Can you imagine being a ghost with no special ghost powers? Or one with a secret love for baking cupcakes? In Maddie: A Little Ghost with a Secret, Cindy J. Vanous introduces readers to Maddie, the friendly but powerless ghost who can’t resist a sweet treat. Her parents have tried to teach her their powers, but Maddie can't seem to make butterflies appear or make stars dance. What is a little ghost to do when all seems lost? This little ghost does her favorite thing. She bakes! Despite her fear of revealing her secret to her parents, Maddie can't help but indulge in her love for cupcakes. However, when she finally gathers the courage to share her secret, she is met with a surprising reaction.

Maddie is a ghost with a sweet tooth who is sure to satisfy your craving for a fun paranormal read. In Maddie: A Little Ghost with a Secret by Cindy J. Vanous, Maddie wants to be seen—metaphorically, that is. This theme of self-worth is very relatable. Plus, the introduction to stress management is also relevant. In this case, baking isn’t just Maddie’s stress reliever; it turns out to be much more. Vanous cleverly has Maddie speak directly to the reader, which makes the story especially engaging. The vibrant, expressive illustrations by Steven Stewart are the perfect finishing touch. Fans of supernatural mysteries and heartwarming stories about family ties will love this charming story of Maddie's journey to embrace her unique identity and discover the truth about her ghostly powers.

Maddie: A Little Ghost with a Secret is a heartwarming children's story by Cindy J. Vanous. This delightful picture book follows the adventures of a friendly little ghost in Terlingua, Texas. In their former mining town, Maddie is a young ghost with a special love for fun and games. After Maddie and her friends are done playing games, all the ghosts of the town gather together for a talent show, where everyone showcases their unique skills. Maddie's mom can make monarch butterflies appear out of nowhere, while her dad can make the stars twinkle brighter. Maddie always thought she was the only one who lacked any special talent, until she discovered her love for baking. Maddie loves to bake and share the fruits of her labor with her loved ones.

Maddie: A Little Ghost with a Secret is a fun-filled paranormal story that encourages young readers to embrace their own unique strengths. Author Cindy J. Vanous tells a captivating tale full of heart, humor, and charm. Although it's primarily written for kids, even older readers will have fun reading this book. Vanous crafts a concise yet engaging narrative that hooks you in from the very first page. I'm very impressed by the author's ability to create such an engrossing story in a short picture book. The characters are amusing, especially the protagonist Maddie, whom children will love to follow. Illustrator Steven Stewart's artwork is another reason to read this book. The illustrations are striking and breathe life into the characters and the setting. So grab a copy and be entertained by this wonderful picture book.