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Graveyard Dance: A Halloween Picture Book
On All Hallows’ Eve, when the world is asleep, a hidden celebration stirs to life in the moonlit graveyard...
With the stroke of a violin bow, the midnight music begins. One by one, the creatures of the night rise to dance. Skeletons can-can in feather boas. Ghouls jig hand-in-hand. Ghostly children twirl with foxes and raccoons. Even a prima ballerina floats through the fog, graceful as ever. Beneath the stars, love, laughter, and old friendships come alive once more.
“They sway together in time, drifting among headstones like leaves in a breeze.”
At this graveyard dance, everyone is young and old, rich and poor, witch or ghost, child or creature. United by music and moonlight, they celebrate the one night a year where joy knows no boundaries.
Graveyard Dance is a lyrical, beautifully illustrated Halloween picture book that celebrates the joy of dancing, the power of memory, and the magic of the unseen. Inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre, this story is spooky, not scary. It’s perfect for readers ages 4–8 who delight in the mythology of Halloween night.
Ideal
· Halloween storytime
· Elementary classroom and library read-alouds
· Young readers who enjoy gently spooky fun
· Music lovers and fans of Danse Macabre
A celebration of life, love, remembrance, and coming together, no matter who you are or where you come from.
With the stroke of a violin bow, the midnight music begins. One by one, the creatures of the night rise to dance. Skeletons can-can in feather boas. Ghouls jig hand-in-hand. Ghostly children twirl with foxes and raccoons. Even a prima ballerina floats through the fog, graceful as ever. Beneath the stars, love, laughter, and old friendships come alive once more.
“They sway together in time, drifting among headstones like leaves in a breeze.”
At this graveyard dance, everyone is young and old, rich and poor, witch or ghost, child or creature. United by music and moonlight, they celebrate the one night a year where joy knows no boundaries.
Graveyard Dance is a lyrical, beautifully illustrated Halloween picture book that celebrates the joy of dancing, the power of memory, and the magic of the unseen. Inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre, this story is spooky, not scary. It’s perfect for readers ages 4–8 who delight in the mythology of Halloween night.
Ideal
· Halloween storytime
· Elementary classroom and library read-alouds
· Young readers who enjoy gently spooky fun
· Music lovers and fans of Danse Macabre
A celebration of life, love, remembrance, and coming together, no matter who you are or where you come from.
Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
About the author
Odella Howe
4 books15 followersOdella Howe is a former ghostwriter and full-time mother of four who’s now taking “ghostwriting” literally, crafting supernatural stories that both terrify and thrill her readership. Her debut novel, The Violin, combines her lifelong passion for dark fiction and her obsession with Saint-Saens’s haunting composition, “Danse Macabre.” When not writing, Odella enjoys hiking the stunning foothills of Utah, sewing, and spending time with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 10, 2025
This picture book is perfect for the littles in yer life!
Parents, teachers, librarians, aunts, uncles, you name it. If you were a lover of spooky things as a kid, too, you’ll also enjoy this one.
The story is fun & whimsical while the illustrations are gorgeous. Perfect for spooky season or any time of the year!
Parents, teachers, librarians, aunts, uncles, you name it. If you were a lover of spooky things as a kid, too, you’ll also enjoy this one.
The story is fun & whimsical while the illustrations are gorgeous. Perfect for spooky season or any time of the year!
January 8, 2026
✨ ARC review ✨
I love halloween, as well as the tone poem Graveyard Dance was inspired by (Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens), so of course I had to check this picture book out. And I'm glad I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's a beautifully written glimpse into the afterlife -- which is coming to the surface at a graveyard on Halloween. I like that it's not framed as inherently depressing or scary, but paints the afterlife as something bittersweet and hauntingly beautiful. People of different backgrounds and cultures are represented, all respectfully as far as I can tell, and the dead have fun dancing on their special night of the year.
The illustrations are adorable while still suiting the spooky Halloween vibe and the ethereal, reverent mood of the story.
Just a wonderful book overall. If there was a translation of this to my native language, I would 100% buy a print copy for my little sibling.
I love halloween, as well as the tone poem Graveyard Dance was inspired by (Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens), so of course I had to check this picture book out. And I'm glad I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's a beautifully written glimpse into the afterlife -- which is coming to the surface at a graveyard on Halloween. I like that it's not framed as inherently depressing or scary, but paints the afterlife as something bittersweet and hauntingly beautiful. People of different backgrounds and cultures are represented, all respectfully as far as I can tell, and the dead have fun dancing on their special night of the year.
The illustrations are adorable while still suiting the spooky Halloween vibe and the ethereal, reverent mood of the story.
Just a wonderful book overall. If there was a translation of this to my native language, I would 100% buy a print copy for my little sibling.
December 28, 2025
Graveyard Dance is pure Halloween magic. As a family who adores all things Halloween, any book that celebrates the season feels like a treasure—and this one instantly became a favorite. We loved this story from the very first page. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful, full of movement and charm, and they capture the spirit of the tale so beautifully.
The story itself is captivating, with little details that made us pause, smile, and soak in the atmosphere. I especially love that it’s inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre—you can feel that musical, whimsical energy woven through every scene. It’s a gentle reminder of how strong and important our memories are, and a celebration of dance, connection, and the magic of the unknown.
This book will be a beloved part of our Halloween season , or any time, for years to come.
The story itself is captivating, with little details that made us pause, smile, and soak in the atmosphere. I especially love that it’s inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre—you can feel that musical, whimsical energy woven through every scene. It’s a gentle reminder of how strong and important our memories are, and a celebration of dance, connection, and the magic of the unknown.
This book will be a beloved part of our Halloween season , or any time, for years to come.
November 11, 2025
My girls and I were sent an amazing sneak peak at this book and I am so grateful! We really loved it so much. They had so many questions as we read about the illustrations and were really engaged.
Thank you so much Odella for allowing us to be part of this new release!
Thank you so much Odella for allowing us to be part of this new release!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews