Have You Ever Seen a Ghost? | Picture Book Spotlight

Have You Ever Seen a Ghost? by Daniel Kwan and Julia Pott turns a familiar spooky character into something entirely unexpected: a gentle, anxious friend who could use a little encouragement.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

There is a ghost in the room. We know this because the narrator tells us so—but for nearly the entire book, we can’t actually see them. Instead, readers get clues. A hat floats in midair. Makeup applies itself. Objects move around the room. Little glowing spots and other visual hints suggest that someone is there, even when that someone remains invisible.

And Ghost has a problem: there’s a party tonight.

Ghost is shy and increasingly nervous about going. What if nobody talks to them? What if they don’t know what to say? What should they bring? Ghost even practices small talk and collects interesting facts to keep in a pocket, just in case the conversation stalls.

As the worries build, Ghost turns directly to the reader for reassurance. Would you practice talking with them? Help choose a gift? Maybe even come to the party?

A GREAT SPRINGBOARD FOR DISCUSSING SOCIAL ANXIETY

Have You Ever Seen a Ghost? isn’t a scary ghost story at all. It’s a sweet, funny exploration of social anxiety, vulnerability, and the courage it can take to walk into a room when you’re worried about how others will see you.

The illustrations make the story feel especially soft and comforting. Gentle lines, rosy tones, glowing light, and cozy details evoke a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Ghost is not scary, either. When we finally see them clearly on the last page, they’re a conventional white-sheeted ghost—with rosy pink cheeks!

There’s also a charming additional layer to Ghost’s nervousness: this isn’t just any party. It’s Martha’s party, and Ghost really, really wants Martha to like them.

With two starred reviews, Have You Ever Seen a Ghost? is an interactive read-aloud that invites children to become part of the story rather than simply listen to it. Its reassuring message—that sharing our worries can make them feel a little more manageable—should resonate with plenty of young readers, whether they’re nervous about a party, a new classroom, making friends, or simply being seen.

Have You Ever Seen a Ghost? is a cozy Halloween read-aloud that features a non-scary ghost and opens up discussion about social anxiety.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Author Daniel Kwan directed the film Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, which won seven Oscars in 2023, including Best Director Daniel Kwan. That one is Rated R, so (hopefully) your students don’t know it.

Author Julia Pott is the award-winning animator of Summer Camp Island, which debuted in 2018 and has had six seasons as of 2026. It appeared on both Cartoon Network and HBO Max. I have not heard of this show myself, but students might know it. Common Sense Media rates Summer Camp Island for ages 9+, and it has lots of positive reviews online.

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