How to Scare a Ghost

July 2, 2018
Reagan and Wildish (How to Babysit a Grandma) return with another how-to book, this time with a ghostly theme. With Halloween on the way, two brunette siblings set out to attract and “scare a ghost” by following a series of steps. Ghosts, Reagan explains, are drawn toward certain Halloween-y items and activities, such as “creepy pumpkins,” bobbing for apples, and scary noises. Items and tasks are clearly identified and labeled in Wildish’s light cartoons like steps in an instruction manual. When a ghost finally arrives, the children must determine if it’s real (does it walk or float?) and then begin their scaring. But the only thing that really scares their sweet-natured ghost is the vacuum cleaner. When it proves too frightening, the two take the ghost (dressed as a robot) trick-or-treating. This is a playful Halloween story for readers not ready for scarier fare. Ages 4–8.

August 1, 2018
Reagan and Wildish continue their How to... series with this Halloween-themed title.If you've ever had a hankering to scare a ghost, this handbook is what you need. In it, a pair of siblings shows readers "how to attract a ghost" (they like creepily carved pumpkins and glitter), identify a ghost (real ghosts "never, ever open doors"), and scare a ghost (making faces, telling scary stories). Also included is a warning not to go too far--a vacuum is over-the-top on the scary chart for ghosts. Once you've calmed your ghost again, it's time to play (just not hide-and-seek or on a trampoline) and then decide on costumes for trick-or-treating. Your ghost will also need to learn Halloween etiquette (knocking instead of floating through doors). The title seems a little misleading considering only two spreads are dedicated to trying to scare a ghost, but the package as a whole is entertaining. Wildish's digital cartoon illustrations are as bright as ever, and the brother and sister duo have especially expressive faces. Both are white-presenting, as are all the other characters except for some kids in the very last spread.The tips garnered here could be used to scare just about anyone, and for those scared of ghosts, at least your carpets will be clean from all the vacuuming. (Picture book. 4-8)

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January 1, 2019
This author-illustrator team has provided advice on myriad topics, from How to Babysit a Grandpa to How to Catch Santa. This how-to gives kids all the tongue-in-cheek pointers they need for scaring--and befriending--a ghost this Halloween. "GHOSTS CAN'T RESIST: Bobbing for apples. Cupcakes. Games. Glitter." Lighthearted illustrations show round-faced kids and their amiable ghost pal enjoying various Halloween thrills.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)