthday , am I planning something that actually reflects me, or just defaulting to what birthdays are "supposed" to look like? Little Ghost would say: throw the Summerween. I think he's right.
A sweet, visually lovely read for anyone who's ever felt like their favourite things don't fit the season.
What unfolds is a genuinely delightful little story about identity, creativity, and the joy of refusing to be boxed in by expectations. Maggie Edkins Willis has a wonderful instinct for the interior logic of childhood like of course you can have Halloween in summer. Why wouldn't you? The solution Little Ghost lands on (a "Summerween" party) is exactly the kind of lateral thinking that picture books do best: it validates kids who feel like they don't quite fit the calendar of normal celebrations.
The illustrations are where this book truly shines. The art is soft, warm, and wonderfully atmospheric , she somehow makes a ghost in sunlight feel just as cosy as a ghost by candlelight. The visual contrast between summer brightness and Halloween's signature palette is handled with real skill and makes every page a small pleasure to linger on.
If I have one quibble, it's that the emotional arc resolves a little quickly. A beat or two of genuine doubt for Little Ghost would have made the triumph feel even sweeter. But for the picture book format and its intended audience, the pacing works just fine.
Reading this genuinely made me think about my own upcoming birthday , am I planning something that actually reflects me, or just defaulting to what birthdays are "supposed" to look like? Little Ghost would say: throw the Summerween. I think he's right.
A sweet, visually lovely read for anyone who's ever felt like their favourite things don't fit the season.
May 19, 2026
The thrill of birthday parties meets sunshine, friendship, and spooky nods in a read perfect for Summer.
Little Ghost just received his very first invitation to a birthday party ever! He's always enjoyed Halloween parties, but now, that he has human friends, things are changing. And he's nervous. Luckily, his friend Anya has been invited, too, and can help him with the adventure. Highs and lows hit, but his first birthday party leads to something more. He wants to throw his own birthday party, and he's not sure how to pull it off, especially since it's still summer time.
This is the second book in the Little Ghost series, and now, we meet the Little Ghost as he already has a best friend in Anya and has made several other friends. While he is a ghost...and cute, his situation is also one readers will be able to identify with. He's excited to go to a birthday party but, at the same time, is very nervous and unsure. This desire to want to do everything right makes him relatable and easy to cheer for, especially with Anya's golden friendship at his side. And the end slides in a lovely message about also staying true to yourself to wrap things up nicely.
The illustrations bring across the scenes with details and life, making each one enjoyable to revisit and discover something new each time. Even when Little Ghost is down, the atmosphere remains positive the entire way through. The text fits nicely to the age group and creates a good read-aloud. The plot moves along quickly, making it interesting for even more impatient listeners.
It's a lovely tale, and it will be fun to see what Little Ghost and Anya experience next.
Little Ghost just received his very first invitation to a birthday party ever! He's always enjoyed Halloween parties, but now, that he has human friends, things are changing. And he's nervous. Luckily, his friend Anya has been invited, too, and can help him with the adventure. Highs and lows hit, but his first birthday party leads to something more. He wants to throw his own birthday party, and he's not sure how to pull it off, especially since it's still summer time.
This is the second book in the Little Ghost series, and now, we meet the Little Ghost as he already has a best friend in Anya and has made several other friends. While he is a ghost...and cute, his situation is also one readers will be able to identify with. He's excited to go to a birthday party but, at the same time, is very nervous and unsure. This desire to want to do everything right makes him relatable and easy to cheer for, especially with Anya's golden friendship at his side. And the end slides in a lovely message about also staying true to yourself to wrap things up nicely.
The illustrations bring across the scenes with details and life, making each one enjoyable to revisit and discover something new each time. Even when Little Ghost is down, the atmosphere remains positive the entire way through. The text fits nicely to the age group and creates a good read-aloud. The plot moves along quickly, making it interesting for even more impatient listeners.
It's a lovely tale, and it will be fun to see what Little Ghost and Anya experience next.
Read
May 25, 2026See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/little-gho...
