The Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything

An anxiety-ridden spirit develops a plan to overcome his phobias in this tale of Halloween courage. Ghost Finn “twists in knots” when encountering tree branches, the color orange, butterflies, and, most of all, flying. He avoids all that’s scary by holing up in the attic, where b&w line drawings show him perched against a maze of wood paneling. But when his reticence causes him to miss out on his favorite Halloween candy, Finn determines to take action. He spends the next year immersing himself in exposure therapy, beginning by touching a tree branch a little longer at a time. While initial forays into flying don’t go completely smoothly, Finn’s resolve to face his fears wins the day—and a trick-or-treat-filled night. Ahmed’s artwork, which shifts from two-tone to color as Finn’s courage strengthens, enhances the compassionate storytelling on display. Ages 4–7. (Aug.)