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The Haunted Playground
R J Palacio, Brett Helquist
  • Published: 22 September 2026
  • ISBN: 9780241842942
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $29.99

The Haunted Playground

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From the bestselling author of Wonder comes a spine-tingling Halloween picture book adventure!

From the bestselling author of Wonder comes a spine-tingling Halloween picture book adventure!

I cast the spell that brings to life this playground of the night.
Here my phantoms come—but not to spook or fright.

They’re here because they want to laugh, to frolic and be merry.
They’re here because they need to take a break from being scary.

When all the trick-or-treating is done and children are tucked in, ghosts are drawn to one special place: the Haunted Playground! Ruled by Rex Magnificus, ghosts arrive not to haunt but to play. But will the appearance of two human children interrupt their revelry?

From two master storytellers, this Halloween story is a modern classic!
  • Published: 22 September 2026
  • ISBN: 9780241842942
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $29.99
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About the authors

R J Palacio

R. J. Palacio was born and raised in New York City. She attended the High School of Art and Design and the Parsons School of Design, where she majored in illustration. She was a graphic designer and an art director for many years before writing her critically acclaimed debut novel, Wonder, which has been on the New York Times bestseller list since March 2012, and sold over 16 million copies worldwide. In addition to Wonder, R. J. has written Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories, 365 Days of Wonder, We're All Wonders, and White Bird: A Wonder Story. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, two sons and two dogs (Bear and Beau). Learn more about her at www.wonderthebook.com or on Twitter at @rjpalacio.
portrait photo of R J Palacio

Brett Helquist

Brett Helquist is the illustrator of many books, including A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day, Guitar Genius by Kim Tomsic, and Cezanne’s Parrot by Amy Guglielmo. He is also the author of Bedtime for Bear, Grumpy Goat, and Roger the Jolly Pirate. He grew up in Utah and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and two kids. When he’s not working, he’s usually trying to play his guitar.
BH