Ghost Story

Book One, 43 Old Cemetary Road; Dying to meet you (2009)
by Kate Klise, illus. by M. Sarah Klise

The sister team of Kate and M. Sarah Klise created a charming ghost story through letters written back and forth between a cast of characters. The story line is fun and the cast of characters have names that will make children giggle. There is the writer, Ignatius B. Grumply (I.B.), who is trying to write a book after a 20 year absence in the publishing world. Anita Sale is the real estate agent who helps Grumply find a writing haven-at 43 Old Cemetary Road, of course. Grumply's lawyer is E. Gadds and his publisher is Paige Turner. The broken down house at 43 Old Cemetary Road belongs to Professors Les and Diane Hope, who have fled the country to study paranormal activity on the European Continent, leaving their young son, Seymour Hope, behind at the house. This pun-filled cast is rounded out with the resident ghost, Olive C. Spence, and a private investigator, Frank N. Beans!! This book is only about 150 pages long, quick read and I think students will love it.

While not a scary ghost story I like the message of family is who ever makes you feel safe and Seymour feels safer with a ghost than with his own parents. This theme is cherished by many students who don't live in typical mom/dad family situations. Seymour takes care of himself, even mows the yards for neighbors but he likes to have Olive and Ignatius around. This would make a wonderfully, quick read-aloud as well as an intro into letter-writing as well. The second book, 43 Old Cemetary Road; Over my dead body is out as well.
Find a copy of other well-written books by this duo right here.Here at Highland we have "Shall I knit you a hat; a Christmas Yarn", a wonderful tale of sharing and giving for this time of year.
Find the book here.

Highly Recommended-Elementary Fiction (2nd-4th grade)

4/5 Stars