Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Tundra Books (2017), 48 pages
Description
What do you do when you meet a ghost? One: Provide the ghost with some of its favorite snacks, like mud tarts and earwax truffles. Two: Tell your ghost bedtime stories (ghosts love to be read to). Three: Make sure no one mistakes your ghost for whipped cream or a marshmallow when you aren't looking! If you follow these few simple steps and the rest of the essential tips in How to Make Friends with a Ghost, you'll see how a ghost friend will lovingly grow up and grow old with you.
User reviews
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Author/artist Rebecca Green delivers a heartwarming, entertaining field guide for becoming and being friends with a ghost in this charming debut picture-book. From the introduction, which maintains that people are chosen by ghosts (not the other way around), through the "dos and don'ts" of
How to Make Friends With a Ghost was an absolute delight, one all the more charming for being a complete surprise! I'd never heard of Rebecca Green before - no wonder, as this is her first picture-book - and had no idea what to expect, going in. The artwork is lovely, with a subtle palette of browns, blacks and whites, occasionally enlivened by elements of red. The main human and ghost characters are very well done, with expressive faces, and charming, stylized forms. The text is matter-of-face and silly all at once, with plenty of heart to match the humor. Recommended to anyone looking for new ghost stories with a gentle, rather than frightening feeling, as well as to anyone who appreciates beautiful picture-book art.
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maintaining such a spooky friendship, the care of one's friendly apparition, and the activities that one can undertake together with one's specter, everything is covered in this comprehensive manual. The book concludes with a section devoted to "Growing Together," in which the changing friendship between human and ghost stretches through the years, concluding with two ghosts...How to Make Friends With a Ghost was an absolute delight, one all the more charming for being a complete surprise! I'd never heard of Rebecca Green before - no wonder, as this is her first picture-book - and had no idea what to expect, going in. The artwork is lovely, with a subtle palette of browns, blacks and whites, occasionally enlivened by elements of red. The main human and ghost characters are very well done, with expressive faces, and charming, stylized forms. The text is matter-of-face and silly all at once, with plenty of heart to match the humor. Recommended to anyone looking for new ghost stories with a gentle, rather than frightening feeling, as well as to anyone who appreciates beautiful picture-book art.
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LibraryThing member Carlathelibrarian
I did not really get this book. My initial response was what is going on here. As I read through it, I could see where it could be useful to teach about how to manuals with a bit of fun. The illustrations were cute and added to the book. The idea of growing old with your ghost was nice and could be
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transferred to family and friends. Overall this book was just okay for me. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. Show Less
LibraryThing member mabith
This is a really sweet little book with absolutely wonderful illustrations. I loved the art so much, and the sweet take on ghosts. This would be a great gift for a kid who is starting to seem afraid of ghosts/monsters/etc...
It's wonderful to see some quirkier children's books these days, and I
It's wonderful to see some quirkier children's books these days, and I
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have a feeling I'll be giving this as a gift to a number of children. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookappeal
Mixed reaction to this book of which I received a review copy from the publisher. The concept of a how-to manual may not translate to most younger kids and the humor and some vocabulary will also be over their heads. The ghost illustrations are adorable, though, and the overall neutral illustration
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with yellow, orange, and red detailing is perfect for the autumn/Halloween season. Caring for a ghost easily transfers to how to be a caring person with everyone. The ending may give some parents pause as it is likely to prompt interesting questions from older kids about what happens after we die. Show Less
LibraryThing member Wosret
A beautifully illustrated and delightful guide to fostering a friendship with a ghost, should one find you and decide to befriend you. I absolutely loved the illustrations, and the different sections of the book (especially the recipe) were absolutely precious. Appealed to me as a lover of
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beautiful illustrations and a goth, and my eight-year-old goth-in-training loved it, too. Unexpectedly touching ending. Show Less
LibraryThing member Toast.x2
How to Make Friends with a Ghost: A depressingly realistic look at platonic soul love
REVIEW COPY
Q: Who will meet you when you die? A: Forget about family. If you are lucky enough to have a Ghost friend, he or she will. For the first time you will share a non-corporeal form with you and able to hold
This book a thinly veiled view on the short time we have and the permanence of true friendship...
How to Make Friends with a Ghost (Rebecca Green)
40 pages
Tundra Books
ISBN-10: 1101919019
ISBN-13: 978-1101919019
Consider picking up a copy for personal use OR to donate to your local library.
I loved this book. LOVED.
Contrary to mass review and much marketing, this is not a Halloween story. Anyone review you read which makes the comparison or mentions this as a spooky story didn’t get it.
Being that this illustrated book was released in September, I felt that the goal of the publisher was to make a few bones in the thematic fall marketplace. I could not in good faith review this book before November. This is an all year round book.
