Overview
Ghoulia: Making New Friends Can Be Scary is the first book in this popular full-color chapter book series, a great fit for readers who enjoy a mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of the macabre Ghoulia is a typical little girl . . . who happens to be a zombie. She lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and albino greyhound named Tragedy. In search of a real friend, Ghoulia tries to venture past the manor’s walls, but she can’t hide her pale green skin or the deep purple circles under her eyes. The other children will be afraid of her, and no one will want to be her friend. But when Halloween rolls around, Ghoulia hatches a brilliant plan. All the other ordinary children will be dressed up like monsters, so Ghoulia can go out into the town and be entirely herself. In the end, all the kids realize that Ghoulia is (almost) just like them and learn that friendship can come in many forms. Perfect for ages 6–8, reluctant readers, and fans of Wednesday and The Addams Family, this Halloween-themed series combines a love for the spooky with lessons about acceptance and courage. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Ghoulia’s world, this collection is a must-have for any young reader’s library. Includes bonus activities. More from the Ghoulia series: Ghoulia and the Mysterious Visitor (#2) Ghoulia and the Ghost with No Name (#3) Ghoulia and the Doomed Manor (#4)
Full Product Details
Author: Barbara Cantini
Publisher: Abrams
Imprint: Amulet Paperbacks
Dimensions:
Width: 14.00cm
, Height: 1.50cm
, Length: 21.00cm
Weight: 0.268kg
ISBN: 9781419785054
ISBN 10: 1419785052
Pages: 64
Publication Date: 09 October 2025
Recommended Age: From 6 to 8 years
Audience:
Young adult
,
Teenage / Young adult
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
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Reviews
Cantini depicts her undead urchin Tim Burton-style, with stitched lips, gray skin, and purple shadows beneath huge eyeballs . . . the manorial setting has an Addams Family vibe and provides just the right spooky setting for this series opener. * Kirkus Reviews * Cantini’s new series is awash in shadowy mixedmedia illustrations that will snag the attention of young Tim Burton fans. Charmingly morbid, the artwork is full of details and funny, handwritten labels that will keep beginning readers focused on the page. Youngsters will connect with Ghoulia’s warm personality and the relatable challenge of making friends. This series starter is definitely a treat. * Booklist * Cantini’s detailed full-color drawings ramp up the comedy on every page with labels and asides, including a page from Ghoulia’s Halloween-prep journal. This well-paced series opener will work well as both a read-aloud and a humorous choice for newly independent readers. * Publishers Weekly * Cantini’s extensive illustrations are full of humorous details, and Ghoulia is expressive and charming in a Tim Burton kind of way. * School Library Journal *
Author Information
Barbara Cantini is the illustrator of numerous books for young readers, including the Ghoulia series, which is now published in 30 countries. She lives in the Florentine countryside with her husband, two daughters, three cats, and a very disheveled dog.
