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The Haunted Playground

Illustrated by Brett Helquist
Hardcover
$19.99 US
9"W x 11"H | 20 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Jul 21, 2026 | 50 Pages | 9798217029280
Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Wonder comes a spine-tingling Halloween picture book adventure!


I cast the spell that brings to life this playground of the night.
Here my phantoms come—but not to spook or fright.

They’re here because they want to laugh, to frolic and be merry.
They’re here because they need to take a break from being scary.

When all the trick-or-treating is done and children are tucked in, ghosts are drawn to one special place: the Haunted Playground! Ruled by Rex Magnificus, ghosts arrive not to haunt but to play. But will the appearance of two human children interrupt their revelry?

From two master storytellers, this Halloween story is a modern classic!
R. J. Palacio is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wonder, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. The book’s message inspired the Choose Kind movement and has been embraced by readers around the world, with the book published in over 50 languages. Palacio’s other bestselling books include Pony365 Days of WonderAuggie & Me, the picture book We’re All Wonders, and the graphic novel White Bird. Palacio lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their dog, Teddy. View titles by R.J. Palacio
Brett Helquist is the illustrator of many books including A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day, Guitar Genius by Kim Tomsic, and Cezanne’s Parrot by Amy Guglielmo. He is also the author of Bedtime for BearGrumpy Goat, and Roger the Jolly Pirate. He grew up in Utah and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and two kids. When he’s not working, he’s usually trying to play his guitar. View titles by Brett Helquist

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About

From the New York Times bestselling author of Wonder comes a spine-tingling Halloween picture book adventure!


I cast the spell that brings to life this playground of the night.
Here my phantoms come—but not to spook or fright.

They’re here because they want to laugh, to frolic and be merry.
They’re here because they need to take a break from being scary.

When all the trick-or-treating is done and children are tucked in, ghosts are drawn to one special place: the Haunted Playground! Ruled by Rex Magnificus, ghosts arrive not to haunt but to play. But will the appearance of two human children interrupt their revelry?

From two master storytellers, this Halloween story is a modern classic!

Author

R. J. Palacio is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wonder, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. The book’s message inspired the Choose Kind movement and has been embraced by readers around the world, with the book published in over 50 languages. Palacio’s other bestselling books include Pony365 Days of WonderAuggie & Me, the picture book We’re All Wonders, and the graphic novel White Bird. Palacio lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their dog, Teddy. View titles by R.J. Palacio
Brett Helquist is the illustrator of many books including A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day, Guitar Genius by Kim Tomsic, and Cezanne’s Parrot by Amy Guglielmo. He is also the author of Bedtime for BearGrumpy Goat, and Roger the Jolly Pirate. He grew up in Utah and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and two kids. When he’s not working, he’s usually trying to play his guitar. View titles by Brett Helquist