The Little Crooked Bookshelf

This week's bookshelf pick is from Cottager Anika Denise.

Ghost in the House
by Ammi-Joan Paquette
illustrated by Adam Record

What it's all about . . .
Ghost In The House is a pitch-perfect cumulative rhyming tale about a wee ghostie who meets up with a mummy, monster, skeleton, witch and so on, in a "creepy haunted house."

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
It's a brilliant read-aloud that reminds me of a childhood song or game, perfect for Halloween-themed story times. The book first released in 2013, but we reach for it every year when the air turns chilly and talk of costumes and trick-or-treating begins in earnest.

Our favorite lines . . .
There's a ghost in the house,/ In the creepy haunted house,/ on this dark, spooky night, all alone.

Our favorite illustration . . .  

From GHOST IN THE HOUSE by Ammi-Joan Paquette. Illustration copyright 2013 by Adam Record.

Why kids will love it . . .
Ammi-Joan Paquette's playful rhyming text, with its steady beats and dramatic pauses, begs for kids to join in the read-aloud. Likewise, Adam Record's characters are super-cute and not too scary for little ones who will relish the appearance of each new ghoulie.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
For much the same reasons kids will. It's fun to read aloud. (Maybe add in a tickle here and there, too.) And rumor has it, there's a Elf-themed companion book on the way—so parents and librarians can read the first book, then follow up with an all-new installment come winter.