The Haunted Playground

Author: R.J. Palacio

Illustrator: Brett Helquist

This Halloween picture book for children ages 4-8 is about Rex Magnificus, the king of ghosts, who comes to the playground at midnight once all the trick-or-treaters are in bed for the evening.  Why should kids have all the fun on Halloween? Unfortunately, the ghosts make so much noise that they wake up a pair of children. Rex tries to scare them away, but the brother and sister are not frightened and instead enjoy a night of fun reverie with the ghosts. The siblings are sad to leave their new phantom friends at the end of the night, but Rex reassures them that he will return next year on Halloween.

The text is written in rhymed verse, which makes the book an excellent choice for a read-aloud. The illustrations are full of spooky whimsy, including ghosts dressed up in costumes.

5 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay