The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise

Written by Riel Nason

Illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler

Tundra Books

978-1-774885376

48 pp.

Ages 3–7

Releases August 26, 2025 

 

It might seem odd reviewing in August a book that involves winter but, when it's nearing 30°C outside, it's nice to think about the loveliness of snow and cold temperatures and the celebrations that bring us joy. For the little ghost quilt, introduced in Riel Nason and Byron Eggenschwiler's first collaboration The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt (2020), winter brings new experiences and joys too.

From The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise, written by Riel Nason, illus. by Byron Eggenschwiler

While his ghost sheet friends are shivering with the cold, the little ghost quilt is able to comfortably withstand the temperatures and the snow. He enjoys the same indoor activities as they do—making crafts, playing games and reading "boooooks"—but he wishes they could share in outdoor adventures as well. One December evening while visiting a human neighbourhood, the little ghost quilt is drawn to bright lights and joyous celebrations. He sees decorated trees, inside and outside; people skating and singing and baking cookies; and everything looking shiny and bright. He is saddened to think his friends are missing out on all this. So, the little ghost quilt with his big heart plans to do something for his ghost sheet friends. 

From The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise, written by Riel Nason, illus. by Byron Eggenschwiler

But on his way back home, the little ghost quilt is caught in a terrible winter storm and is snagged on the branch of a birch tree. He does get free, but the storm and that tree give him an idea about how to implement his plan with what they have available.

From The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise, written by Riel Nason, illus. by Byron Eggenschwiler

I'm delighted to review a picture book by Riel Nason whose only books that I have reviewed to date have been YA (i.e., All the Things We Leave Behind and The Town That Drowned). But, just as she demonstrated in those young adult novels, Riel Nason gives her characters depth of feeling for others. For the little ghost quilt, he's quite cognizant of the fact that his quilt gives him warmth and protection while his friends, in their skimpy sheets, have neither and must stay indoors. Yet, with his freedom to engage in outdoor activities, the little ghost quilt still wants to share his experiences with his friends. He doesn't gloat about his opportunities. Instead, he appreciates what he is able to witness and thinks about how he can share with others. Riel Nason has given a patchwork-quilt ghost the benevolence to which we should all aspire.

From The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise, written by Riel Nason, illus. by Byron Eggenschwiler

It's impossible not to feel the weather and the joy that the little ghost quilt experiences on his winter outing. Byron Eggenschwiler's pencil and digitally-rendered artwork takes us into the dullness of winter and makes the colours of the holiday season shine. By emphasizing the dreariness of the winter with a muffled environment of snow and dirt in colours of grays and browns, Byron Eggenschwiler keeps the focus on the goodness and the cheerful, in other words on the quilt colours of the little ghost and on the Christmas celebrations and those enjoying them. 

While you may not be thinking of winter or Christmas yet—times when The Little Ghost's Quilt's Winter Surprise will be a must-read—this picture book is more than a seasonal tome to share with young children. It's a story of kindness and compassion; it's a book about understanding what others are experiencing and how to help expand the scope of their lives. (Can I use the word "lives" for ghosts?) Because of the little ghost quilt's good will, he's able to bring the light to the actuality of his ghost friends both in spirit and in illumination and thus bring the essence of Christmas to all.