Author R.J. Palacio Finds Ghost Inspiration in Brooklyn Park

J.J. Byrne Playground in Park Slope, Brooklyn, is a popular destination for families throughout the year. On one specific morning, the quiet atmosphere of that park provided the setting for a new children's book by author R.J. Palacio.

Palacio, known for her novel "Wonder," released a new picture book titled "The Haunted Playground." The story follows a group of ghosts who gather at midnight on Halloween night to celebrate. They pause their usual duties of scaring people to enjoy a break together. A brother and sister arrive at the park, disrupting the plans of Rex Magnificus, the self-important king of the ghosts.

The book features illustrations by Brett Helquist, who is also known for his work on "A Series of Unfortunate Events." In the narrative, Rex tries to frighten the human children away. He is upset that they are present during the ghost-only party. However, the siblings are determined to play. The ghosts quickly realize they do not mind the company. Rex eventually joins the group, and the children and spirits play together until the ghosts must return to their homes.

The story ends with the ghosts saying goodbye to the children. The kids promise to return to the same place at the same time the following year. Palacio notes that the book takes a tender turn during this parting. She has stated that her stories often move readers because of moments of unexpected kindness rather than moments of conflict.

Palacio says the idea for the book formed on the morning after a Park Slope Halloween parade. She was walking her dog in the park around 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. The area was empty of the usual crowd of children and parents. She saw discarded costumes and small lanterns left on the ground.

"It looked like it's a place where, like, a lot of ghosts would have gathered and had a crazy party the night before," Palacio said. The sight prompted the opening lines of the book. She writes that at midnight every Halloween, ghosts leave the houses they haunt and the graveyards where they lay to come out and play.

This is not Palacio's first story involving supernatural elements. Her young adult novel "Pony" features a friendly ghost visible to only one character. She has expressed a long-standing fascination with ghosts. She is drawn to the concept of unseen forces surrounding people rather than traditional spooky figures.

For this new project, Palacio aimed to create a sense of spookiness that remains safe for young readers. She wanted the story to feel scary but with a wink. "Ultimately, you know, ghosts just want to have fun," she said. "You know, that's it. And why not?"