Gustavo, the Shy Ghost (The World of Gustavo #1)

While ideal for Day of the Dead, this heartwarming story about bravely taking the first step toward friendship is wonderful for little listeners year-round.

A cute ghost named Gustavo learns to overcome social anxiety in this sweet tale. Gustavo really wants to have friends, but no matter what he does, his shyness makes him invisible to the other monsters. To counter his inability to be recognized, Gustavo invites a group of monsters to watch him perform a violin concert on the Day of the Dead. Gustavo does what he loves most and finally, he can be seen by others. Ultimately, his life is changed because he shows his true self to the world. A side story involving Gustavo's love for "the prettiest monster" remains unexplored. This is a debut novel from Drago, a Mexican author and illustrator, and she deftly weaves in cultural references. The illustrations are bright and detailed. VERDICT Gentle storytelling and vibrant mixed-media illustrations make for an enjoyable seasonal story.—Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter Sch., Providence

Mexican artist Drago's picture book debut offers a gentle friendship tale and folk-art-style, textural mixed-media pictures. Gustavo, an ingenuous sheeted ghost who loves playing the violin, is so excruciatingly shy that "making friends was terrifying. Gustavo had never dared to speak to any of the other monsters." He attempts to get close to them by hiding in plain sight, which makes for some quirky images (his visage appears on a balloon, a soccer ball, and a lampshade, among other objects), but the other kids "just couldn't see him." Gustavo bravely invites his peers to a cemetery violin concert on the Day of the Dead, and when "not a soul had come" he plays his music anyway. The kids, of course, eventually appear, apologizing for their tardiness, complimenting Gustavo's performance, and asking him to "hang out" with them, precipitating a pat yet sweet ending. Ages 3-7. (July)

"With rosy cheeks and wide eyes, Gustavo's an easy little spirit to root for, and the book is particularly refreshing in its acceptance of Gustavo's continued introversion even after making friends...Grainy, crayon-like textures pair with sturdy scribbles to give the mixed media art a joyful sense of movement, and the illustrations provide entertaining details of Day of the Dead traditions and the "monstrous" cast. This is an easy pick for some cheerful fall fun or in anticipation of a Day of the Dead celebration." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books