R. J. Palacio Releases New Halloween Book for Kids
The Haunted Playground offers families a safe, spooky story to enjoy together this Halloween season.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Pre-Teens
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Author R. J. Palacio has released a new children's picture book titled The Haunted Playground. Illustrated by Brett Helquist, the story offers a gentle, spooky experience centered on ghosts gathering for midnight fun on Halloween.
Why it matters
The book aims to provide children with a festive, safe alternative to traditional scary stories. It serves as a creative entry point for parents looking to introduce seasonal, lighthearted themes during Halloween traditions.
The picture book, which features illustrations by Brett Helquist, depicts ghosts enjoying playtime. It follows the author's previous works, including the novel Wonder, which features a 10-year-old protagonist.
The players
R. J. Palacio
An author best known for writing the novel Wonder and the ghost-inclusive story Pony.
Brett Helquist
An illustrator who provided the artwork for the new picture book The Haunted Playground.
The details
The story follows the ghost king Rex Magnificus as he leads other spirits in a midnight game at a playground. Palacio conceptualized the narrative after seeing discarded Halloween costumes and lanterns in the J.J. Byrne Playground in Park Slope, Brooklyn, on the morning after the holiday. The book is designed to provide a spooky atmosphere while remaining suitable for younger readers.
Timeline
The ghost gathering depicted in the book takes place on Halloween.
The Home Front
This release reflects the broader publishing trend of seasonal literature designed to engage children during specific holidays. It aligns with the annual cycle of family traditions that prioritize age-appropriate, thematic media for the home.
Parents can check their local library or neighborhood bookstore for this new title to add to their holiday reading rotation. It is a suitable addition for families looking for spooky yet age-appropriate storytelling to enjoy during the Halloween season.
The takeaway
This book provides a gentle way to share Halloween-themed excitement with younger children. Families can look for this title to help build a library of festive, low-scare stories for the autumn season.
Further reading
Explore more seasonal reading recommendations for families in our Pre-Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Spokane Public Radio.
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