To catch a ghost

Wilson's winsome book coaches readers in ghost-catching with practical guidelines that demonstrate psychological acuity. Opening pages present a need to bring something for show-and-tell, suggesting, "If you've got gumption, that something could be a ghost." Ensuing advice, presented in three parts, succinctly instructs how to "find," "observe," and "catch" an appropriate subject via methods that include personality profiling ("Are they snazzy or sneaky?/ Scary or scaredy?") and constructing a bespoke trap. But while narration urges strength around locking the ghost inside ("DO NOT hesitate"), illustrations convey a more sorrowful reality when the shade's saucer eyes peer through the cage bars, leaving the protagonist to consider the possibility that releasing the spirit might be a more empathetic choice--and may even make for solid show-and-tell material. Spare, navy-outlined, chalk pastel and acrylic artwork is digitally layered for a fuzzy, softening effect that suits the mood of this story. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4--8. (July)

Gr 1--3--Being the new kid is hard, but being the new kid and not bringing the right thing to show-and-tell? Unthinkable! Sam knows exactly what to bring to make the right impression--a ghost--and has it all planned out in three simple steps: find the ghost, observe and get to know it, then catch it. Sam's plan works, but they quickly realize they've caught more than just a ghost; Sam unexpectedly catches a friend. The ghost is set free, but Sam isn't empty-handed, gaining an unexpected friend and a story perfect for show-and-tell. Written in second-person and illustrated with bold linework and a soft retro palette in a 1970s vibe, this is a tale sure to surprise and delight. VERDICT This story of unexpected friendship is sure to appeal to younger readers.--Jessica Caron

A child's plan to trap a ghost runs smoothly…at first. Sam's just started a new school, and this week is show and tell. Nervous about making a good impression, the youngster decides to catch and bring in a ghost. Told in the second person, text comprised entirely of instructions for ghost hunting nods cheekily to hardboiled detective fiction. Donning a helmet-mounted camera, Sam scours the playground--aha! A ghost. Sam tries to understand the spirit's personality and preferences in order to design the perfect trap. The two spend time together playing hide and seek, watering flowers, and sharing pizza. Finally, Sam builds a cage and baits it with the ghost's favorite things. But when the lock clicks behind the forlorn-looking specter, Sam realizes that maybe trapping a friend isn't the right thing to do after all. Shedding a tear, Sam lets the ghost go. Show and tell is nevertheless a rousing success: The other students enjoy the story of Sam's ghost-hunting adventure, complete with photographic evidence. Sam's new friends, both human and spirit, celebrate with pizza. The interplay of tightly crafted text and emotionally expressive illustrations, reminiscent of chalk drawings, results in a book that never wastes a word yet brims with layers of personality, tenderness, and humor. Sam has dark hair in pigtails and skin the white of the page. Hauntingly good--quirky, amusing, and deeply felt.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.