The Ghost in the Attic

by Mamiko Shiotani

There is a ghost living in the attic of an old house without going outside at all. One day, attracted by the beautiful moon, the ghost goes out of the attic and flies in the sky. Then, the next day, the little girl living in the house visits the ghost's attic...

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Halloween, Friendship, Ghosts

Hardcover

Published May 13, 2020

Reviews

[Jason Waltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute ghost story about loneliness, introversion, friendship, and bravery

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I review books as a retired teacher and/or librarian of nearly 30 years but this particular review will be done in two parts, one from the perspectives shared by my 4 and 7 year grandboys.

The boys report loving this book (and listening to it 3 times and the older reading once on his own) and say:
*The pictures are so cool because they have so many things in them like all the stuff in the ghost’s attic and in the girl’s room. (7 yr old)
*I like how all the ghost stuff was black and white and creepy and the girl and her room was in all colors, but the ghost wasn’t really creepy but the black makes you think he is. (7 yr old)
*The ghost only thought he was happy but then he met the girl and was really happy. (7 yr old)
*The ghost wasn’t scary; he was nice. (4 yr old)
*I want a friend that is a ghost. (4 yr old)

My 7 year old covered much of what I loved about this not scary at all ghost story. As he stated, the use of color was an excellent touch and added much to the tone/mood of the two characters. Teachers of young children can use this picture book as a segue into conversations about friendship and giving others a chance as well as adding it to their arsenal of books about facing fears. The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs makes a great alternative to more traditional and possibly frightening Halloween books.

Thanks for providing an eARC, Floris Books

[The Perennial Parent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little story. My five year old loves ghosts but we get tired of the traditional trick-or-treat style ones and this book was basically about someone who values their alone time and then gets grumpy when someone new shows up but discovers they can make a new friend and still have their alone time... and one of those someones is a Ghost. I was fortunate enough to be given an advanced copy of this book and I can't wait to buy the physical copy.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs is a stunning picture book by Mamiko Shiotani. We meet a ghost who enjoys his solitary existence living in the attic. All of this changes when a curious little girl stumbles upon his home. Our grump ghost tries many tactics to scare her off, but what unfolds is a sweet and surprising story of friendship.


What I liked: The story has an important message that though change can be scary, it can also be rewarding. I can see parents and educators using this book to show that change and friendship should be embraced, not feared. What truly sets this book apart, however, are the charcoal illustrations. They are more than just pictures; they are an integral part of the storytelling, making the attic setting and characters come alive.

The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs is a heartwarming book with exquisite illustrations that young readers will adore.

This review first appeared on YA Books Central and can be found here: https://yabookscentral.com/the-grumpy...

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shy, grumpy little ghost lives alone in an attic, happily enjoying his solitude. One night, in a moment of courage, he flies out his attic window, swooping in the dark sky, certain that no one can see him. But someone does – the little girl who lives in his house and she decides to investigate. The ghost tries to scare her off, but the brave girl is persistent. His antics escalate until eventually they meet, forming a friendship. Then the grumpy ghost realizes he doesn't feel quite so grumpy anymore. This sweet book speaks to introverts of all ages, honoring the desire for solitude, while opening the door to the power of friendships. The beautiful, subtle artwork has the appearance of pencil shading, capturing the look of moody moonlight and the transparent ghost. The book was originally published in Japan, but both the young girl and the home she lives in have a multicultural look that could be from anywhere. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Floris Books through the PW Grab a Galley Summer 2025.
Readers meet a ghost who is happy to be alone in his attic. He plays and explores and longs to venture beyond his space. When he builds up the courage to leave, he loves it. However a young girl sees him and this will change his life. She wants to meet him so comes up to the attic. The ghost didn't know what to do with this new situation. We see him try all sorts of tricks to chase her away and regain his peace. But, she isn't frightened and invites him to play in her room too. He discovers that change can be good and he can still find time for his needed alone time.
I appreciate the background details that add so much to this story. The ghost's expressions capture the emotions he feels (with just his eyes) which allows readers to feel they are part of the book too.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The moody, somewhat somber and slightly intimidating charcoal illustrations fit this story with an unexpected ending perfectly. The plot concerns a ghost who enjoys its solitude. He never ventures from the attic until one day he yields to the impulse to leave the house and fly. When a small girl disturbs his domain, he haunts her, trying, but failing, to frighten her. In fact, she's known about him all along, and an unlikely friendship forms. The book's last lines are everything, reassuring readers that not everything that seems strange and frightening may not be so. Educators and parents might want to share this picture book with youngsters as a gentle reminder that friendship can be found in unexpected places and ways and that they need not fear something that seems scary.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boo-tifully illustrated. Marvelously kid-friendly. This translation brings all the charm of a golden-age picture book into the present with its intricate backgrounds, delicious textural art, and smart use of value and limited color. The main character is quirky and likable. His problems are relatable to young children everywhere. The text is smart and subtly funny. I laughed out loud in delight. The message of friendship is evergreen, and the english version of the text, though a touch stiff to American picture book readers, is clever enough to make up for any shortcomings. I book you'll want to explore through multiple readings. I received an advanced digital copy of this book for review. It releases August 2025.

[Bexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little ghost has enjoyed his alone time in the attic. He has many adventures, but it does get a little boring. One day he decides to go out, but this brings someone up to the attic. Little ghost doesn't want to share his attic, it's his space, but this new visitor doesn't seem willing to leave his space alone. He tries all the things he knows to scare her away, but she refuses to leave. He decides that he's going to visit her, and in visiting he gets a friend. A sweet story about doing things that might scare you and the joys that can come with that.

ARC provided by publisher and Edelweiss.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The little ghost in the attic is very happy to spend their time alone. That way, they can swoop, fly, and do whatever they want. But one day, a new little person comes into their attic, and refuses to be afraid of the little ghost.
As the little ghost tries to get rid of their new guest, they are going to learn that some don't scare easily, but maybe it is good to just confront their own fears.

Super cute little read! This is a sweet way to learn to confront their fears, and maybe get a new friend in the process.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how everything in the attic is in black and white, except the little girl that visits the attic and that everything outside of the attic is bright and colorful.
Were things dark in the attic because the ghost had closed itself off to the outside world and the attic was a reflection of their feelings?
I love that the young girl was able to bring the ghost out of their comfort zone and helped them to remember that they can find happiness.
A cute book for young readers and a reminder to older readers to find your happiness.

[Amber Wessies Owrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short picture book about a ghost who loves being alone until he realizes new things aren't as scary as they seem. A look at how some emotions are fueled by other emotions such as grumpiness could be the result of fear.
The ghost is cute but I didn't like the illustration of the little girl as much.

Thank you Edelweiss, PW Grab-a-Galley, and Floris Press for the eARC.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! I smiled through the whole book! The Grumpy Ghost likes being alone in his attic. He can swoop all he wants. But then a young girl visits his attic and he gets grumpy about it. But sometimes things that seem scary really aren't. A charming storyline with adorable illustrations. The ghost, particularly, is really cute.

[JWPreK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 'creepy' ghost story. The illustrations perfectly set the mood of the story. The use of black and white and then color mirrors the story perfectly. There is much to explore in the details of the pages. The conclusion, that scary things are worth the risk, is uplifting.

[Alisha (booksmellz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little ghost lives in the attic of a big house. He’s alone, but that’s just how he likes it. One day, a curious young girl begins hanging out in the attic, disturbing the ghost’s peace and quiet. Since she won’t leave the ghost alone, he decides to do what ghosts do best: haunt.

What a great book to talk about the importance of change and embracing new friendships

With artwork reminiscent of Brian Selznick, readers of all ages are bound to giggle at this grumpy ghost’s antics.

[Jj · Rating 3 out of 5]

How about "The Introvert Ghost"? I don't feel like he is grumpy, more that he just wants to be alone and do his own thing until he finds a suitable friend.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations!

[Woowott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely art. Adorable little tale of giving new things and new people a chance. Simple and sweet and very pretty art. I love the way Shiotani creates the shadows for her backgrounds. The two characters stand out more. It's just very cute and charming.

Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Sihem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un album très doux qui nous apprend à braver nos peur, je vous le conseille !