• “Aggie and the Ghost,” written and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe, introduces us to the story of Aggie, who is brand-new at living on her own. She’s thrilled about it — until she realizes that her new place is haunted, and the ghost wants to hang out with her everywhere she goes. The art, oh, yes, the art, is gorgeous and unique, in soft watercolors with gouache, and colored pencil. This comment has nothing to do with the story, but the illustrations on the endpapers (at the front and back of book) would make awesome tattoos. So if you’re of age, and interested in some new designs, check it out. (Beach Lane Books, A Paula Wiseman Title/Simon & Schuster; scheduled for release Aug. 19, 2025; ages 4 and up; $19.99.)
• Oh, helloooooo, “Zombees”! Justin Colón, writer, and Kaly Quarles, illustrator, have brought us a fun, goofy, rhyming picture book that will “chill spines while mainly tickling funny bones.” That’s a great description to reassure the parents who may be concerned about introducing “zombies,” (not the same as zombees) to their preschool/early grade kids. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025, ages 4 and up, $19.99.) Kinda love this one.
• “Creepy Sheepy” is a fine, funny picture book from Lucy Ruth Cummins (author) and Pete Oswald (illustrator). I like the size of this book, it’s not as large as some of the bigger picture books, and just the right size for littles to practice turning the pages themselves. “A few fearsome pirates, a Dracula or two, a handful of zombies, and a Frankenstein crew…” Good rhymes, and sweet, cartoony drawings. (Flamingo Books/Penguin Random House, 2025, ages 3 and up, $14.99.)
• “This Year, a Witch!” is from Portland, Oregon!! illustrator and author Zoey Abbott. Super creative book about a little witch, the best-laid plans, and what to do when changes happen. Check out Abbott’s other titles: “Banana,” “Clementine and the Lion,” “Pig and Horse and the Something Scary” and other books. (A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2025, ages 4 and up, $19.99.)
• “Ha Ha Halloween” is a new, colorful and happy flap book/interactive boardbook for the babies and toddlers ages 1 and up. (Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Young Readers, 2025, all ages, $10.99.) This one is my pick of the week because… It’s also a joke book. Ha! “What is a ghost’s favorite treat? Everything! It’s all boo-licious!” Hahahaha. Enjoy. Bon appetit, babies.

Yes, we are celebrating Halloween early, for no good reason other than the best reason: A big stack of holiday books arrived in the past few weeks, and I’m here to share the recommendations. All of the books included in this post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. Thank you, have a happy, haunted, early Halloween, and see you next time!

WM