LITTLE GHOST'S SUMMERWEEN is a sweet picture book about friendship and celebration. When Little Ghost is invited to a birthday party, he is not sure what it is all about - ghosts don't have birthdays! However, what he finds is pretty amazing with a special celebration, lots of friends, and things all tailored to the birthday person.
He decides to have his own birthday party, but he is having trouble picking a theme, since all the things he likes are Halloween-related. In the end, his friends come together to throw him a Summerween party with costumes and all the things he likes, including pumpkins.
What I loved: This is a sweet and gentle story of friendship and coming together. Little Ghost is a relatable character who wants to have a party but is having trouble placing his theme. When the planning starts to get overwhelming, he relies on his parents and his best friend. Everything works out beautifully and they have the party that is perfect for Little Ghost.
The illustrations are in muted colors that work well with the gentle themes and storyline. The details are fantastic, and there is a lot to visually explore on each page. The book reads smoothly and is great for toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary school readers who can enjoy the story, characters, and images.
Final verdict: LITTLE GHOST'S SUMMERWEEN is a charming and adorable picture book about friendship and being true to yourself, great for young readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
LITTLE GHOST'S SUMMERWEEN is a sweet picture book about friendship and celebration. When Little Ghost is invited to a birthday party, he is not sure what it is all about - ghosts don't have birthdays! However, what he finds is pretty amazing with a special celebration, lots of friends, and things all tailored to the birthday person.
He decides to have his own birthday party, but he is having trouble picking a theme, since all the things he likes are Halloween-related. In the end, his friends come together to throw him a Summerween party with costumes and all the things he likes, including pumpkins.
What I loved: This is a sweet and gentle story of friendship and coming together. Little Ghost is a relatable character who wants to have a party but is having trouble placing his theme. When the planning starts to get overwhelming, he relies on his parents and his best friend. Everything works out beautifully and they have the party that is perfect for Little Ghost.
The illustrations are in muted colors that work well with the gentle themes and storyline. The details are fantastic, and there is a lot to visually explore on each page. The book reads smoothly and is great for toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary school readers who can enjoy the story, characters, and images.
Final verdict: LITTLE GHOST'S SUMMERWEEN is a charming and adorable picture book about friendship and being true to yourself, great for young readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2026
So cute. I wish I had gotten this one earlier, so first step: add to calendar
June 22 if you are a Gravity Falls Fan
31st July just because it feels right (3 months before Halloween) last week of July perfect for pool Halloween movie marathons that can last all August
April 31st or May 1: it's Half-O-Ween for the Hardcore fans (6 months before Halloween)
Now that we have all dates this is the cutest what theme biryhday-party-should-I have-i-like-halloween-but-it's-not-halloween-yet. What a great way to celebrate friends by pleasing them with a variation of what they like most, adapting is the core here. And sticking to what we like as well, don't let others put you down because tastes are different. Friendship is inclusive, just like this little hug of a book is.
June 22 if you are a Gravity Falls Fan
31st July just because it feels right (3 months before Halloween) last week of July perfect for pool Halloween movie marathons that can last all August
April 31st or May 1: it's Half-O-Ween for the Hardcore fans (6 months before Halloween)
Now that we have all dates this is the cutest what theme biryhday-party-should-I have-i-like-halloween-but-it's-not-halloween-yet. What a great way to celebrate friends by pleasing them with a variation of what they like most, adapting is the core here. And sticking to what we like as well, don't let others put you down because tastes are different. Friendship is inclusive, just like this little hug of a book is.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Little Ghost's Summerween was a wonderful book to read. Children will love it. The idea of a small ghost attending a birthday party was a fun idea. Little Ghost has never had a birthday. He wants one but doesn't know what type he should have. His best friend Anya tells him to make sure he finds what is special to him. He decides to have just a small party with his best friend. But, things take a surprise turn.
This is another great book for children. As a grandparent I found it delightful. The story is enhanced by beautiful pictures. This is a must read.
This is another great book for children. As a grandparent I found it delightful. The story is enhanced by beautiful pictures. This is a must read.
