'Gustavo, the Shy Ghost," Tells a Sweet Story of Bravery and Friendship and is the Perfect Picture Book for a Halloween Bedtime Read (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views are mine and mine alone.

Buy it now in hardcover from Amazon for only $15.29

I wanted to share a cute picture book that little ones will love having read to them this Halloween.  What I loved and stood out from this picture book, that I haven't seen in other picture books is that the author and illustrator does a great job in incorporating Mexican cultural references including Dia de Muerto and beautifully decorated skulls that peek out to your throughout the pages of this book.  Even though my girls are older and reading chapter books, they will still sit and let me read books to them.  I love these snuggle time opportunities, and when we stumble upon a cute book that has a positive theme like this one about friendship, as it gives up more time to talk about the book and it's messages.

This picture book is the debut novel of Mexican-born author and illustrator, Drago, but I hope it isn't her last book, as this picture book was really well written and fun to read with my girls. We really enjoyed the simple yet entertaining story and the colorful and playful folk-art style illustrations.   

If you are looking for a cute picture book to share at bedtime this Halloween and beyond, I highly recommend this picture book.

More about this book:

"Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. 

Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z. Drago’s vivid illustrations tell a sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere."

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost

by Flavia Z. Drago

Also available in Spanish

Candlewick Press

Hardcover ISBN: 9781536211146

Ages 3-7

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views are mine and mine alone.