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    The Haunted Playground

    Author R. J. Palacio
    Illustrated by Brett Helquist
    Hardcover
    $19.99 US
    RH Childrens Books | Random House Books for Young Readers
    9.5"W x 11.29"H x 0.49"D   | 21 oz | 24 per carton
    On sale Jul 21, 2026 | 50 Pages | 9798217029280
    Age 4-8 years
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    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!
    © Russell Gordon
    R. J. Palacio is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wonder, which has sold over 16 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 fifty languages. Palacio’s other bestselling books include Pony, 365 Days of Wonder, Auggie & Me, the picture book We’re All Wonders, and the graphic novel White Bird. Palacio lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their dogs, Teddy and Vivian. 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 Bear, Grumpy 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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    ★ "A whimsically eerie, timeless Halloween tale that's likely to captivate young readers and hold them under Magnificus’ spell for years to come." —Booklist, starred review

    "This nocturnal treat seems likely to earn a regular bedtime summoning." —Publishers Weekly

    "Good-natured, spine-tingling fun." —Kirkus Reviews

    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!

    Creators

    © Russell Gordon
    R. J. Palacio is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wonder, which has sold over 16 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 fifty languages. Palacio’s other bestselling books include Pony, 365 Days of Wonder, Auggie & Me, the picture book We’re All Wonders, and the graphic novel White Bird. Palacio lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their dogs, Teddy and Vivian. 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 Bear, Grumpy 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

    Photos

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    Praise

    ★ "A whimsically eerie, timeless Halloween tale that's likely to captivate young readers and hold them under Magnificus’ spell for years to come." —Booklist, starred review

    "This nocturnal treat seems likely to earn a regular bedtime summoning." —Publishers Weekly

    "Good-natured, spine-tingling fun." —Kirkus Reviews

    Other Books by this Author

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