July 5, 2026
Little Ghost gets to experience a birthday party for a friend. He is unsure about this as he has only celebrated Halloween. The camp theme made him uneasy but his friend Anya convinces him to go. They have a wonderful time, and he decides to throw a birthday party for himself. I appreciate the experimenting and exploring involved in finding a theme. Once Little Ghost figures out what he wants, I love the ending when everyone celebrates who he is. The artwork captures the fun of this story and pulls reader in to celebrate too.
May 24, 2026
I want to preface that I love spooky or ghost kids books. I'm also a major supporter of Summerween (I have a particularly cute pineapple and watermelon Jacko lantern dress I like to wear), so I may have been biased from the beginning with this book. There is a little ghost who for the first-time ever, gets to throw a party with all his favorite things. But since he like Halloween stuff he is worried about it not being thematically appropriate for a birthday. His parents and his best friend help him through a Halloween costume pool party for his birthday. It's Summerween! It's very cute. I loved the art style and the message of being yourself and doing what makes you happy.
June 21, 2026
Need a spooky summer read? It’s time for Summerween!!! Honestly, I am here for the Summerween - I may even like it as much as Halloween… 👻 anyways, this book just came out and I won’t lie: I bought it for the cover. But it’s a super cute story about finding the vibe that works for your own birthday party and celebrating what makes you YOU.
June 23, 2026
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July 31, 2026
Having never had a birthday party Little Ghost isn’t sure what to expect at Elias’ party; after finding out he can plan his own he sets out to have the best birthday party ever. But the day comes and he gets overwhelmed, but his friends step in. A sweet story that mixes summer, Halloween, friendships and overcoming anxiety.
Thank you Simon Kids for the gifted copy.
Thank you Simon Kids for the gifted copy.
June 20, 2026
I read this book while standing in the bookstore. I loved it! It was perfect! I am heartbroken that I’m no longer in the phase of life where I should be collecting this type of book on my shelves. My littles are grown!
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June 26, 2026Almost didn't read this one, but glad I did! It's really cute and about finding your own way in the world, if only for a birthday party. Be true to yourself, even if you don't think others will be interested in your interests. Sometimes all it takes is friendship.
July 25, 2026
We loved this ghost and the party in the pool! My class enjoyed it in a small group. We drew some ghosts together. It made them think about what it would be like to be a ghost. Friends were also a subject they discussed after our reading.
August 30, 2026
Little Ghost is throwing his very first summer birthday party, but there's one tiny problem: he loves Halloween! Can Halloween and Summer actually mix? This charming story is a sweet, creative celebration of staying true to what you love while making room for new traditions.
September 1, 2026
So happy they are making more books about little ghost! So our ghost goes to his friend's birthday parties but does not have fun. He wants his own birthday party but it's in the summer and he loves everything Halloween! What is the ghost to do? Loved the story and of course the cute illustrations.
April 28, 2026
I love the illustrations in this one!
May 7, 2026
A story about embracing the things you like and appreciating all the important people in your life.
May 10, 2026
Cute artwork and sweet story!
May 16, 2026
"IT'S SUMMERWEEN!" Love the spooky versions of popular books on LG's bookcase and the girl with the thick rainbow around her head!
May 25, 2026
Cute-ish but not that special.
June 4, 2026
A couple of things. Ghosts do have birthdays. Also how can a kickball go through the ghost but s'mores stick to the ghost? The inconsistencies threw me off.
June 19, 2026
So cute!
What a nice book. I loved the illustrations and the overall message. Any book about Summerween is bound to be good! Highly recommend.
What a nice book. I loved the illustrations and the overall message. Any book about Summerween is bound to be good! Highly recommend.
July 4, 2026
One of the cutest things I've ever read in my life. The black cat and pumpkins with sunglasses! The spooky pool party! Happy Summerween everyone! 👻🍉🐈⬛🏖️🎃🌴
July 6, 2026
This book is ridiculously cute. A must read for the Halloween lover.
July 6, 2026
Very cute!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews