MADDIE ~ A LITTLE GHOST WITH A SECRET
By Cindy J. Vanous
Illustrated by Steven Stewart
Children’s Age 6-8
Pages: 28
Publication Date: September 25, 2025
*** SYNOPSIS ***
In the enchanting ghost town of Terlingua, Texas, Maddie isn’t your typical ghost. She’s a friendly spirit on a heartfelt quest to discover her own special superpower just like the ones her parents and the other resident spirits proudly possess. As Maddie experiments with their ghostly gifts, she learns that each superpower is unique and can’t be borrowed. Still, she holds close a passion that fills her days with whimsy and warmth, a secret hobby that brings back precious memories of time spent with her mom. Through her journey, Maddie uncovers not only her true talent but also reminds her ghostly family that the most magical gifts come from the heart.
*** CLICK TO PURCHASE ***
Amazon
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*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR ***
Cindy J. Vanous is a Texas children’s author who writes heartfelt picture books filled with vintage charm, hope, and imagination. Her stories, from a lost puppy at the North Pole to a little ghost in Terlingua, Texas, celebrate courage, belonging, and the magic found in everyday moments.
WEBSITE ◆ INSTAGRAM AMAZON ◆ GOODREADS FACEBOOK
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*** GIVEAWAY ***
Two Winners (US only)
Each receive a signed hardcover copy of Maddie~ A Little Ghost with a Secret
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*** REVIEW ***
What a delightful book for children of all ages, especially grandmas who love to read to the little ones, and this grandma sure does. I’ve loved picture books since, well, I was a kid, then as I raised my family & was blessed with grandchildren our bookshelves overflowed with favorites that were dragged out at all times of the day.
Couched in the story of how Maddie finds her special talent is a message about the importance of sharing one’s talents with everyone, but Maddie doesn’t know what her talent is. She can’t make butterflies come to wrap someone in a hug, or catch stars, but she can make cupcakes. That’s the one thing she has learned how to be good at. So, she breaks out the baking tins and flour and sprinkles, and secretly shares the cupcakes with people in town.
Through that secret act of giving, she comes to realize that her special talent has been there all along – baking and sharing.
The book is a lot of fun from the first pages of Maddie playing ghost games with other children, to the delight she has when her parents share their special gifts with her. Wouldn’t it be great to get a hug from a Monarch butterfly or catch a star? I’d sure like to.
Steven Stewart’s illustrations are perfect, bringing so much charm to each page. He has a special style of whimsy that enhance the story so well, from the bright colors to the smiles on so many of the faces. The images bring the “happy” to life, which is what a children’s book is supposed to do, while slipping the message in between the lines.
Kudos to the author and illustrator for making that happen in this sweet, memorable story that kids will want to read again and again. I can just see the book on a shelf with other treasured stories, maybe the cover a little worn from lots of use. Wouldn’t that be great!
Highly recommend Maddie a Little Ghost with a Secret to kids and moms and grandmoms, and even adults who just want to smile.
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To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLMaddieALittleGhostWithASecret on your preferred social media platform.
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