The Little Ghost Quilt’s Winter Surprise by Riel Nason

The little ghost who was a quilt has found his season in The Little Ghost Quilt’s Winter Surprise. His friends in sheets may have to stay inside because it’s too cold, but for him, his heavy quilt keeps him cozy and warm. One evening, in December, while his friends were staying warm inside reading “booooks”, he floated off to visit the neighbouring human town. He had previously visited the town in October when it was all decked out for Halloween. He didn’t expect to see skeletons and pumpkins still, but to his delight, he did find colourful twinkling lights and festive decorations. The community looked so fun and joyful, it gave him such happiness. But the Little Ghost Quilt was also sad that his friends were missing out. On his flight home, he was struck with inspiration on how to share this celebration with them.

Another adorable story by New Brunswick author and quilter Riel Nason, a follow-up to her debut picture book, The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt. It should be noted that even though there are ghosts in these stories, they are not at all scary for kids. The possible spin-off craft activities with this amazing picture book are almost endless and would appeal to any daycare and preschool during the holiday season. Even though it is advertised as targeting the three-to-seven age group, I know the adults reading Riel Nason’s stories will also experience enjoyment and be entertained.

The illustrations by Calgary-native Byron Eggenschwiler were wonderful, complementing and expanding the storyline on each of the pages. The Little Ghost Quilt’s colours make him the focal point on each of the pages he appears on. I particularly admired the illustration of a tired Little Ghost Quilt. The illustrations invite conversations about the storyline with each turn of the page.

This story about friendship and the spirit of the holidays will bring joy to those who read it this coming holiday season. I hope there are plans to write another book about the adventures of the Little Ghost Quilt.

Riel Nason is a Canadian author and quilter. She writes for both adults and children. Her acclaimed debut novel, The Town That Drowned, won the Commonwealth Book Prize for Canada and Europe and the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award. The bestselling The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler, was her debut picture book. Riel’s original quilts are known for their humor, whimsy, and bold use of color. She lives in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, with her family.

Byron Eggenschwiler is an illustrator whose work has appeared on book covers, posters, and in publications including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, GQ, the National Post, and O, The Oprah Magazine. His work has received awards, including those from Communication Arts, American Illustration, and the National Magazine Award. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, with his wife and two cats.

Publisher: Tundra Book Group (August 26 2025)
Hardcover: 11″ x 9″ | 48 pp
ISBN: 9781774885376

Sue Slade

Sue Slade has a Bachelor of Child Study from Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax. After working with children and adults with special needs, she now has her midlife dream job of working with books. Sue manages an independent, locally owned bookstore, Dartmouth Book Exchange, and is known for planning and executing amazing, engaging book events. Through her charismatic sharing centred around books and community, Sue has created an interactive cornerstone for authors, customers, and book lovers of all ages. Sue is an avid reader, and her reviews cross over many genres. As the East Coast Advocate for The Miramichi Reader, Sue champions Atlantic Canadian literature by featuring the diverse works and unique communities that define her home region.