The Little Scottish Ghost

In this work in translation, Hohler theorizes that haunting is not a skill that comes naturally to ghosts. Father Ghost and Mother Ghost, portrayed with blue skin, though tired of haunting a castle in Scotland, do their best to school Little Ghost in frightening the castle’s human hosts. But when Little Ghost’s attempts elicit affection rather than fear, her parents send her to Whistlefield to take lessons from the “weirdest, scariest ghost in all Scotland.” What Little Ghost learns, however, is that the green-tinged Whistlefield Ghost’s ways stem from loneliness, not expertise. Soon, the older ghost’s turn toward companionship leads to a big castle party, replete with tartan kilts, bagpipes, and both human and ghost guests—and a performance from Little Ghost that allows her to come into her own. Recalling flashes of Tomi Ungerer, the late Maurer’s illustrations feature textured scratch marks and green-garbed ghosts with sunken eyes. All human figures are portrayed with pale skin. Ages 4–8. (July)