R. J. Palacio Releases The Haunted Playground

The acclaimed author of Wonder launches a new picture book depicting ghosts at play on Halloween.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Pre-Teens

Gouache-painted illustration of a swing set silhouette under a crescent moon, capturing a spooky yet whimsical midnight Halloween playground scene. — Author R. J. Palacio has released The Haunted Playground, a new children’s picture book featuring ghosts enjoying Halloween night festivities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you enjoy stories that mix spooky themes with gentle lessons for children?

Author R. J. Palacio has released a new children's picture book titled The Haunted Playground. Illustrated by Brett Helquist, the story follows a group of ghosts enjoying a midnight playground session.

Why it matters

The author created the book to provide a spooky experience for children that remains safe. She wanted to explore a narrative where ghosts take a break from their usual haunting duties to have some fun.

The story features a ghost king named Rex Magnificus who encounters two children during the midnight festivities. The book is inspired by the author's observations of discarded costumes and lanterns in a park.

The players

R. J. Palacio

An acclaimed author best known for writing the novel Wonder.

Brett Helquist

An illustrator who provided the visuals for the new children's book.

The details

The narrative takes place at a playground during the midnight hour on Halloween. The book serves as a new addition to the author's body of work, which previously includes the novel Wonder and the ghost-themed novel Pony.

The story depicts a ghost gathering that occurs on Halloween.

Culture Shift

This story follows a pattern set by the publication of the novel Wonder, marking the author's latest expansion into children's literature. It reflects a broader cultural trend of authors adapting complex themes into accessible formats for younger readers.

Families can now access this new seasonal title for their home libraries or bedtime reading routines. The book offers a thematic choice for parents seeking spooky but age-appropriate entertainment during the Halloween season.

The takeaway

The book illustrates how mundane observations, such as park decor, can spark creative storytelling. Readers looking for seasonal activities can use the book to initiate conversations about holiday traditions with children.