Stephanie Owen Reeder (text) and Mel Armstrong (illustrator), Ghostie, Windy Hollow Books, March 2022, 32 pp., RRP $25.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780645323511
It can be boring when Mum and Dad have to work – but not for Ava and her imaginary friend Ghostie. Together they play and create mischief in Ava’s house and garden. It’s a lovely celebration of imagination and independence, and a reminder that there’s plenty of fun be had at home. Despite featuring a ghost, Ghostie is not all scary.
The text is quite brief with fun interplay between the words and illustrations. It’s great for reading aloud thanks to plenty of action verbs and noises (like boos and creaks) that encourage children to join in. The graphic illustrations are beautifully bright and textured, with fun little details to be found on each page. The characters are really cute and expressive, especially when they are up to cheeky, messy mischief!
Ghostie will appeal to children aged 3 and older.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
