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Gilly Ghost Loves Scaring the Most
Gilly loves scaring, but has his scare tactics gone too far?
Scaring Trick-O-Treaters is a skill Gilly has mastered. He even scares his friends when it's not Halloween, and sometimes that makes them sad.
One day, Gilly's scaring becomes too much for Maddy Mummy, Wanda Witch, Skel'ton Steve, Franky Stein, and Zombie Zane, and they decided to confront Gilly about their concern.
Then suddenly, they all appeared and marched in his direction.
They looked upset, "But why?" he thought. There was a disconnection.
Gilly then got nervous as he squeaked a feeble "boo."
Then Skel'ton Steve exclaimed, "We have a bone to pick with you!"
What do you think happens next?
Will this confrontation between friends leave Gilly a spooky wreck? Will he realize the errors in his ways and do better? Or will he ignore his friend's plea and keep scaring like the ghoul he is?
Gilly Ghost Loves Scaring the Most teaches children the concept of boundaries, and how it's important to establish and understand them. This book will be a wonderful addition to households and classrooms who are learning boundaries between friends and family.
Sometimes scaring is OK...and sometimes it's not. Will Gilly learn the importance of boundaries with his friends?
What Readers think of this
I LOVE the fun, punchy rhymes- it makes this a great read-aloud! This story is very relatable and has a great lesson (but it's not overly in your face - my kids hate those books lol) - this is the perfect balance. These lines gave me goosebumps (pictured): "Gilly was relieved that they addressed their great concern. 'Cause no one can do better if they never get to learn". It's a great reminder for kids (and grownups, too). I also LOVE that the author uses vocabulary that is a bit more challenging- it's a great way for kids to learn new words! Katie Weaver- Author of When the Sky Roars
I am a teacher, so I read a lot of books to my class. They LOVED this book!!! It is one of the cutest books that I have seen in a long time. Perfect for the Halloween season, as well as any other time if the year!!! It helps teach and illustrate some important values of friendship. The author brings the characters to life in a fun and child friendly way. My first graders loved it!!! They keep asking me to read it again!!! Do yourself and your children a favor. Buy this book. You won't be sorry!!! Amazon customer
Scaring Trick-O-Treaters is a skill Gilly has mastered. He even scares his friends when it's not Halloween, and sometimes that makes them sad.
One day, Gilly's scaring becomes too much for Maddy Mummy, Wanda Witch, Skel'ton Steve, Franky Stein, and Zombie Zane, and they decided to confront Gilly about their concern.
Then suddenly, they all appeared and marched in his direction.
They looked upset, "But why?" he thought. There was a disconnection.
Gilly then got nervous as he squeaked a feeble "boo."
Then Skel'ton Steve exclaimed, "We have a bone to pick with you!"
What do you think happens next?
Will this confrontation between friends leave Gilly a spooky wreck? Will he realize the errors in his ways and do better? Or will he ignore his friend's plea and keep scaring like the ghoul he is?
Gilly Ghost Loves Scaring the Most teaches children the concept of boundaries, and how it's important to establish and understand them. This book will be a wonderful addition to households and classrooms who are learning boundaries between friends and family.
Sometimes scaring is OK...and sometimes it's not. Will Gilly learn the importance of boundaries with his friends?
What Readers think of this
I LOVE the fun, punchy rhymes- it makes this a great read-aloud! This story is very relatable and has a great lesson (but it's not overly in your face - my kids hate those books lol) - this is the perfect balance. These lines gave me goosebumps (pictured): "Gilly was relieved that they addressed their great concern. 'Cause no one can do better if they never get to learn". It's a great reminder for kids (and grownups, too). I also LOVE that the author uses vocabulary that is a bit more challenging- it's a great way for kids to learn new words! Katie Weaver- Author of When the Sky Roars
I am a teacher, so I read a lot of books to my class. They LOVED this book!!! It is one of the cutest books that I have seen in a long time. Perfect for the Halloween season, as well as any other time if the year!!! It helps teach and illustrate some important values of friendship. The author brings the characters to life in a fun and child friendly way. My first graders loved it!!! They keep asking me to read it again!!! Do yourself and your children a favor. Buy this book. You won't be sorry!!! Amazon customer
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 8, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 15, 2022
Good to be mindful BUT I don’t like the minor violence
This is a story about a ghost who hurts other people’s feelings without knowing it and then his friends share with him how it makes them feel…this is a great way to make children aware of how their actions make other people feel and then correct if need be.
