Kids' Corner

Ghostly Tales

“In October I’ll be host
 to witches, goblins and a ghost.
 I’ll serve them chicken soup on toast.
 Whoopy once, whoopy twice,
 Whoopy chicken soup with rice.”
         (Maurice Sendak, Chicken Soup With Rice)

You may not want to serve chicken soup, but here are some recently published ghostly tales to keep in mind as Halloween approaches:

Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake  by Jennifer Allison
Gilda, the psychic investigator, (who reminds me of Nancy Drew) finds herself at a Catholic girls’ school  haunted by the ghost of a former student.  For grades 5 – 7.

Ivy and Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go by Annie Barrows
There’s a ghost in the 2nd grade bathroom, and friends Ivy and Bean decide to get rid of it.  For grades 2 – 4.

Jimmy Takes Vanishing Lessons  by Walter Brooks
A ghost teaches Jimmy to disappear,  in this reissue of the story first published in 1950.    For ages 4 – 8.

Ghost Ship:  a Cape Cod Story  by Mary Higgins Clark
9 year old Thomas meets the ghost of a cabin boy from 1600’s Massachusetts.   For grades 1 – 4.

Ghosthunters and the Muddy Monster of Doom  by Cornelia Funke
In order to get his ghosthunting diploma, 9 year old Tom must make a daring capture.  For ages 9 – 12.

Deep and Dark and Dangerous: a Ghost Story  by Mary Hahn
This eerie mystery involving a childhood tragedy, an empty grave, and lots of fog will keep you on the edge of your seat.
For grades 4 – 7.

Scared Witless: 13 Eerie Tales to Tell  by Martha Hamilton
This collection of spooky folktales includes “The Boy Who Was Afraid of Plants”, “Lost in the Dark”, and “The Hairy Toe”.
For ages 9 – 12.

Olivia Kidney and the Secret Beneath the City by Ellen Potter
Olivia’s third bizarre adventure involves a haunted subway system, some surprise visitors,  and a wedding.  For grades 4 – 7.

Happy Reading,  and Happy Halloween!
Ellen Xydias
Children’s Librarian