There’s something special about the moment a book leaves the studio and finds its way into the world. For me, it feels a little like sending a friend off on their first adventure: nerves, pride, and excitement all bundled together. This September, one of those friends is stepping out — or should I say trotting.

I’m thrilled to share that my new children’s book, Goats & Ghosts, will be available on Amazon KDP from the 9th of September 2025. An ebook edition will follow before the end of the month, so families can choose the format that fits best — a physical copy to snuggle up with at bedtime, or a digital version for instant reading on the go.

So, what makes Goats & Ghosts a little different from the picture books you might already have on your shelves? Let me take you behind the scenes.

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The Characters: Gus the Goat (and His Ghostly Friends)

At the heart of Goats & Ghosts is Gus the Goat — a plucky, lovable character with one unusual quirk: he doesn’t “baa,” he “boo’s”!

This small twist sets Gus apart, and in true goat fashion, he doesn’t want to hide his difference. He’s curious, hopeful, and determined to find a place where he belongs. That determination leads him into the woods, where he encounters a band of friendly ghosts.

The ghosts themselves are playful rather than frightening. They’re curious about Gus, just as he is about them. Together, they explore what it means to fit in, to celebrate differences, and to find joy in the unexpected.

The story is spooky in the gentlest way — perfect for children who enjoy a little thrill but still need reassurance at bedtime.

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The Making of a Felt-World Story

One of the most unique aspects of my books, including Goats & Ghosts, is that each character begins as a real, hand-stitched felt creation.

• Step One: Sculpting in Felt
  Gus the Goat was first stitched together piece by piece. His little hooves, his soft body, and yes, his wide-eyed expression all came to life through felt and thread. There’s something grounding about working with my hands — every stitch is a choice, every detail a way to make Gus feel more “real.”
• Step Two: Photographing the Scene
  Instead of drawing or digitally illustrating, I build physical scenes and photograph the characters in them. Gus and his ghostly companions were placed against woodland-inspired backdrops, lit carefully to create atmosphere. The result is a sense of texture and tangibility. Children can see the fabric, the stitches, the shadows — these aren’t just drawn, they exist.
• Step Three: Layout and Storytelling
  The photographs are then paired with text, carefully designed into spreads. This part is like choreography: making sure the images lead the story forward, giving each page a rhythm that feels natural for read-aloud moments.

The whole process is slower than traditional illustration, but I love how it invites children into a tactile world. Kids often ask, “Can I hold Gus?” And the truth is — yes, Gus exists off the page too!

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The Story: Spooky Fun with a Gentle Heart

Without spoiling too much, here’s what you’ll find in Goats & Ghosts:

• A goat who “boo’s” instead of “baa’s.”
• A mysterious wander into the woods in search of belonging.
• A playful haunt where ghosts gather — less scary, more silly.
• Lessons about being different, fitting in, and the joy of being accepted just as you are.

It’s a story filled with imagination, empathy, and gentle spookiness — perfect for ages 3–8. Younger children will love the fun sounds and visuals. Older ones will catch the deeper message: sometimes the things that make us different are the very things that make us shine.

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Why I Wrote Goats & Ghosts

As both an artist and a parent, I’ve always been fascinated by the way children use play to work through big feelings. Difference, belonging, and friendship are themes that come up again and again in childhood.

Gus’s story grew out of that space. What if a goat didn’t sound like the others? Would he be teased, ignored, or celebrated? And what if he found a group — unusual though they might be — that saw him for exactly who he was?

For me, Goats & Ghosts is about reassurance. It tells children: you don’t need to sound like everyone else to find your place in the world.

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The Launch

• 📖 Paperback edition: Available on Amazon KDP starting September 9th, 2025.
• Find it here: Goats & Ghosts (2025)
• 📱 E-book edition: Releasing late September/early October for families who prefer digital libraries or want instant access.

Both formats are designed with young readers in mind: clear text for reading aloud, playful layouts that keep the story flowing, and images that children can pore over again and again.

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Why This Book Belongs on Your Shelf

• For the spooky season: It’s a perfect autumn read, weaving in Halloween vibes without the nightmares.
• For bedtime stories: The rhythm and imagery are soothing, playful, and easy to read aloud.
• For big conversations: It opens space to talk about difference, kindness, and belonging.
• For little book lovers: The photographed felt characters are a delight — kids love spotting the stitches and textures.

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A Peek into the Future

Goats & Ghosts is part of a larger series of felt-animal adventures I’m building, including Bats & Biscuits and Witches & Whisks. Each book uses handcrafted characters to explore imaginative, slightly spooky but always heart-warming tales.

My hope is that these stories become part of your family’s rhythm: the books you pull out in October, the ones that get passed to younger siblings, the ones remembered long after childhood.

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Final Thought

Releasing a book feels a little like throwing a party and hoping people show up. My studio has been filled with felt scraps, ghostly cut-outs, and lots of “boo’s” from my children as they test out the story. Now, I get to share it with you.

So whether you grab a copy to read under a blanket with hot cocoa, or you pop the ebook into your device for a story on the go — I hope Gus and his ghostly friends bring laughter, reassurance, and a little bit of spooky magic to your family.

With ghosts in my sketchbook and a goat on my desk,
Lily Luz
Spoon & Sky