My First Ghost (review)

"WARNING: A ghost friend is a big responsibility. Are you sure you want a ghost friend of your very own? If not, CLOSE THIS BOOK NOW. To claim your free ghost, just turn the page." Audiences who turn that page, and the next, will find not only their very own ghost but also a guide to its care and a catalog of its finer qualities (a ghost is not only better than a pet, it's better than a brother or sister: "Your ghost will never hog the bathroom. Your ghost will never punch your arm"). Ghost owners are admonished to never feed or wash their ghosts, reminded that a ghost's natural temperature is "room temperature," and given a list of ghost-friendly activities, including tag and hide-and-seek. Picky kids may quibble with a few of the claims (how can you paint a picture of or play tag with a ghost who is, the authors state, invisible?), but most youngsters will take to this like a phantom to a decrepit mansion. Even fearful kids will find Buscema's cheery, floaty white ghosties more friendly than frightening. The smiling, sprightly shades have stripy "arms" and sport ball caps or bows and red tennies that dangle below the sheet-like white "bodies," while the human figures and bright backgrounds recall mid-century advertising in their style and detailing. Pair this with Lachenmeyer's The Boo! Book, reviewed above, share it in a non-spooky Halloween storytime, or use it to prompt writing or art projects on a similar theme.