HMFG is about as scary as the movie Beetlejuice. Much as the characters of Beetlejuice relied on the ‘Handbook for the Recently Deceased’, this book can help you make a ghost your pally.
While the text and handbook presentation is a bit tongue in cheek, the illustrations tell an entirely different story. The pictures describe a warm friendship between a girl and a spirit. This friendship lasts an entire lifetime and beyond. I do not have a spirit friend, and after reading this, I felt a little lonely. No, seriously. I was not one for imaginary or spirit friends growing up and I am a little unhappy with the universe right now.
Presented as a DIY/HowTo guide, Rebecca Green has laid out a series of steps on how to identify, befriend, care for, and grow into adulthood with the undead.
More questions:
Q: What are good foods to cook with your friend? A: Floating Spaghetti and Mudballs
Q: Where should your ghost sleep? A: In a dark corner of the attic, preferably with a chill and some ambiance spiderwebs.
Q: Can you read this book to children? A: Yes, absolutely. It is cute, whimsical, and approaches the concept of physical impermanence with a wink and a nod. The last page made me cry. Not like boredom from stereo instructions tears, actual ‘my heart broke a little’ tears.
Q: But what about God and Heaven and ________ insert another topic here ________? A: Seriously? It’s a cute book which has some dark undertones. Read it, love it, have some hard conversations. You owe it to your kid(s).
Q: I don’t have kids and I have no desire for those urine filled mewling cabbages to be around me. Can I still read this? A: Yes.
——
Q: Should you disclose this was a free book sent to you by the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review, even if said review was incredibly negative, but ultimately hoping that you would enjoy it and provide a favorable viewpoint? A: Yes. The disclosure is provided in the question above. Consider my opinion positive.
Illustration samples available at my full review on my website.
REVIEW COPY
Q: Who will meet you when you die? A: Forget about family. If you are lucky enough to have a Ghost friend, he or she will. For the first time you will share a non-corporeal form with you and able to hold
Show More
hands. You can skip jump, high-five, and more.This book a thinly veiled view on the short time we have and the permanence of true friendship...
How to Make Friends with a Ghost (Rebecca Green)
40 pages
Tundra Books
ISBN-10: 1101919019
ISBN-13: 978-1101919019
Consider picking up a copy for personal use OR to donate to your local library.
I loved this book. LOVED.
Contrary to mass review and much marketing, this is not a Halloween story. Anyone review you read which makes the comparison or mentions this as a spooky story didn’t get it.
Being that this illustrated book was released in September, I felt that the goal of the publisher was to make a few bones in the thematic fall marketplace. I could not in good faith review this book before November. This is an all year round book.
HMFG is about as scary as the movie Beetlejuice. Much as the characters of Beetlejuice relied on the ‘Handbook for the Recently Deceased’, this book can help you make a ghost your pally.
While the text and handbook presentation is a bit tongue in cheek, the illustrations tell an entirely different story. The pictures describe a warm friendship between a girl and a spirit. This friendship lasts an entire lifetime and beyond. I do not have a spirit friend, and after reading this, I felt a little lonely. No, seriously. I was not one for imaginary or spirit friends growing up and I am a little unhappy with the universe right now.
Presented as a DIY/HowTo guide, Rebecca Green has laid out a series of steps on how to identify, befriend, care for, and grow into adulthood with the undead.
More questions:
Q: What are good foods to cook with your friend? A: Floating Spaghetti and Mudballs
Q: Where should your ghost sleep? A: In a dark corner of the attic, preferably with a chill and some ambiance spiderwebs.
Q: Can you read this book to children? A: Yes, absolutely. It is cute, whimsical, and approaches the concept of physical impermanence with a wink and a nod. The last page made me cry. Not like boredom from stereo instructions tears, actual ‘my heart broke a little’ tears.
Q: But what about God and Heaven and ________ insert another topic here ________? A: Seriously? It’s a cute book which has some dark undertones. Read it, love it, have some hard conversations. You owe it to your kid(s).
Q: I don’t have kids and I have no desire for those urine filled mewling cabbages to be around me. Can I still read this? A: Yes.
——
Q: Should you disclose this was a free book sent to you by the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review, even if said review was incredibly negative, but ultimately hoping that you would enjoy it and provide a favorable viewpoint? A: Yes. The disclosure is provided in the question above. Consider my opinion positive.
Illustration samples available at my full review on my website.
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LibraryThing member fundevogel
Tundra produces the most beautiful and charming children's books and this is no exception. Rebecca Green's simple concept is explored with inventiveness and good humor. I expect young children will enjoy the humorous tips and suggestions for having fun with a ghost friend. When my niblings get a
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bit older I'll have to share this with them. Show Less
LibraryThing member jennparm
This book was very cute, although it’s the illustrations that really draw me in. I’ve been following Green’s art for years, and I’m thrilled that she’s been doing books recently.
