WE ARE ALREADY HAUNTING HERE!

A ghost seeks spooking territory.

“They say every ghost needs a place to haunt, and if you can’t find one, you’re not even a real ghost,” explains our narrator, who wears a little brown top hat and carries a matching briefcase. The protagonist floats down a city street bathed in dark purple tones, casting round-as-a-button eyes high and low. But the other phantoms are fiercely protective of their hard-won spots, from nearby houses to a mailbox to the sewer. Just when the protagonist is about to give up on finding a place to inhabit, a cheerful black bird points out a derelict little shed—a true fixer-upper. At last, the tale comes full circle, with the ghost—now a proud homeowner—deciding to embrace the spirit of generosity as another uncertain young spirit shows up, asking for a place to stay. Throughout the story, the narrator’s fears (“What if I’m not any good at haunting?”) will resonate with old and young alike. The scenes are reminiscent of the job or house hunt, but the ghosts’ jitters also mirror the emotions many kids experience on the first day of school. Mylie’s swirling, muted pastels feature visible strokes, with high contrast between the white of the ghosts and the black or purple backgrounds. While the color scheme sets an ominous tone, the smiling protagonist will reassure youngsters—as will Sterer’s gently determined text.

A warm tale sure to conjure up smiles.