WINNER: 2024 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, Children’s Literature
SHORTLISTED: 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, Children’s Literature
WINNER, Silver Ledger: 2024 Comic Arts Awards of Australia
WINNER: 2025 DANZ Children’s Book Awards, Graphic Novel Category
Selected as one of the Best Middle Grade Books for 2023 – Readings Books

‘Perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli, Raina Telgemeier or Kayla Miller, children will love this romp through the Underworld.’ Books+Publishing

Twelve years ago, the boy and the girl lived. But one was supposed to die …

July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren’t real. So she pretends they don’t exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it’s Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. When July saves a boy ghost from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first ever friend. Except William is not a ghost. He’s a wandering soul wavering between life and death. As the new friends embark on an adventure to return William to his body, they unearth a ghastly truth – for William to live, July must die.

Inspired by Chinese mythology, this resoundingly hopeful tale about friendship, sacrifice and the unseen world of ghosts is a dazzling heir to beloved Studio Ghibli classics.

‘I adored this story of friendship, loss, love and dumplings. July Chen is a kid I would gladly follow to the Underworld and back.’ Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of the Nevermoor series

‘Spooky, spellbinding and full of heart!’ Kayla Miller, New York Times bestselling creator of the Click graphic novel series

‘A delicious, bite-sized adventure. Ghost Book will leave you hungry for more.’ Reece Carter, bestselling author of A Girl Called Corpse

‘Eye-popping illustrations, heart-warming characters and a spine-tingling story. Perfect for reading late at night under the covers with a torch.’ James Foley, creator of the Secret Agent Mole graphic novel series

‘This brilliant graphic novel is brave and unique. Remy Lai is in a league of her own.’ Nat Amoore, bestselling author of We Run Tomorrow

‘I absolutely loved Ghost Book! It’s the best thing I’ve read in ages. Funny, with just the right amount of dark. Kids (and adults alike) will flip over it.’ Tristan Bancks, bestselling author of Two Wolves and the Tom Weekly series

‘An incredible story, great characters and so beautifully brought to life. It felt like I had fallen into a Studio Ghibli film. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to read this book!’ Peter Carnavas, award-winning author of My Brother Ben

‘What a wonderful read! I devoured it in one sitting, like a delicious plate of wonky dumplings.’ Chris Kennett, illustrator of Nerd Herd and Cross Bones

‘A true delight. Yin-yang eyes, dumpling-obsessed soul reapers and the unwavering loyalty between friends – Ghost Book has it all.’ Peter Cheong, illustrator of Pow Pow Pig

Author Biography

Remy Lai writes and draws for kids. She was born in Indonesia, grew up in Singapore and currently lives in Brisbane, Australia. She lives with her two dogs, who sometimes scare her by barking at nothing in the corners of rooms. Remy is also the award-winning creator of Pie in the Sky, Fly on the Wall, Pawcasso and the Surviving the Wild series. www.remylai.com