The Ghoul

The people of Hasan’s village on the Mountain of Mountains tiptoe, whisper, and shush the children: “Do not laugh. Smile only so that you do not disturb the ghoul.” But Hasan is skeptical; though stories of the ghoul abound, no one has ever seen it, and it has only allegedly eaten any village children, so he sets off to discover if it is real. It is, though there’s a surprise: the ghoul is terrified of humans, who are purported to eat ghouls. After Hasan and the ghoul get to know each other (turns out the ghoul is a vegetarian), their friendship becomes a reminder to the villagers “to celebrate their differences and never let fear rule them again.” Manasra’s colorful illustrations combine sharp angles and soft brushy sweeps to humorously conjure admonishing residents of a bustling village, a dauntless child, and a one-eyed purple beastie with long yellow claws. Ages 3–8. [em](Feb.) [/em]