This unusual sized, 17cm x 17cm, Halloween themed book is about challenging stereotypes. It is about Layla who does not want to be a scary ghost that haunts the castle. She prefers to play and be friendly so she goes to speak to the wise old owl.

An excellent book for showing how important it is to talk about your worries and ask for help if you need it. I like the way the author, Isla Wynter, demonstrates free will when Layla thinks about the advice she receives from the owl before deciding what she wants to do.

The bold illustrations are white on a black background. These high-contrasting black and white pictures are ideal for very young children. Studies show babies from 6 months old can detect light and dark contrasts: see here. Black and white visual stimulation encourages young children to focus their eyes on objects and over time helps to increase attention span.

The Little Ghost who didn’t like to be scary could be used in the classroom and at home to reinforce and discuss how we shouldn’t make judgements about people based on what they look like.