Quick Look
- This gentle story about learning to embrace change and reach outside of your comfort zone humorously subverts expectations
- The beautifully detailed artwork cleverly uses light, shadow and texture to imbue the little grumpy ghost with character
- The little ghost's story will encourage young children to be brave, accept change and be open to making new friends
- Winner of the Pinpoint Picture Book Award in Japan
A little ghost lives in the attic of a big house. He swoops around all alone, which is just how he likes it, until one day a little girl disturbs his peace and quiet. A wryly funny, beautifully illustrated picture book about adapting to change.
Description
"In the quiet attic of a large house lives a little ghost.
Alone.
Just as he likes it."
The little ghost spends long nights swooping up and down, and round and round -- having fun, all by himself. He has no need to leave his dark and dusty attic; in fact he's actually rather worried about leaving.
Until one day his peace is disturbed by a curious girl. The little ghost sulks: why won't the annoying and slightly scary child leave him alone? So, the grumpy ghoul decides to do what ghosts do best...
But this little girl isn't easily frightened.
This wryly funny story about adapting to change, facing your fears and having the courage to open yourself up to others is brought to life by Japanese author-illustrator Mamiko Shiotani's beautifully soft and textured artwork.
Reviews
'An instant story time classic. It has all the hallmarks of a great group read.'
-- BookPage, Starred Review
'Shiotani's illustrations are the real standouts here. The little ghost's depiction is particularly delightful -- rather like an updated Casper, but with tiny legs and arms. This unusual portrayal, appendages and all, is just one element of the subtle visual humor that readers will enjoy as they pore over the setting and take in the characters' interactions. The muted, dark palette allows the whiteness of the little ghost to pop and results in a cozy, rather than frightening, tone. Nothing to boo here, and much to enjoy.'
-- Kirkus Reviews
'A bravely curious child's persistence helps a solitary spirit find connection in Shiotani's softly told story about overcoming fear. Meticulous hand-drawn illustrations stick to a palette of grays, with spot pastel coloring suggesting the gradual brightening of the shade's mood and world.'
-- Publishers Weekly
'This book is perfect for year-round use... The idea of maintaining one's identity WHILE making new friends is a lovely, nuanced theme for helping kids build healthy relationships. There's a sense of sweetness, without being saccharine, and playfulness, and the message is thoughtful without being didactic. Just an all-around lovely book that is perfect for home and classroom libraries!'
-- Read, Teach, Write
'What truly sets this book apart are the charcoal illustrations... making the attic setting and characters come alive. A heartwarming book with exquisite illustrations that young readers will adore.'
-- Sara Perrera, YA Books Central
'This sweet book speaks to introverts of all ages, honoring the desire for solitude, while opening the door to the power of friendships. The beautiful, subtle artwork has the appearance of pencil shading, capturing the look of moody moonlight and the transparent ghost.'
-- Youth Services Book Review
'A delightful story about coming out of your comfort zone but [with] a few twists to keep it fresh and interesting.'
-- Northshire Bookstore (US Indie Bookstore)
'I've never related to a ghost more in my life. What a gem of a book, what a perfect and silly character!'
-- Shelby Baseler, The Novel Neighbor (US Indie Bookstore)
'This is just the sweetest and silliest story. The illustrations and storytelling are so nostalgic. I can see this book being to the next generation what The Snowman was to mine.'
-- Sydney Fancher, Charter Books (US Indie Bookstore)
'A sweet story about friendship in unlikely places, this is a fun storytime selection.'
-- Mom Read It
'Looks at solitude and friendship, with a sweet and spooky edge.'
-- BookRiot
'A beautifully illustrated book about new friendships.'
-- Growing Book by Book (Instagram)
Author
Mamiko Shiotani is an award-winning author and illustrator from Japan. She studied ceramics at Joshibi University of Art and Design, Tokyo, and created background art for animated feature films before turning to picture books. The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs is her first book to be published in English.
