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A Little Ghost Quilt Book
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt
When you're a quilt instead of a sheet, being a ghost is hard! An adorable picture book for fans of Stumpkin and How to Make Friends with a Ghost.
Ghosts are supposed to be sheets, light as air and able to whirl and twirl and float and soar. But the little ghost who is a quilt can't whirl or twirl at all, and when he flies, he gets very hot.
He doesn't know why he's a quilt. His parents are both sheets, and so are all of his friends. (His great-grandmother was a lace curtain, but that doesn't really help cheer him up.) He feels sad and left out when his friends are zooming around and he can't keep up.
But one Halloween, everything changes. The little ghost who was a quilt has an experience that no other ghost could have, an experience that only happens because he's a quilt . . . and he realizes that it's OK to be different.
Ghosts are supposed to be sheets, light as air and able to whirl and twirl and float and soar. But the little ghost who is a quilt can't whirl or twirl at all, and when he flies, he gets very hot.
He doesn't know why he's a quilt. His parents are both sheets, and so are all of his friends. (His great-grandmother was a lace curtain, but that doesn't really help cheer him up.) He feels sad and left out when his friends are zooming around and he can't keep up.
But one Halloween, everything changes. The little ghost who was a quilt has an experience that no other ghost could have, an experience that only happens because he's a quilt . . . and he realizes that it's OK to be different.
Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
15 people are currently reading
3346 people want to read
About the author
Riel Nason
11 books128 followersRiel Nason writes for both children and adults. She lives in NB, Canada with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 639 reviews
October 24, 2020
SPOOKTOBER CAN BE GENTLE, TOO!!
review to come!
review to come!
October 5, 2021
Made of a quilt, rather than a sheet like all of his friends and family, the spectral little hero of this charming Canadian picture-book often feels left out of the spooky hi-jinks. Not as light as his peers, he has trouble floating and dancing through the skies, as they do. On Halloween, when the other ghosts hover in the trees, observing the fun, the little quilt ghost usually had to drape himself over something like a clothesline, in order to see anything. But then one Halloween, determined to get a better view, he draped himself over a porch railing, and was picked up by a human mother, taking her child trick-or-treating. Although terrified at first, the little ghost eventually found that he was in for an unusual but heartwarming experience - not to mention a sticky one! - for a ghost...
An adult novelist and a textile artist, author Riel Nason makes her picture-book debut with The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt, delivering a sweet, entertaining tale of a little specter who just doesn't fit it. In this sense, the story reminded me of Guido Van Genechten's Gilbert the Ghost , which I read recently, and which concerns a little pink spirit who isn't interested in being scary. As I mentioned in that review, stories of shy or friendly ghosts are not uncommon in picture-book land, from Robert Bright's thirteen-volume series about that New England ghost Georgie , to Jane Thayer's series of tales about Gus, the Friendly Ghost . There's also Flavia Z. Drago's recent Gustavo, the Shy Ghost , Rebecca Green's How to Make Friends with a Ghost and (of course) the classic comic-book character, Casper the Friendly Ghost . All that said, Nason's story felt unique to me. I don't think I've ever seen this idea - a ghost being set apart from his fellows by the cloth from which he is made - explored before, and it made for an interesting variation on the friendly ghost story. I liked that the ghost had unusual ancestors who were checked tablecloths and lace curtains - that was a nice touch! The choice of both ghost story and quilt here makes sense, as Nason has also published such crafting titles as Modern Selvage Quilting: Easy-Sew Methods 17 Projects Small to Large and Sew a Modern Halloween: Make 15 Spooky Projects for Your Home .
As much as I enjoyed the story here, I also found the artwork from illustrator Byron Eggenschwiler immensely appealing. The subtle but lovely color palette used throughout, the decorative endpapers with their quilted design, the many wonderful Halloween figures - it was all lovely! Naturally, as someone interested in witchy depictions, I think my favorite part, visually speaking, was the mother in full witch costume, who picked up the quilted ghost to keep her child warm. All in all, a winsome little Halloween tale, one I would recommend to picture-book artists looking for ghost stories on the sweeter, rather than scary side.
