Boo! Hiss!

Gr 1-3--In this graphic novel for young readers, Phyllis the ghost and Sheldon the snake happily live together in an empty house that no one wants. They mostly spend their days together playing their favorite games and having the occasional fight (but they always make up). When a sold sign goes up in front of their house, and a family of humans move in, everything changes. The family, who is depicted with light skin, gets rid of Phyllis's and Sheldon's favorite things, paints the walls, and even plays with Phyllis's and Sheldon's toys! Mad about their home being taken away from them, the duo develops plans to scare the family into leaving, but eventually realize that they don't want the family to leave so much as they want a place in the family. Phyllis and Sheldon are comical characters, who even at their scariest moments are still delightfully playful. The digital illustrations move from haunted somber colors to a more vibrant, cheerful palette as the family settles into their new home. VERDICT A comical graphic novel for young readers looking for their next spirited paranormal read.--Amanda Melilli