What I DON’T like in a children’s book is the eye popping out of Frankie’s head and the witch putting a puppy dog tail in the cauldron. My children immediately picked up on both things and were bothered. (Ages 4 and 6).
This is a story about a ghost who hurts other people’s feelings without knowing it and then his friends share with him how it makes them feel…this is a great way to make children aware of how their actions make other people feel and then correct if need be.
What I DON’T like in a children’s book is the eye popping out of Frankie’s head and the witch putting a puppy dog tail in the cauldron. My children immediately picked up on both things and were bothered. (Ages 4 and 6).
October 22, 2024
Gilly Ghost has always taken delight in scaring her friends, particularly Franky Stein and Skel'ton Steve. Every Halloween, she plans elaborate fright tactics, her excitement bubbling over as she dons her little blue hat and adorable black glasses. For her, there’s nothing more thrilling than the spooky atmosphere of Hallows Eve and the chance to give her friends a good scare.
However, Franky and Skel'ton have begun to feel that Gilly’s relentless enthusiasm for scaring them has crossed a line. They think it’s essential for her to learn when intimidation is appropriate and when a lighter approach is better. After all, sometimes they just want to enjoy the festivities without being startled. Despite their feelings, Gilly remains blissfully unaware of her friends' desires and is determined to make this Hallows Eve unforgettable for both herself and her friends.
As the night approaches, Franky and Skel'ton devise a plan to gently persuade Gilly to tone down her scare tactics. They worry that if they confront her directly, it might hurt her feelings and jeopardize their friendship. Instead, they hope to redirect her enthusiasm into something more fun for everyone.
Will Gilly be able to understand their perspective and adjust her antics? Or will she feel rejected and hurt, potentially driving a wedge between herself and her friends? As they gather for the evening’s festivities, the tension between joy and fear hangs in the air, leaving everyone wondering how the night will unfold.
This book serves as an invaluable resource for teaching children aged four to eight about the important concept of personal boundaries. It effectively breaks down complex ideas into relatable and understandable lessons, ensuring that young readers grasp these essential life skills. Additionally, the book introduces the joy of rhyming and rhythm, making it an enjoyable read for older students as well.
The illustrations are particularly delightful, showcasing a diverse group of lovable children engaged in various activities. These vivid and imaginative images are designed to capture the attention and spark the creativity of young readers, drawing them further into the story.
Importantly, this book maintains a lighthearted tone throughout; it is not frightening or overwhelming, allowing children of all ages to feel comfortable and engaged. As they follow the storyline and interact with its endearing characters, young readers will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and the concept of boundaries in a fun and relatable way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
However, Franky and Skel'ton have begun to feel that Gilly’s relentless enthusiasm for scaring them has crossed a line. They think it’s essential for her to learn when intimidation is appropriate and when a lighter approach is better. After all, sometimes they just want to enjoy the festivities without being startled. Despite their feelings, Gilly remains blissfully unaware of her friends' desires and is determined to make this Hallows Eve unforgettable for both herself and her friends.
As the night approaches, Franky and Skel'ton devise a plan to gently persuade Gilly to tone down her scare tactics. They worry that if they confront her directly, it might hurt her feelings and jeopardize their friendship. Instead, they hope to redirect her enthusiasm into something more fun for everyone.
Will Gilly be able to understand their perspective and adjust her antics? Or will she feel rejected and hurt, potentially driving a wedge between herself and her friends? As they gather for the evening’s festivities, the tension between joy and fear hangs in the air, leaving everyone wondering how the night will unfold.
