Spooky

K-Gr 3–When a multiracial family moves into an old, creaky house, strange things begin to happen—flickers of movement, clattering spoons, and shadows that are just out of reach. Readers are invited to infer the identity of the “spooky” presence as subtle visual clues lead to a heartwarming reveal: a scared and curious cat has been hiding under the stairs. Told with gentle humor and warmth, this story turns the haunted house trope on its head with a shift in perspective: it’s the family who has been spooking the cat. As they patiently create a safe, cozy space for their new housemate, the story becomes one of mutual trust and belonging. Garland’s illustrations are gorgeous and atmospheric with textured pencil and digital shading that create depth and warmth. Dreamy, soft-focus panels and emotionally expressive characters add nuance, while gentle contrasts in light and shadow build a mysterious, but never frightening, tone. This is a story about empathy, comfort, and adjusting to new beginnings. Educators can use this title to support prediction and inferencing skills, as the text invites close reading of both words and images to uncover the story’s central mystery.