When Freddy asks his phantom friends to a feast they are colourfully surprised. Simple, strong drawings, shroud-tickling fun and a satisfying bathetic ending add up to a ghost story for even the faint-hearted five-year old. and what will the ghosts look like if they eat wobbly jelly?

(Orchard Pounds 3.99) The Paper Princess By Elisa Kleven.

A little girl cuts out a paper princess, but before she can make her some proper hair, the wind blows the paper princess away. Her adventures until she is finally restored (thanks to the ministrations of a friendly jay) are charmingly portrayed in a bright patchwork of collage and pastels, inspiring young listeners to cut out their own paper people.

(Orchard Pounds 3.99) The Three-Legged Cat By Margaret Mahy. Illustrated by Jonathan Allen.

Classic Mahy mixes feline social observation (the suburban curtain-twitcher, the rollicking but balding tramp) with intense delight in language (“Horrakapotchkin!’’ cries the swagman) in a tale of switched identities. Unfortunately, the drawings don’t quite match the text, but the joke is too good for young children to miss. (Puffin Pounds 3.99) Hue Boy By Rita Phillips Mitchell. Illustrated by Caroline Binch.

Hue Boy lives in a palm-fringed village. He is so small that all his friends tower over him. his mother, his teacher and all his friends try to help him grow. Hue Boy just likes to watch the ships. But one day, his father comes back from sea. Then Hue doesn’t feel small anymore and so, he grows. Touching Afro-Caribbean story won Smarties prize. (Gollancz Pounds 3.99) Pirate Poll By Susan Hill. Illustrated Priscilla Lamont.

“I just like people to look like themselves”, said Polly. Halloween, Christmas pantomime and dressing up can be scary for young children. Susan Hill’s gently teasing account of a young girl overcoming her fears could help negotiate those social occasions, as well as offering some nice tips for would-be parties.

(Puffin Pounds 3.99).