A Friend for Ghost

Attic-dwelling Ghost, who has big round eyeglasses and a beseeching face, seems fated to be “always alone in the crowd.” Though animals occasionally take notice, Ghost can’t even get the attention of the city family, portrayed with white skin, who live in the same house. When a big balloon as red as Ghost’s apple cheeks floats within reach, Ghost draws a smiley face on it, and the two become inseparable. The balloon’s departure back to the sky prompts a frantic search (Ghost papers playground participants with “MISSING FRIEND” posters), but a turn suggests that perhaps the balloon isn’t lost after all. Using ink and watercolor, Kaufman’s emotionally rich, sketchlike compositions—of sad Ghost on a busy urban playground, of the balloon offering Ghost steadfast companionship as a scary thunderstorm rages outside—exude immediacy and empathy. Ages 4–8. (Aug.)