This book serves as an invaluable resource for teaching children aged four to eight about the important concept of personal boundaries. It effectively breaks down complex ideas into relatable and understandable lessons, ensuring that young readers grasp these essential life skills. Additionally, the book introduces the joy of rhyming and rhythm, making it an enjoyable read for older students as well.
The illustrations are particularly delightful, showcasing a diverse group of lovable children engaged in various activities. These vivid and imaginative images are designed to capture the attention and spark the creativity of young readers, drawing them further into the story.
Importantly, this book maintains a lighthearted tone throughout; it is not frightening or overwhelming, allowing children of all ages to feel comfortable and engaged. As they follow the storyline and interact with its endearing characters, young readers will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and the concept of boundaries in a fun and relatable way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2025
Learning When “Boo!” Is Too Much
Gilly Ghost loves to scare — in fact, it’s his favorite thing in the world. He hides behind doors, floats through hallways, and shouts “BOO!” at every chance he gets. But in Gilly Ghost Loves Scaring the Most, written by Dr. Heather E. Robyn and illustrated by Zoe Mellors, we quickly learn that even the best intentions can sometimes go a little too far — and that kindness makes every friendship stronger.
The story follows Gilly as he bounces from one “boo” to the next, delighting in laughter and shrieks, until one day he realizes that not everyone enjoys being scared. Some of his friends are startled, upset, or even a little sad. That’s when Gilly begins to understand what boundaries really mean — and how respecting others’ feelings can make his “boo”s even brighter.
Dr. Robyn, a psychologist who specializes in children’s emotional development, has crafted a rhyming story that balances humor with heart. The verse is playful and bouncy — perfect for reading aloud — yet layered with meaning. It’s a wonderful way to start conversations about empathy, consent, and social awareness in a way that feels light, engaging, and safe for young readers.
Zoe Mellors’ illustrations are lively, colorful, and full of motion. Gilly’s wide-eyed expressions are both mischievous and endearing, and the backgrounds glow with Halloween charm — pumpkins, cobwebs, and softly lit scenes that keep the tone fun, not frightening.
What makes this book shine is how it transforms a familiar childhood habit — playful teasing — into an opportunity to learn about communication and respect. Gilly doesn’t stop being himself; he just learns to listen, care, and make space for others’ comfort. It’s a lesson that feels gentle, empowering, and deeply relevant for today’s kids.
Gilly Ghost loves to scare — in fact, it’s his favorite thing in the world. He hides behind doors, floats through hallways, and shouts “BOO!” at every chance he gets. But in Gilly Ghost Loves Scaring the Most, written by Dr. Heather E. Robyn and illustrated by Zoe Mellors, we quickly learn that even the best intentions can sometimes go a little too far — and that kindness makes every friendship stronger.
The story follows Gilly as he bounces from one “boo” to the next, delighting in laughter and shrieks, until one day he realizes that not everyone enjoys being scared. Some of his friends are startled, upset, or even a little sad. That’s when Gilly begins to understand what boundaries really mean — and how respecting others’ feelings can make his “boo”s even brighter.
Dr. Robyn, a psychologist who specializes in children’s emotional development, has crafted a rhyming story that balances humor with heart. The verse is playful and bouncy — perfect for reading aloud — yet layered with meaning. It’s a wonderful way to start conversations about empathy, consent, and social awareness in a way that feels light, engaging, and safe for young readers.
Zoe Mellors’ illustrations are lively, colorful, and full of motion. Gilly’s wide-eyed expressions are both mischievous and endearing, and the backgrounds glow with Halloween charm — pumpkins, cobwebs, and softly lit scenes that keep the tone fun, not frightening.
What makes this book shine is how it transforms a familiar childhood habit — playful teasing — into an opportunity to learn about communication and respect. Gilly doesn’t stop being himself; he just learns to listen, care, and make space for others’ comfort. It’s a lesson that feels gentle, empowering, and deeply relevant for today’s kids.
April 3, 2023
TOO much of a “good thing” for GILLY!