An adult novelist and a textile artist, author Riel Nason makes her picture-book debut with The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt, delivering a sweet, entertaining tale of a little specter who just doesn't fit it. In this sense, the story reminded me of Guido Van Genechten's Gilbert the Ghost , which I read recently, and which concerns a little pink spirit who isn't interested in being scary. As I mentioned in that review, stories of shy or friendly ghosts are not uncommon in picture-book land, from Robert Bright's thirteen-volume series about that New England ghost Georgie , to Jane Thayer's series of tales about Gus, the Friendly Ghost . There's also Flavia Z. Drago's recent Gustavo, the Shy Ghost , Rebecca Green's How to Make Friends with a Ghost and (of course) the classic comic-book character, Casper the Friendly Ghost . All that said, Nason's story felt unique to me. I don't think I've ever seen this idea - a ghost being set apart from his fellows by the cloth from which he is made - explored before, and it made for an interesting variation on the friendly ghost story. I liked that the ghost had unusual ancestors who were checked tablecloths and lace curtains - that was a nice touch! The choice of both ghost story and quilt here makes sense, as Nason has also published such crafting titles as Modern Selvage Quilting: Easy-Sew Methods 17 Projects Small to Large and Sew a Modern Halloween: Make 15 Spooky Projects for Your Home .
As much as I enjoyed the story here, I also found the artwork from illustrator Byron Eggenschwiler immensely appealing. The subtle but lovely color palette used throughout, the decorative endpapers with their quilted design, the many wonderful Halloween figures - it was all lovely! Naturally, as someone interested in witchy depictions, I think my favorite part, visually speaking, was the mother in full witch costume, who picked up the quilted ghost to keep her child warm. All in all, a winsome little Halloween tale, one I would recommend to picture-book artists looking for ghost stories on the sweeter, rather than scary side.
November 2, 2020
My sister brought us this book on Halloween and I am DYING from the cuteness! The descriptions of what it's like to be a ghost who is a quilt instead of a sheet- too heavy to fly! Flopping around, getting mistaken for laundry! are just so hilarious (and kind of spot on). But the Halloween adventure of this little quilt ghost will absolutely melt your heart! And the pictures are gorgeous!
December 31, 2023
حقیقتا از نقاشیهاش لذت بردم اما با سیر داستانی یه مشکل اساسی داشتم. کتاب دربارهی مصائب متفاوت بودن حتی اگر روح باشی گفته؛ منتهی نتیجهگیریای که در انتها کرده با جهانبینی من در تضاد هست.
اگه به اسپویل حساسین، مابقی رو نخونین.
هر کسی که متفاوت هست نمیتونه چنین سرنوشتی در انتظارش باشه. من اگه جای نویسنده بودم، تا اون روح رو درب و داغون نمیکردم ولکن ماجرا نبودم. یه پایان خوش و پذیرش همگانی نمیتونه شامل حال همه باشه. اگه اینطور بود، جهان جای بهتری برای زندگی میشد...
در نهایت از بهار متشکرم که مسبب خوندن آخرین کتاب چالش امسالم شد. اگه سن کمتری داشتم، ستارههای بیشتری بهش میدادم اما متاسفانه یا خوشبختانه، الان یه گند دماغ سختگیرم.
اگه به اسپویل حساسین، مابقی رو نخونین.
هر کسی که متفاوت هست نمیتونه چنین سرنوشتی در انتظارش باشه. من اگه جای نویسنده بودم، تا اون روح رو درب و داغون نمیکردم ولکن ماجرا نبودم. یه پایان خوش و پذیرش همگانی نمیتونه شامل حال همه باشه. اگه اینطور بود، جهان جای بهتری برای زندگی میشد...
در نهایت از بهار متشکرم که مسبب خوندن آخرین کتاب چالش امسالم شد. اگه سن کمتری داشتم، ستارههای بیشتری بهش میدادم اما متاسفانه یا خوشبختانه، الان یه گند دماغ سختگیرم.
August 15, 2020
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason is an absolutely charming, heartfelt story about a young ghost who believes that he is just too different to ever fit in with his ghost family who are all sheets. I knew as soon as I saw this title and cover that I needed to read it as soon as I could get my hands on a copy. What a lovely message about finding and embracing your uniqueness. The illustrations are equally adorable, and I particularly appreciated that the little ghost stands out as a colourful patchwork, juxtaposed against a background of black and white and, essentially, sameness. I will be purchasing this book for my four year old niece, who I am certain will be every bit as enchanted by this story as I am. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read this ARC.
January 2, 2026
From stage left enters the young ghost, whose fears see him attempting to integrate himself into a society that has a difficult time appreciating itself in its entirety. This story focuses on a ghost who, unlike the majority of ghosts, does not have a sheet to roam around the evening skies; instead, his thick & heavy quilt binds him to the paranormal existence of the ghost world.
