The Closet Ghosts [Hardcover]

Uma Krishnaswami (Author), Shiraaz Bhabha (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Moving to a new place is hard enough without finding a bunch of mean, nasty ghosts in the closet. This looks like a job for Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god who can change shape in the blink of an eye and chase goblins and demons away with his thundering voice. When Hanuman answers Anu's plea for help, she rejoices — until she realizes those pesky ghosts don't seem to be going anywhere.

Uma Krishnaswami effortlessly weaves motifs from Indian mythology into this lively story, while Shiraaz Bhabha's exquisitely detailed acrylic paintings glow on the page.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–Anu has just moved and she is terrified. Not only is she lonely and uncomfortable in her new surroundings, but she also has ghosts in her bedroom closet. No one believes her, of course, so she asks the help of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, whose statue guards her room. She also expresses her feelings about her new school, and how much she misses her best friend, Mira. However, when Anu goes to school the next day, the children befriend her, giving her the idea to do the same to the ghosts. Since nothing is more unpleasant to scary ghouls than someone who is not afraid, the ghosts run off to find another victim–Mira. Fortunately, Hanuman is already on the way to give her a helping hand. This delightful story has a familiar theme, but the addition of Hindu mythology and the twist of having the protagonist herself discover a way out of her dilemma set it apart from similar titles about overcoming fears. The dialogue-filled text is perfectly complemented by Bhabha's humorous acrylic illustrations, filled with intense shades of bright colors but uncluttered and done with simple lines. The ghosts are more impish than frightening, and Hanuman is also fun and appealing. An upbeat story with a positive message.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Children's Book Press (December 27, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892392088
• ISBN-13: 978-0892392087
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #629,739 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Uma Krishnaswami is the author of many books for children. She is also on the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent Illustrations!, September 29, 2006

By 

Beth Trier - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Closet Ghosts (Hardcover)

This book is wonderful and kids will be fascinated by the story as wll as the colorful and vivid illustrations.
Great choice!!