100 Ghosts

100 Ghosts: A Gallery of Harmless Haunts by Doogie Horner was not exactly what I was expecting when it came across my doorstep.  It may not have been what I expected, but it certainly exceeded expectations when I opened it and began reading.

This adorable little gem needs to be on every bookshelf- children and adults alike!

About the book:
Quirk Books // 9.10.13
Cut two eye holes into a bed sheet and BOO! You’ve got yourself a classic Halloween icon. But what happens if you tie the bed sheet in knots? What happens when you set it on fire, hang it from a clothesline, or put a llama underneath it? 100 Ghosts is a brilliantly simple artistic exploration of an icon as familiar as a grinning jack-o-lantern or an arched black cat. It’s a delightful gift for adults, kids, and anyone who enjoys spooky design.

My thoughts:
100 Ghosts is such a fun, imaginative, and playful book. It is (literally) filled with 100 ghosts of various designs. Through simple drawings, Horner brings out the humorous side of ghosts. Each page contains a cute rendition of a ghost:

There are some VERY funny ghosts within these pages. Madeline was with us when I got this in the mail so we enjoyed reading it together... she thought it was a riot! At 7, she loved that she "got it". Only a few needed explaining. This book was read aloud and enjoyed by all three of us. Bear and I were snickering and Maddie was in full-on giggle-fit mode.
100 Ghosts was simply a pleasure to read. I absolutely think everyone of all ages needs to read this. It will take a moment but will stick with you because who doesn't want a few silly ghost jokes in their back pocket come All Hallows Eve? This could also be a great book to read to a child who is still experiencing "monsters under the bed" - I could easily see a parent reading this and getting giggles instead of fears!
In addition to just being a sweet and fun read, I plan to use this with class come October. I don't want to give it all away, but it will involve a writing assignment based on a ghost of their choice. I'm excited!

About the author:

DOOGIE HORNER is a writer, designer, and stand-up comedian. He is the author of Everything Explained Through Flowcharts (Harper Collins, 2010). His writings and illustrations have been featured in McSweeney’s, Boing Boing, Wired, Fast Company, and other publications. He lives in Philadelphia. You can visit him online at doogiehorner.com


write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow

FTC: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review