For young readers who may enjoy a slight tinge of the paranormal without the foreboding of terror, this sweet little story will be the perfect fit. The main character is attempting to find himself & his role; rather, he struggles with understanding why he has a quilt & other ghosts have a sheet. Why was he made different?
The story does not focus on the age of the ghost; therefore, the reflection of how he became a ghost—from his human form—is absent, granting this story the ability to purely focus on the value of individuality, unique qualities, & creative experiences.
The quilted ghost has felt different than other ghosts & some of them have gone so far as to tease him. His family tree boasts of ghosts who were adorned with different fabrics & they did just fine; the little ghost must also remember that even though everyone might seem to share something in common, this does not mean that they are all the same. There is space & value in him & his quilt too.
What I appreciated about this book was the moral of the story. At times, I wondered whether the quilted ghost would be made to live with the humans who, while trick-or-treating, collected him for warmth & comfort. I was glad that the author gave the quilted ghost sentiments of fulfillment & value without needing to compromise what he deemed his familiar home, the place where his family & friends resided. It was beneficial to see the little ghost grow into his own without needing to sacrifice any part of himself in the process.
Ultimately, young readers who choose this book will be met with a tender tale of comfort that remains important for every generation: that we all have space & value in this world, no matter what we look like or where we come from. This story offers readers the opportunity to sit with a cute little character whose adornment inspires kind reminders of friendly nostalgia, & be met with the chance to find such kindness in their surroundings, too.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Tundra Books, & Riel Nason for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
For young readers who may enjoy a slight tinge of the paranormal without the foreboding of terror, this sweet little story will be the perfect fit. The main character is attempting to find himself & his role; rather, he struggles with understanding why he has a quilt & other ghosts have a sheet. Why was he made different?
The story does not focus on the age of the ghost; therefore, the reflection of how he became a ghost—from his human form—is absent, granting this story the ability to purely focus on the value of individuality, unique qualities, & creative experiences.
The quilted ghost has felt different than other ghosts & some of them have gone so far as to tease him. His family tree boasts of ghosts who were adorned with different fabrics & they did just fine; the little ghost must also remember that even though everyone might seem to share something in common, this does not mean that they are all the same. There is space & value in him & his quilt too.
What I appreciated about this book was the moral of the story. At times, I wondered whether the quilted ghost would be made to live with the humans who, while trick-or-treating, collected him for warmth & comfort. I was glad that the author gave the quilted ghost sentiments of fulfillment & value without needing to compromise what he deemed his familiar home, the place where his family & friends resided. It was beneficial to see the little ghost grow into his own without needing to sacrifice any part of himself in the process.
Ultimately, young readers who choose this book will be met with a tender tale of comfort that remains important for every generation: that we all have space & value in this world, no matter what we look like or where we come from. This story offers readers the opportunity to sit with a cute little character whose adornment inspires kind reminders of friendly nostalgia, & be met with the chance to find such kindness in their surroundings, too.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Tundra Books, & Riel Nason for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
May 29, 2020
A quilt ghost! How perfect is that? I hope that when I shuffle off this mortal coil I get a quilt instead of a white sheet!!!!!
This little ghost is just learning to "ghost" and his quilt troubles him in a way the sheeted ghosts don't seem to be - the quilt makes him feel hot, it's hard to handle and heavy to move. (One needs to hover as a ghost, and well. . .it's difficult.) Happy circumstances slip up quietly on him during this year's Halloween haunting opportunity and he learns just how useful he can be while he makes new friends. Silver linings all around!
I love this little story about overcoming challenges and appreciating the positive side opportunities bring with all changes. I'm looking forward to incorporating this book in my Halloween quilt display this year!
4 stars (lemoyne), surrounded by four-patch blocks and flying geese, with a final piano-key border, of course.
A sincere thanks to Riel Nason, Tundra Books and NetGalley for providing me an ARC to read and review.
This little ghost is just learning to "ghost" and his quilt troubles him in a way the sheeted ghosts don't seem to be - the quilt makes him feel hot, it's hard to handle and heavy to move. (One needs to hover as a ghost, and well. . .it's difficult.) Happy circumstances slip up quietly on him during this year's Halloween haunting opportunity and he learns just how useful he can be while he makes new friends. Silver linings all around!
I love this little story about overcoming challenges and appreciating the positive side opportunities bring with all changes. I'm looking forward to incorporating this book in my Halloween quilt display this year!