I read this book to my sons ages five and one, and both enjoyed it, although the oldest loved it. Being
This is more than a Halloween book, despite how it may have been marketed. We read this on a regular basis, and it’s really a book about friendship and kindness. Some parts were a little over my son’s head, but it’s definitely a sweet read for any age.
I read this book to my sons ages five and one, and both enjoyed it, although the oldest loved it. Being
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enthralled with ghosts but also slightly nervous about the idea of them, he found it reassuring and funny to read about a friendly one. The silly phrases and words (I believe the word “booger” came up at one point) really caught his attention, as boys seem to be all about the gross and goofy. This is more than a Halloween book, despite how it may have been marketed. We read this on a regular basis, and it’s really a book about friendship and kindness. Some parts were a little over my son’s head, but it’s definitely a sweet read for any age.
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LibraryThing member justreign
I'm a HUGE fan of the illustrations. The art is so quaint and adorable, it fit really well with the adorable story. I want a ghost friend of my own! It's so sweet how the roles flip as the little girl gets older, but that they stay friends all the to the end. And I mean to the literal end. And
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beyond. Absolutely a lovely read! Show Less
LibraryThing member datrappert
Peculiar book about making friends with a ghost for life (and beyond). Nice illustrations. A few childishly disgusting parts (the ghost's good). And and ending - but it's not the end. If you're looking for a really strange children's book to give to a strange child, this may be it. Then let them
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start reading Poe. If they're ready for this, they're ready for that. Show Less
LibraryThing member basilsbooks
Well I saw that this book was available and knew in my heart my daughter and I would adore it. When we saw we had won we were both excited and I gave her the first read. Her review was that I hope this author write many more books bevy this was perfect I love GHOSTIES!! -9 yr old
And I have to say
And I have to say
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the book was beyond charming and I will be putting on my gift books list for friends and family Show Less
LibraryThing member ninarucker
My children love this funny and quirky book and it's especially well loved during spooky season!
LibraryThing member lowelibrary
This is an informative book on how to meet and have a friendship with a ghost. The book had me smiling throughout with the themes staying ghostly, and the fact that a ghost is more than a lifelong friend if you are lucky enough to meet one.
The illustrations are detailed and very fitting. This is
I have not enjoyed reading about a ghost this much since Gus the Ghost.
The illustrations are detailed and very fitting. This is
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not written as an ordinary story but as an instruction booklet. I have not enjoyed reading about a ghost this much since Gus the Ghost.
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LibraryThing member LongDogMom
A whimsical guide for children on how to not only find and identify a ghost, but how to make friends with one. It offers the sage advice that if you are "sweet, and warm, and kind" the ghost will likely find you, which is good advice for making friends of any kind. The silly but delightful tips and
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advice on maintaining your such an unique friendship will appeal to children, and likely bring some giggles, and the illustrations seem to fit perfectly. A wonderful little book with a lovely message, not often seen in picture books, about the joys of having a lifelong friend who will be by your side throughout the changes life brings. Show Less
LibraryThing member Shadow123
I have mixed feelings about this particular title. The book itself isn't new - it has been around since 2017, and was clearly popular enough to warrant a paperback run now in 2022. The illustrations are perfect - they're very well-done and true to the style. I think the premise of this book is just
On the other hand, it takes all kinds to make a world, and I know lots of children who come to my library who would love a book like this, who love ghosts and spooky things, and who wouldn't be scared at all to think about having a ghost for a friend.
So overall, it's a very cute book, it's very well-done, and I'd recommend it for most general collections. Whether or not it's right for you and the kids in your life depends on how cute they think ghosties can be!
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not for me - I'm not super into spooky things, I'm not super into ghosts, and I'm a little bit worried that children are so literal that they might not really "get" this book.On the other hand, it takes all kinds to make a world, and I know lots of children who come to my library who would love a book like this, who love ghosts and spooky things, and who wouldn't be scared at all to think about having a ghost for a friend.
So overall, it's a very cute book, it's very well-done, and I'd recommend it for most general collections. Whether or not it's right for you and the kids in your life depends on how cute they think ghosties can be!
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LibraryThing member kleahey
A whimsical title with charming illustrations, this book works as a Halloween title for young readers who prefer the cuter side of spooky.
LibraryThing member Rhody
The jokes were mostly above my 3 year old, but she enjoyed the charming art and some the silly sight gags. A fun book for older kids and perfect for the Halloween season.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2017
Physical description
48 p.; 9.32 x 9.26 inches
ISBN
1101919019 / 9781101919019