The Elevator Ghost

June 16, 2014
In episodic chapters that call to mind the quirky problem-solving of Mrs.
Piggle-Wiggle, Huser (Skinnybones and the Wrinkle Queen) introduces Carolina Giddle, who drives into town on Halloween night and moves into #713 at the Blatchford Arms. Carolina’s business card says it all: “Experienced babysitter, mah-jong instructor, and vegetarian caterer. Will do light housekeeping and séances upon request,” and the Southern transplant uses the power of storytelling (ghost stories, in particular) to charm Blatchford’s young residents. For unruly twins Dwight and Dwayne Fergus, a story about two boys who get on a skeleton’s bad side after they steal its foot for a prank, is just enough to scare them straight; the tale of a mountain king who creates scary shadows helps timid Hubert Croop conquer his fear of the dark (along with the gift of a penlight). Although Huser’s story is set in the present, the once-grand apartment setting, eccentric character names, and many candlelit storytelling sessions call to mind children’s novels of yesteryear. Innerst’s moody b&w illustrations make Carolina’s eerie tales feel all the more real. Ages 8–11. Illustrator’s agent: Susan Cohen, Writers House.

July 1, 2014

Gr 2-6-Carolina Giddle is the new babysitter at the Blatchford Arms. Armed with ghost stories and snacks, she travels from apartment to apartment dispensing lighthearted spookiness and tasty snacks that calm and soothe the children of the building. Each chapter contains one short ghost story. The tales are relatively tame and are appropriate for readers new to the genre or those faint of heart rather than the true horror enthusiast. When readers are finally introduced to the ghost in the elevator, the result is less than spectacular.-Elizabeth Speer, Cisco College, TX

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2014
Rumors abound that the Blatchford Arms is haunted-just the kind of place where a quirky babysitter like Carolina Giddle can brew her ghost tales for a cauldron of young apartment dwellers. This middle-grade spookfest from Governor General Award winner Huser (Stitches, 2003) promises goose bumps and chills but comes up a bit unseasoned. Carolina Giddle arrives at the Blatchford Arms with a bang. She drives a knickknack-laden VW Bug (aptly named Trinket), carries around her companion tarantula, Chiquita, in his cage, and holds heartwarming conversations with her beloved aunt Beulah and her friend Grace, who both happen to be ghosts. The apartment building overflows with young trick-or-treaters in need of attention and supervision. With her gift for storytelling and setting the right mood, Carolina Giddle enchants them with eerie stories they can't resist. Each tale mirrors the children's woes or flaws, such as Hubert's fear of the dark or Galina's habit of ruining her artist father's canvasses. Although the tales are well-told, entertaining stand-alone stories, they offer predictability (the children become more well-behaved after listening) instead of a sense of memorable wit and enlightenment. The ending may leave readers wondering if they've missed something.This creepy gathering of stories creates buzz and possibility but in the end falls short. (Fiction. 8-12)

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January 1, 2015
Carolina Giddle shows up at the Blatchford Arms apartment house one Halloween and disappears on the next, in between dispensing candy and babysitting and stories to the children who live there. Carolina's tales, slightly scary and unobtrusively bibliotherapeutic, nicely punctuate the episodic novel. The Blatchford Arms' resident ghosts add to the fun, and a concluding party for all provides a satisfying sendoff.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

September 1, 2014
A less formidable Mary Poppins, Carolina Giddle shows up at the Blatchford Arms apartment house one Halloween and disappears on the next, in between dispensing candy and babysitting and stories--and truth and courage--to the children who live there. Drawing upon traditional lore and urban legend, Carolina's stories, slightly scary and unobtrusively bibliotherapeutic, nicely punctuate the episodic novel. The Blatchford Arms' resident ghosts, as well as Carolina's pet tarantula, add to the fun, and a concluding party for all concerned provides a satisfying sendoff for readers and for Carolina, off to chase a ghost of her own. roger sutton

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)