Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers on July 20, 2021
Genres: Picture Book
Pages: 48
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
House has a problem.
She’s a little spooky. She’s a little cobwebby. Oh, no! What if she’s haunted?
She’s not sure, but…her hinges creak. Her pipes bang. And on windy days, the branches scritch-scratch at her windows. She tries to hold her breath and be as still as possible. If she’s on her best behavior, maybe a family will move in.
How will House ever find a family that doesn’t mind being haunted?
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hardly Haunted is a charming read about a house who longs for a family to move in and make her a home. Except, she has one problem—she’s haunted! She’s dusty and cobwebby, and she makes a lot of noise. Who would ever want to live in a haunted house?
Jessie Sima captures House’s feelings of loneliness and longing. Feelings with which readers can connect. The story is told in simple language that speaks straight to the heart and brought to life through charming artwork. Sima’s playful use of onomatopoeia elevates the haunted nature of House, and the black cat was a fun tour guide. I loved the cat’s reactions to the various noises!
Hardly Haunted is one of my new favorite picture books. It is about loneliness, longing for companionship and fulfillment of purpose, and loving oneself (spooks and all).
Discussion Questions
- Why does House want a family?
- Why was House unable to stop making noise? How do you think she felt when she held her breath?
- How do you think she feels at the end, View Spoiler »?
- Write a continuation of the story. What do you think happens next?
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers on March 29, 2022
Genres: Picture Book
Pages: 48
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
A lonely pegasus looks for the perfect friend in this sweet and adorable picture book companion to Not Quite Narwhal!
Nimbus has always lived among the clouds. She’s a pegasus, after all, and the sky is where she belongs. She is one of a kind. And when she wants a friend, all she has to do is look up—and talk to the stars.
Only...they don’t really talk back. The clouds don’t, either. And sometimes, being the only pegasus can be a little...lonely? So she decides to find a fallen star to make a wish on—and wishes for friends who are just like her. Along the way she meets a Unicorn named Kelp, and a host of other creatures...who might just open her eyes to something other than what’s up in the sky.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Nimbus is a one-of-a-kind pegasus who was born in the sky. She lives in the clouds, where she has the whole sky to herself. Only, she sometimes gets lonely. One day, she wishes on a falling star for friends. But before she can finish making her wish, the star lands far off in the distance. Seeking to complete her wish, Nimbus follows the star—and meets a unicorn named Kelp, who decides to help her find the falling star.
The artwork is charming, playful, and colorful. It was so much fun to see Kelp and Nimbus play together as they searched for the falling star. And it makes good use of negative space to enhance the words on the page.
While Perfectly Pegasus is a companion book to Not Quite Narwhal, there is no particular reading order. As someone who has read Not Quite Narwhal, I love how Kelp, who once searched for his place of belonging, is now able to come alongside Nimbus and help her on her search for belonging. That said, this book can be read before Not Quite Narwhal—or without. But why wouldn’t you go read Kelp’s story now? Kelp and Nimbus are so cute!
Perfectly Pegasus is sweet story about longing and belonging. A beautiful companion book to Not Quite Narwhal, it explores friendship that crosses the boundaries of land, water, and now sky.
Discussion Questions
- What does Nimbus learn about friendship?
- How is Kelp a good friend?
- Who have been some good friends to you?
Leave a Reply