Ghost in the House
Illustrated by Adam Record
Candlewick Press
It was a dark and spooky night… Wait! Did you hear that sound? Follow an intrepid ghost as he navigates a house filled with all sorts of creatures lurking around every corner. But the scariest one of all won’t come until the very end . . .
- A Huffington Post “Best Halloween Books of 2013”
- A School Library Journal “Great Books for Halloween” pick
- Canadian Children’s Book Centre “Best Books for Kids & Teens” 2014 pick
- Licensed by Scholastic Clubs & Fairs
“Paquette’s rhyming verses beg to be read in a spectral whisper. … Though Ghost in the House, like all the best counting books, is fundamentally simple in its architecture, Paquette and company mix the typical Halloween setting with a narrative that confounds expectations just enough to tickle readers’ funny bones.” –New York Times book review
“This cumulative counting story consists of full-spread, digital artwork that features nonthreatening creatures set against smudgy backgrounds that evoke the feeling of an old, abandoned house. The simple rhyme has a bouncy rhythm that would make this book an enjoyable read-aloud for a not-so-scary storytime. This slightly spooky tale does not mention Halloween, so it can be enjoyed year-round.” –School Library Journal
“Writing in peppy, evocative verse, Paquette introduces the amiable residents of a haunted house, starting with a bloblike blue ghost, who is frightened when he hears a groan. … Record’s digital cartoons playfully suggest that fear is in the eye of the beholder.” –Publishers Weekly
“The bouncy rhyme in this cumulative story is engaging, and the scariness level is just right for the very young. Digitally created illustrations … feature clean compositions and an inventive use of type that will keep viewers focused and anticipating each new arrival.” –Horn Book
“Watch out for this rollicking, cumulative counting book for a Halloween treat that’s more playful than scary. Kids will love this little ghost.” –Canadian Children’s Book Centre, starred review
“Rhymes and counting for the youngest book lovers all come together with some very charming monsters and one brave little boy.” –Huffington Post
“This book will become a favorite read aloud all year long. “ –International Literacy Association: Literacy Daily
“Bouncing rhymes, bold artwork, and endearingly depicted ghouls make this counting book a read-aloud must.” –SLJ’s Great Books for Halloween
“A clever take on the usual counting books, Ghost in the House has a great rhythm that captivates even younger children. Perfect for introducing Halloween to young kids in a safe and fun way.” –The Celebrity Café website
Fun Stuff!
- For a limited time, click here to watch me read GHOST IN THE HOUSE aloud!
- Feeling musical? Click here to listen to a fun sing-along version, produced by Elijah T. Grasshopper and Friends!
- What to Do After Reading GHOST IN THE HOUSE? Try this list, by blogger Cinjoella:
- Count a number of objects around you.
- Draw a friendly monster.
- Make a plan for what you would do if you saw a monster.
- Talk about what you might like to dress up like for Halloween or some other occasion.
- Dress up in a fun monster costume (or some other costume).
- Talk about why the night or an empty house isn’t really scary.
- See if you can sneak up on someone and say “BOO” or make other spooky noises.
- More Spooky Reads for All Ages: Visit The Little Crooked Cottage to read about a few of my own favorite spooky read-alouds. What are yours?
- Looking for more activity ideas? Make a Salt Ghost, Glow-in-the-Dark Playdough, Ghost Meringues, and more! Visit Learning Letter Tiles’s blog for all the details.
- Looking to make the fun go further? Visit Teachers Pay Teachers for some ready-made worksheets, incorporating math, writing, and art responses.