My 4 year old really enjoys this book! He wants to read it over and over even outside of Halloween! Great book year round! He loved the illustrations! The story is told very well in rhyme! It teaches kids that there can be TOO much of a good thing! Gilly loves scaring his friends but eventually he goes overboard and scares them too much! His friends chat with him and he decides to pull back a bit and only scare them sometimes.
My 4 year old really enjoys this book! He wants to read it over and over even outside of Halloween! Great book year round! He loved the illustrations! The story is told very well in rhyme! It teaches kids that there can be TOO much of a good thing! Gilly loves scaring his friends but eventually he goes overboard and scares them too much! His friends chat with him and he decides to pull back a bit and only scare them sometimes.
September 20, 2021
This book is a perfect book for the Halloween season. The illustrations are colorful and the monster characters are super cute! The story of a prankster ghost named Gilly, who's friends were getting annoyed at him and his tricks, shows that it's perfectly fine to let someone know their actions are bothering you. Parents and their little ones will enjoy the rhymes and fun of this story.
September 21, 2021
Kids will love the adorable monsters in this delightful book.
Skel’ton Steve and his friends teach Gilly that sometimes it’s ok to scare others and sometimes it’s not.
Children learn how important it is to express their feelings and also to be considerate of others feelings, and how working together helps solve problems.
This is a fun story!
Skel’ton Steve and his friends teach Gilly that sometimes it’s ok to scare others and sometimes it’s not.
Children learn how important it is to express their feelings and also to be considerate of others feelings, and how working together helps solve problems.
This is a fun story!
October 1, 2022
kind story about a spooky friends
Gilly does not know that his scary jokes are not enjoyed by his friends until they very politely mention this to him. A story that teaches kids about expressing gently things they are not ok with and still keep the friendship without hurting each other’s feelings. Great lesson learned!
Gilly does not know that his scary jokes are not enjoyed by his friends until they very politely mention this to him. A story that teaches kids about expressing gently things they are not ok with and still keep the friendship without hurting each other’s feelings. Great lesson learned!
September 10, 2021
More than a Halloween book
Filled with marvelous MONSTER illustrations! Gilly’s friends are fed up with his constant scaring. With kindness and cooperation, they come together and confront him. Gilly learns there is a time and a place for his scaring fun.
Filled with marvelous MONSTER illustrations! Gilly’s friends are fed up with his constant scaring. With kindness and cooperation, they come together and confront him. Gilly learns there is a time and a place for his scaring fun.
November 10, 2021
Gilly the ghost learns when to scare
Gilly and his Halloween friends love Halloween but Gilly loves to scare people even more than most! A cute story about friendship and finding an understanding between a group of friends and boundaries.
Gilly and his Halloween friends love Halloween but Gilly loves to scare people even more than most! A cute story about friendship and finding an understanding between a group of friends and boundaries.
September 11, 2021
Gilly Ghost learns a lesson
A well illustrated children's book filled with amazing end rhyme, alliteration, and fun filled plot events. Gilly learns that you can't scare everyone!
A well illustrated children's book filled with amazing end rhyme, alliteration, and fun filled plot events. Gilly learns that you can't scare everyone!
September 14, 2021
Great Book!
It’s a fun book for Halloween or any holiday! Gilly learns how to take feedback from his friends! Great rhyming book!
It’s a fun book for Halloween or any holiday! Gilly learns how to take feedback from his friends! Great rhyming book!
October 13, 2022
Cute
Not your typical ghost, except loving to scare, Gilly has to decide if he loves his friends or scaring more. Message nicely buried in a fun story with delightful illustrations.
Not your typical ghost, except loving to scare, Gilly has to decide if he loves his friends or scaring more. Message nicely buried in a fun story with delightful illustrations.
September 15, 2021
Great Halloween book with a lesson
I really enjoyed reading this book. Just in time for Halloween! It’s a fun, easy to read book that teaches children how to be better listeners and respect others feelings. The illustrations are wonderful and the characters are cute.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Just in time for Halloween! It’s a fun, easy to read book that teaches children how to be better listeners and respect others feelings. The illustrations are wonderful and the characters are cute.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews