The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs

Mamiko Shiotani; Translated by Polly Lawson

Price:
£12.99
Availability:
Not yet published - due 21 Aug 2025

Quick Look

  • This gentle story about learning to embrace change and reach outside of your comfort zone humorously subverts expectations
  • The beautifully detailed artwork cleverly uses light, shadow and texture to imbue the little grumpy ghost with character
  • The little ghost's story will encourage young children to be brave, accept change and be open to making new friends
  • Winner of the Pinpoint Picture Book Award in Japan

A little ghost lives in the attic of a big house. He swoops around all alone, which is just how he likes it, until one day a little girl disturbs his peace and quiet. A wryly funny, beautifully illustrated picture book about adapting to change.

Format:
hardback
Size:
286 x 222 mm
Publisher:
Floris Books
Subject:
Picture Books
Illustrations:
colour illustrations
Age Range:
From 4 to 7 years
Extent:
36 pages
ISBN:
9781782509264
Publication date:
21 Aug 2025

Description

"In the quiet attic of a large house lives a little ghost.
Alone.
Just as he likes it."

The little ghost spends long nights swooping up and down, and round and round -- having fun, all by himself. He has no need to leave his dark and dusty attic; in fact he's actually rather worried about leaving.

Until one day his peace is disturbed by a curious girl. The little ghost sulks: why won't the annoying and slightly scary child leave him alone? So, the grumpy ghoul decides to do what ghosts do best...

But this little girl isn't easily frightened.

This wryly funny story about adapting to change, facing your fears and having the courage to open yourself up to others is brought to life by Japanese author-illustrator Mamiko Shiotani's beautifully soft and textured artwork.

Author

Mamiko Shiotani is an award-winning author and illustrator from Japan. She studied ceramics at Joshibi University of Art and Design, Tokyo, and created background art for animated feature films before turning to picture books. The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs is her first book to be published in English.

Just feel like browsing?

Browse our catalogues

Interested in an author?

Discover authors