A picture book about a lonely ghost who learns to share and is finally fulfilled through friendship.Gwei the ghost is absolutely famished, but unlike the other ghosts in the cemetery, he won’t eat just
anything. Luckily, it’s Ghost Festival month: the one time a year when ghosts roam the realm of the living. Gwei flutters around the city eating steaming bowls of noodles, hot, hot, HOT chestnuts, and crispy fried fish with chili oil.
Yet no matter how much Gwei eats, his hunger won’t go away. As he searches for the perfect meal, he catches someone following him. It's another hungry little ghost! When he hears her grumbling belly, he reluctantly reaches into his pouch to share. To his surprise, he finally starts to feel full.
With charming Chinese folklore–inspired text by Emeline Lee and warm, glowing illustrations by Basia Tran,
Gwei the Hungry Ghost is a story about how friendship feeds the soul.
Features illustrated backmatter with more information on the real Hungry Ghost Festival and more spirits of Chinese mythology!
On sale: January 13, 2026
Age: 4-8 years
Grade: Preschool - 3
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9798217002795
Reading level: Lexile: AD720L
Emeline Lee is a writer of children's literature. With
Gwei the Hungry Ghost, she celebrates her Chinese heritage and the folklore, traditions, and food of her ancestors. She is also the author of
Bonnie's Rocket, a picture book inspired by her grandfather, an Apollo 11 engineer. Emeline’s favorite activities include hiking in the woods, eating hot pot, and crocheting cozy things. She lives in the New York metropolitan area.
Website: EmelineLee.com
Instagram: @EmelineLeeBooks
Basia Tran is a Polish-Vietnamese illustrator who shares her love of lore and laughter through graphite and pixels
. She’s illustrated
What's That? by Karen Chan and
You're a Winner, Gracie Wei! by Kristen Mei Chase. She lives in Jersey City, New Jersey, with her husband Evan, their baby Naomi, and puppy Latke.
Website: BasiaTran.com
Instagram: @BasiaTran
Praise for Gwei the Hungry Ghost by Emeline Lee; Illustrated by Basia Tran:
"A feast for the senses with a sweet message of sharing." —
Kirkus Reviews
“Luminous…brims with warmth and love as families and friends celebrate together to honor their ancestors” —
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“Draws from Chinese folklore for a sweet tale with moral underpinnings.” —
Booklist
“Inviting and immersive … A deeply moving story about friendship, sharing, and the Hungry Ghost Festival.” —
School Library Journal
