Boo the Library Ghost

Paige pens a ghoulish tribute to reading in this rhyming ghost story set in a ramshackle library. Spectral protagonist Boo enjoys nothing more than terrorizing patrons: “He likes to ROAR loudly/ and pop out from the shelf./ When the children run home,/ Boo is proud of himself.” After the ghost’s antics fail to frighten a pale-skinned girl immersed in a book, though, Boo goes into haunting overdrive, and the child discovers that Boo doesn’t yet know how to read. The result of the ensuing instruction makes for a predictable conclusion: “When he gazed around the room,/ he loved every bookcase./ This wonderful library/ was now his favorite place!” A palette of oranges, pinks, and teals keeps the story feeling unscary even during Boo’s opening mischief, and delightful puns grace Boo’s choice of books. Patrons are depicted with varied skin tones. Ages 3–5. (July)