4 stars (lemoyne), surrounded by four-patch blocks and flying geese, with a final piano-key border, of course.
A sincere thanks to Riel Nason, Tundra Books and NetGalley for providing me an ARC to read and review.
August 21, 2020
This is a book about a ghost who is a quilt. Did you know that most ghosts are sheets? This makes them light and airy and able to twirl in the air. The little ghost who was a quilt, on the other hand, is heavy due to his layers of fabric. The other ghosts laugh and call him Scrappy. He doesn't like that.
But, one Halloween night, the little ghost who was a quilt ends up having an adventure that only he could have... because of his very nature.
This is pretty amusing. The pictures are cute and the overall premise is adorable.
I'd definitely recommend this one for readers looking for unique Halloween books, as well as those who like books about celebrating unique strengths.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.
But, one Halloween night, the little ghost who was a quilt ends up having an adventure that only he could have... because of his very nature.
This is pretty amusing. The pictures are cute and the overall premise is adorable.
I'd definitely recommend this one for readers looking for unique Halloween books, as well as those who like books about celebrating unique strengths.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.
November 2, 2022
If I had read this as a kid. I would have started to imagine my quilt as a ghostie and played with it~
Then be scared at night and ask my mum to give me something else xD
Then be scared at night and ask my mum to give me something else xD
December 6, 2024
Sweet story, beautiful artwork.
May 29, 2020
This is a beautifully illustrated story that teaches how differences can be challenging while also leading to some amazing things. This is a good choice for Halloween but is not limited to the season. Kudos to the author for evoking such a variety of intense feelings in such a short story. Highly recommended!
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
October 22, 2022
CUTE 🥹🥹🥹
October 25, 2024
Really cute.
December 14, 2020
This (Canadian made) children's picture book is not just for the Hallowe'en season. It's perfect for anytime of year as it's about being different from others.
Our little quilt child is surrounded by family members who are sheets; and so much lighter than he. Instead of being able to fly all around, our quilt has to lay in places, walk about, and find vantage points to lay down to see what's happening. Riel Nason has given us a clever way to explain that everyone is a little different; even if it seems like we are the only one.
The illustrations are perfect. A little haunting but not scary in any way. Instead they have just a bit of melancholy that I think comes from the subdued colours chosen.
I would highly recommend this children's picture book for any child from any walk of life. We all feel singled out or excluded for whatever reason at some point and this book beautifully demonstrates how being different isn't always a bad thing.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Our little quilt child is surrounded by family members who are sheets; and so much lighter than he. Instead of being able to fly all around, our quilt has to lay in places, walk about, and find vantage points to lay down to see what's happening. Riel Nason has given us a clever way to explain that everyone is a little different; even if it seems like we are the only one.
The illustrations are perfect. A little haunting but not scary in any way. Instead they have just a bit of melancholy that I think comes from the subdued colours chosen.
I would highly recommend this children's picture book for any child from any walk of life. We all feel singled out or excluded for whatever reason at some point and this book beautifully demonstrates how being different isn't always a bad thing.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
October 7, 2021
A quilt ghost! So simple. So cute. So brilliant!
Ghosts are supposed to be sheets. Light, floaty sheets that whip and whirl in the air. Our little ghost is a quilt. He wants to float in the wind too, but the quilt makes him too hot and heavy. On Halloween night though, our ghost who is a quilt learns that being yourself can lead to adventures and lessons all their own. Just be yourself! And see where life takes you.
The gray, lightly shaded pages with dashes of color highlight the feel and look of autumn perfectly. A pink tutu and orange pumpkin really stand out and catch your eye on the page. And the quilt comes to life in lines and textures and light shades of blue. I adored the use of color on the pages.
Put this treat in your Halloween bag this year! It’s a sweet Halloween-y tale about identity and acceptance.
January 3, 2024
This was very cute, but I think I had a bit higher hopes for it? The story didn't work that great for me, but otherwise the illustrations are very pretty and I love the central idea!
December 11, 2024
This book was so stinking cute! It was such a lovely story about a little ghost who thinks he's too different to fit in! The little ghost can't fly as well as the other ghosts, because he's a quilt instead of a sheet, so he's heavier. Such a charming story about embracing your own uniqueness! The illustrations in this book were amazing and so cute! The story is simple, but impactful and I've never read something quite like it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 3, 2025
This book was so cute and wholesome.
March 8, 2025
I read this last year (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), and it was a delight coming back to this short, sweet story again.
