The energetic, comical illustrations, in Boynton’s signature style, will elicit giggles and go far to make the book’s important point. This riotous book hits all the right notes and does so succinctly and hilariously. So forgive yourself, chickens! But the best thing is…instead of relying on someone else-like a chicken-to strengthen your ego, say a generous daily “WOO HOO!” to yourself. That alone is a pep talk, enhanced by the wisdom that making mistakes allows everyone to learn and demonstrate they did their best. But what if your cheerful chick errs and doesn’t do what it set out to do? Don’t worry-your cheery chicken just needs a reminder that everyone makes mistakes. Your feathered champion will be right there, encouraging you all the way, with a loud “WOO HOO!” that’ll keep you going and remove any doubt you’re super terrific. What’s better than a cheerleading chicken?Īre you ever blue, unsure, tired, or overworked? Do you ever feel lost or overwhelmed? This uplifting book, expressed in delightful, jaunty verse, explains how to lift your spirits pronto: What you need is a booster chicken telling you’re doing great even when you’re not so confident, as when you’re learning or practicing a new skill, for instance. And in Jane, they create a brilliant heroine whose powers lie within her wit, her open mind, and her freedom of play.

Together, words and pictures construct a whimsical, delightful story that deeply respects the child. Robinson creates a vintage 1950s-’60s feel, offering up a raw version of M. The atmospheric illustrations, done in acrylic paint and pencil, seem simple, but there’s an authenticity and precision that is extremely sophisticated. Nervously, Leo tells Jane he’s not imaginary, that he’s real and a ghost, and this wonderful, accepting girl says that’s even better. Invisible and lonely, he roams until he encounters Jane, a girl with a beautiful, big imagination who invites him to play, assuming he’s one of her imaginary friends. Leo tries to welcome them but alas! They want nothing to do with a ghost, and he’s forced to leave. An amiable and appealing child, Leo has spent many years alone in his home reading, until a new family moves in. But then the author’s clever text includes readers in the secret, and Leo is revealed.

Mystery (the delicious kind) clings to the faded wallpaper and soft blue glow of the title-page spread, as an arm and leg disappear into the wall, and readers are introduced to Leo on a double-page spread apparently empty of people. Leo, like any child, hopes for acceptance, but it’s hard to find friendship when one is a ghost.

Leo a ghost story