An ALA Notable Children’s Book
A New York Magazine Best New Book for Kids
A LitHub Most Anticipated Children’s Book of 2025
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year

“This might be a perfect picture book.” —Quill & Quire (starred review)

“A solitary child and her rule-breaking ghost roommate learn the value of compromise in this cheeky picture book. —Shelf Awareness (starred review)

“A book that captures the dance of unlikely bonds and a way to move from a place of acceptance.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

From Matthew Forsythe, the creator of the acclaimed and beloved Pokko and the Drum, comes a “subtle, sweet” (Booklist, starred review) picture book about rules. And sharing. And an epic game of tic-tac-toe.

Aggie is very excited to live on her own—until she finds out her new house is haunted. But no fear, the situation is nothing that can’t be fixed with a carefully considered list of rules: No haunting after dark. No stealing socks. No eating all the food.

But the ghost doesn’t like playing by the rules and challenges Aggie to an epic game of tic-tac-toe—winner gets the house.

Format: Hardcover Picture Book

Author: Forsythe, Matthew

Publisher: A Paula Wiseman Book/Beach Lane Books

Pub Date: August 19, 2025

Category: Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / New Experience

ISBN: 9781534478206

Evening House Books

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Paula Wiseman Books

Pokko and the Drum

Aggie and the Ghost