[Fun] A Collection of Picture Books Featuring Ghosts [Scary]
Why is it that ghosts are scary, yet we still catch ourselves thinking, “I kind of want to see one”? In this article, we’ll introduce picture books featuring ghosts that even little kids will find fascinating! Since they’re picture books, the lineup naturally leans toward cute illustrations.
You’re sure to find titles that are perfect even for kids who scare easily.
Some works might even make adults think, “How nostalgic!” That’s how beloved this genre is.
Be sure to read to the end!
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[Fun] A Collection of Picture Books Featuring “Ghosts” [Scary] (11–20)
The Ghost’s Ice Cream Shop
Just because a ghost appears doesn’t mean it’s a story about scaring someone or playing tricks.
Ghost’s Ice Cream is a book I’d recommend to anyone looking for a heartwarming picture book.
The main character is a ghost who runs an ice cream shop.
The story is about him giving ice cream as gifts to his friends in the forest.
With lots of sound effects, it’s perfect for reading with little children.
It also includes many parts where you mimic animal sounds, making it great for practicing read-alouds.
It’s not scary, it’s not scary.
Many of you may have children going through a rebellious phase.
The picture book I’d like to introduce is Not Scared, Not Scared, which features a boy in the midst of that phase as its protagonist.
He says the opposite of everything—for example, when he gets in the bath, he claims it’s not hot.
One night, a ghost appears before him.
The ghost tries to frighten the boy, but since the boy keeps saying he isn’t scared, the ghost escalates its attempts to spook him.
Be sure to pay attention to what happens to the ghost in the end.
Ghosts of the Forest
The perfect book for nurturing your child’s sensibility is “Mori no Obake” (The Forest Ghost).
This work is drawn in pencil, and its delicate touch has a uniquely compelling charm.
The absence of color also powerfully stimulates the imagination—another major draw.
The story follows a pair of siblings who come to a forest, start a race, get separated, and encounter a ghost.
With its overall eerie tone, it’s sure to appeal even to children who aren’t satisfied with cute characters.
Test of courage with ghosts
Even with a picture book, some readers want a little excitement, right? In that case, let me introduce Ghosts’ Test of Courage.
It’s a story about ghost children who set out on a test of courage.
The kids’ designs are adorable, and the story depicts friendship—and even a touch of romance—between the characters.
In contrast, the adult ghosts who chase them are absolutely striking! Parents and children alike are sure to feel their hearts race together.
And there’s an eerie ending waiting for you as well.
The Ghost in the Attic Room
Mamiko Shiotani, who has been attracting attention for her groundbreaking works, continues to draw interest, as evidenced by the original art exhibition held in 2021.
The work that thrust her into the spotlight was The Ghost in the Attic Room.
The protagonist of this picture book is a ghost who lives in an attic.
He comes up with various schemes to try to scare a human girl.
However, before long, a friendship blossoms between the two—that’s the story.
The book is drawn in pencil, allowing readers to enjoy illustrations with a unique style unlike any other.