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Beyond Halloween

FROM LEFT: COURTESY MATT RALPHS; COURTESY PHAIDON

Spooky Celebrations Around the World is a new book by Matt Ralphs. It details spooky traditions from different countries. Many cultures celebrate those who have died. But not all these celebrations are scary. They can be joyful and fun, too. Beautiful illustrations show the festivities.

As a kid, Ralphs loved being scared. He thinks most kids are like that. “Lots of people like to be scared, but in a safe way,” he told TIME for Kids. Stories are a great way to do that.

Anyone curious about the world will enjoy this book. “Wherever you’re from, you’ll see similarities of things people enjoy,” Ralphs says.