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Sunday, August 29, 2021

Gustavo: The Shy Ghost, written and illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago. Candlewick Press. 2021. $22.99 ages 3 and up

 


"Making friends was terrifying. 
Gustavo had never dared to speak
to any of the other monsters. 

He tried getting 
close to them
in many different ways.
"

Gustavo likes the perks that come with being a ghost. He also loves to play the violin. What he loves most is Alma who just happens to be 'the prettiest monster in town'. There's a BUT ... Gustavo is hampered by bashfulness. That makes it more than difficult to make friends. Besides that, no one seems to know he is there. They cannot see him. 

Poor Gustavo! He so badly wants a friend. Perhaps, a letter will bring results. He sends out invitations for attendance at his violin concert. Set for the Day of the Dead and held at the cemetery, Gustavo makes all appropriate preparations. That is when he comes to the realization that everyone will be able to see him! Oh, dear. It proves to be no problem at all as no shows up. So, Gustavo puts his heart and soul into playing his violin. Turns out the invited guests got lost, and used Gustavo's brilliant playing to find him. They all want to be friends. What a coup!  

Images from Mexican culture fill the pages with interest. Young readers will find much to see as they follow Gustavo through the pages of this picture book debut from Mexican artist Drago. It is a perfect addition of your fall book basket.                                                                                  


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