FEELING BOO

Boniello and Lavalle, the Tony-winning producers of Hadestown, tell the story of a ghost attempting to raise her pal’s spirits.

Besties Ollie and Ellie have haunted their house for centuries. When Ellie calls on Ollie in his “dead-room” so they can play her “grave-orite” game, Ollie tells her he’s feeling “a bit boo.” Supportive Ellie suggests doing fun activities. They visit old friends at the graveyard, slam the doors, make the furniture float, and play songs on the old-fashioned record player. Nothing’s working, Ollie says, but he thanks Ellie for trying. Still, she keeps pushing fruitless ideas. It’s nearly morning, and the pair are exhausted. When Ollie finally manages to get a word in edgewise, he offers a suggestion: that they simply sit together—silently. They do. The illustrations depict both pals’ faces visibly brightening at sunrise, and Ollie thanks Ellie for the period of hushed reflection, acknowledging that he feels better. Next night, Ollie’s ready for ghostly shenanigans again, apparently without a haunt, er, hint, of boo-ness. Peppered with spooky puns, this story reassures readers that we all feel “boo” at times and that companionable silence can work wonders; sometimes, just being there is enough. Children will appreciate this expressive spectral duo’s tender friendship. Though Mueller adorns Ollie and Ellie’s haunted house with details such as cobwebs and cracked walls, her illustrations have a warm, cozy vibe that’s more sweet than scary.

Hauntingly good fun.