5.0 (1 rating)
Maddie a Little Ghost with a Secret
In the quiet ghost town of Terlingua, Texas, Maddie wonders if she will ever discover what makes her special. Other ghosts can summon butterflies and make stars dance across the sky, but Maddie feels ordinary-until a forgotten memory reveals a gift that has been inside her all along. With warm, expressive illustrations by Texas artist Steven Stewart, this gentle story celebrates emotional growth, family love, and the magic of creating something from the heart. Kirkus Reviews calls Maddie - A Little Ghost with a Secret "playful and fun ¿ yet gentle and encouraging," praising its "cheerful Halloween charm" and "touching emotion," and describing it as "a charming and uplifting ghost tale that celebrates kindness, family, and finding one's unique strength." Perfect for ages 5-12 and ideal for classroom, library, and family read-aloud time, this story offers a meaningful, not-too-spooky Halloween experience that young readers will treasure.
Published: September 2, 2025
Pages: 26
ISBN: 9798990258679
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Available in: Paperback
Reader Reviews
5.0
1 rating
Karen B.
Feb 25, 2026
Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret
By Cindy J. Vanous
In the once-bustling mining town of Terlingua, Texas, a little ghost named Maddie flits through moonlit cemeteries with one big secret - she hasn’t yet discovered her special ghostly gift. While the other friendly spirits show off their shimmering talents beneath butterfly-filled skies and rainbow shooting stars, Maddie can’t help but feel left out. But with a little help from her ghostly mom and dad, and a lot of heart, Maddie soon learns that sometimes the most magical gifts are the ones we share without even realizing it.
Vanous brings Maddie to life (or, more fittingly, afterlife) in a tender, heartwarming story that reminds readers - young and old alike - that everyone has something special inside them. Through Maddie’s worries, wonder, and discovery, Vanous beautifully captures the universal longing to belong and the quiet joy of realizing your worth.
The story’s lyrical prose, charming characters, and vibrant illustrations make Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret a delightful read for all ages. With its gentle pacing and emotional warmth, this enchanting tale will linger long after the final page - proof that not all ghosts are scary… some are simply extraordinary.
I would like to thank Lone Star Literary Life and Cindy J. Vanous for allowing me to read and review Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
By Cindy J. Vanous
In the once-bustling mining town of Terlingua, Texas, a little ghost named Maddie flits through moonlit cemeteries with one big secret - she hasn’t yet discovered her special ghostly gift. While the other friendly spirits show off their shimmering talents beneath butterfly-filled skies and rainbow shooting stars, Maddie can’t help but feel left out. But with a little help from her ghostly mom and dad, and a lot of heart, Maddie soon learns that sometimes the most magical gifts are the ones we share without even realizing it.
Vanous brings Maddie to life (or, more fittingly, afterlife) in a tender, heartwarming story that reminds readers - young and old alike - that everyone has something special inside them. Through Maddie’s worries, wonder, and discovery, Vanous beautifully captures the universal longing to belong and the quiet joy of realizing your worth.
The story’s lyrical prose, charming characters, and vibrant illustrations make Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret a delightful read for all ages. With its gentle pacing and emotional warmth, this enchanting tale will linger long after the final page - proof that not all ghosts are scary… some are simply extraordinary.
I would like to thank Lone Star Literary Life and Cindy J. Vanous for allowing me to read and review Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.