A young ghost is a little sad because he's a quilt, instead of a sheet. This sets him apart, and makes him feel sad, and left out of ghost activities, like flying through the air, hiding in plain sight, and other things, too.
On a Halloween night, he gets a chance to help a little girl, and finally feels useful, and this transforms his perception of himself.
This is a sweet story with an adorable main character. I loved the designs on each little square of his quilt, and his small but meaningful journey he goes on that changes his outlook and enables him to connect with other ghosts.
The story is charming, as are the illustrations. Mostly monochromatic, except for the ghost, the sepia-toned artwork forms a great backdrop to the initially isolated ghost watching the life around him, and also is great at hinting at the spookiness of a tale about a ghost. I enjoyed this story all over again, and look forward to more adventures for the ghost who is a quilt.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Tundra Book Group for this ARC in exchange for my review.
A young ghost is a little sad because he's a quilt, instead of a sheet. This sets him apart, and makes him feel sad, and left out of ghost activities, like flying through the air, hiding in plain sight, and other things, too.
On a Halloween night, he gets a chance to help a little girl, and finally feels useful, and this transforms his perception of himself.
This is a sweet story with an adorable main character. I loved the designs on each little square of his quilt, and his small but meaningful journey he goes on that changes his outlook and enables him to connect with other ghosts.
The story is charming, as are the illustrations. Mostly monochromatic, except for the ghost, the sepia-toned artwork forms a great backdrop to the initially isolated ghost watching the life around him, and also is great at hinting at the spookiness of a tale about a ghost. I enjoyed this story all over again, and look forward to more adventures for the ghost who is a quilt.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Tundra Book Group for this ARC in exchange for my review.
May 21, 2020
Talking about being different in a very cute and even a bit dark, ghost story was an amazing achievement by the author. The illustrations are also great, but it’s truly the way it gets into the subject, present it and works with it. It’s entertaining and fun so it can be read just as a fun story, but it has the depth to discuss about it after reading it if you want to. I really like it!
June 18, 2020
This was a sweet story. I absolutely love the illustrations. Each page has little details that will make this book one to read again and again. I had to cringe when the kids got ice cream and chocolate on the quilt, though!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader's copy of this beautiful book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader's copy of this beautiful book.
September 18, 2021
Oh my heart! This gorgeous, retro-feeling book is both a Halloween story and a tender allegory about body image, identity, and self confidence. The premise- a ghost who is a quilt and a not a sheet, like the other ghosts- is simple and so brilliant. The text is spare and achingly lovely, the art is soft and classic, I could not love this more.
October 27, 2023
I love him! He can come haunt my house anytime.
September 24, 2025
This is one of the most gentle and atmospheric picture books I've read. 🤍
March 6, 2024
Really sweet and incredible use of illustration! Also I 100% read this book because the author’s first name is my last name.
December 7, 2023
Adorable!
May 26, 2020
Such a charming little book with a simple but important message.
The story of a little ghost who struggles because he is different. While all the other ghosts are sheets he happens to be a quilt. Because he is different he is faced with some difficulties and uncertainties of whether he will ever truly fit in with his ghostly family and friends. Eventually he is picked up by a cold little girl on Halloween night. He quickly learns being a quilt doesn't have to be a bad thing afterall.
Cute read that shows the importance of being who we are and that being unique isnt something to ashamed of. The illustrations are beautifully done and will captivate young readers and listeners.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story of a little ghost who struggles because he is different. While all the other ghosts are sheets he happens to be a quilt. Because he is different he is faced with some difficulties and uncertainties of whether he will ever truly fit in with his ghostly family and friends. Eventually he is picked up by a cold little girl on Halloween night. He quickly learns being a quilt doesn't have to be a bad thing afterall.
Cute read that shows the importance of being who we are and that being unique isnt something to ashamed of. The illustrations are beautifully done and will captivate young readers and listeners.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2021
Неймовірно прекрасна історія для малесеньких. Про інакшість і як це прекрасно. Треба її вітати, а не цуратися. Про маленького привида, який був клаптиковою ковдрою, а не простинею, як інші привиди. Атмосферна історія до Гелловіну із затишними ілюстраціями 😍
May 22, 2020
What an absolutely adorable little book. It is a fun, unique story with delightful art that will be an absolute joy for readers of any age.
November 2, 2020
Cute story about what it sounds like - a ghost who was a quilt (and has some family members that are even funnier). It's funny and random and has really beautiful art.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 639 reviews