A fun, ghostly spin on trading blending in for standing out.
A young ghost finds her spooky flair.
Mimi isn’t looking forward to her first day of haunting a new school. Per all the proverbs and rules for “good Chinese girl ghosts” that her ancestors preach, Mimi is dressed and styled quite traditionally, wearing “old Chinese gowns from her great-great-great-great-great-ghost-grandmother.” Her family doesn’t want her to emulate American ghosts. But “Mimi is American—Chinese American.” And the traditional “haunt couture” touted by her ancestors is “SO NOT GHOUL!” At school, Mimi feels she doesn’t fit in with her ghoulmates, who cruelly taunt her. How can Mimi be a fearsome and horrifying ghost if she sticks out? Full of ghostly puns, this is a playful look at identity, culture, and new-student blues. Though the narrative and antagonism between characters are resolved a little too neatly, readers will root for Mimi as she embraces her bicultural identity in her own way. She contradicts the idea that “good Chinese girl ghosts are not permitted to show their feelings” by loudly standing up for herself and against dominant norms by finding confidence in her ancestral gowns. Her family applauds in pride, and her ghoulmates are inspired to broaden their views. Lui’s digital illustrations are full of textures and layers, adding to the otherworldly motif. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A fun, ghostly spin on trading blending in for standing out. (Picture book. 5-8.)Pub Date: July 19, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-64567-557-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Page Street
Review Posted Online: April 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2022
Frightful and delightful: a comforting (to some, anyway) reminder that no one sleeps alone.
In a tardy prequel to I Need My Monster (2009), candidates for that coveted spot under the bed audition.
As the distressingly unflappable young narrator looks on, one monster after another gives it a go—but even with three mouths, the best roar Genghis can manage is a puny “blurp!”, silly shadow puppets by shaggy Morgan elicit only a sneeze, and red Abigail’s attempt to startle by hiding in the fridge merely leaves her shivering and pathetic. Fortunately, there’s Gabe, who knows just how to turn big and hairy while lurking outside the bathroom and whose red-eyed stare and gross drooling sends the lad scrambling into bed to save his toes. “Kid, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” the toothy terror growls. Right he is, the lad concludes, snuggling down beneath the covers: “His snorts and ooze were perfect.” As usual, the white-presenting child’s big, bright, smiling face and the assortment of bumbling monsters rendered in oversaturated hues keep any actual scariness at tentacle’s length. Moreover, Monster, Inc. fans will delight in McWilliam’s painstaking details of fang, claw, hair, and scales.
Frightful and delightful: a comforting (to some, anyway) reminder that no one sleeps alone. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-947277-09-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Flashlight Press
Review Posted Online: June 22, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2019
A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side.
Bash is back for another session of Scare School.
This second series installment sees the young ghost tasked with completing a group project that requires him to learn about a terrifying place in or around the school. Bash is assigned to work with Wes, a shy but gentle and artistic werewolf, and Vicky and Vlad, two prickly vampires. The group decides to research the spooky forest. Bash is nervous about exploring the forest; plus, he must contend with teammates who don’t pull their own weight (Vicky and Vlad goof off in the gym while Bash and Wes wait for them in the library). But Bash eventually finds a way to confront his fears as he and the others complete their project. Despite the premise, this tale’s more sweet than spooky. Endearing Bash frets about new experiences but proves eager to jump in. He has a delightful, supportive friend in his roommate, Itsy the spider; her tiny knitted socks are an especially charming detail. The characters’ realization that fear can sometimes hold us back will resonate with readers. The plot moves at a steady clip, while stick figure illustrations and comic panels break up the text, giving the tale an appealing, Wimpy Kid–esque vibe.
A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side. (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781665922128
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2024
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