The Book of Ghosts and Goblins

Something is lurking in the shadows — and it wants to tell you a story.
In this delightfully eerie collection, Ruth Manning-Sanders gathers twenty-one tales of ghosts, goblins, and other supernatural beings from corners of the world you might never expect. These are ancient stories, passed down through generations from Mallorca to Siberia, from the misty hills of Ireland and Scotland to the villages of Estonia, Hungary, France, Corsica, and beyond.
Some of these tales will send a shiver down your spine. Others will make you laugh out loud. Meet a headless horseman galloping through the Irish countryside, a terrifying skull that tests a young man's courage in the Tyrolean Alps, and mischievous goblins who make bath time a nightmare in Estonia. But not every ghost in these pages means harm — there are kindly spirits too, and stories where bravery, cleverness, and a good heart triumph over even the most frightening creatures of the night.
Each tale carries the timeless wisdom of folklore: be kind, help others, and never judge by appearances. Manning-Sanders retells these stories with her signature wit, warmth, and economy of language — not a word wasted, yet every page alive with atmosphere and wonder. The award-winning Robin Jacques provides beautifully detailed illustrations that bring each ghostly encounter and goblin mischief vividly to life.
Spooky enough to thrill, gentle enough not to terrify — these are the perfect stories for young readers ready for their first taste of the supernatural.
Stories include: A Box on the Ear (Mallorca) • The Goblins at the Bath House (Estonia) • Golden Hair (Corsica) • Bring Me a Light (Spain) • The Cook and the House Goblin (Estonia) • The Skull (Tyrol) • The Tailor in the Church (Scotland) • Pappa Greatnose (France) • Hans and His Master (Hungary) • The Golden Ball (England) • The Strange Adventure of Paddy O'Toole (Ireland) • Little Jip (England) • The Headless Horseman (Ireland) • The Ring (Spain) • Water Drops (Estonia) • The Maiden Suvarna (Siberia) • The Beauty and Her Gallant (France) • The Kindly Ghost (Africa) • The Three Silver Balls (Italy) • The Good Woman (Italy) • The Leg of Gold (Italy)
Perfect for read-aloud sessions, campfire storytelling, Halloween reading, and young readers ages 6–12 who are ready for a little chill with their fairy tales. A treasured volume in Ruth Manning-Sanders' celebrated "A Book of…" folklore series.