Yes, Ghoulia volume 1 is a Halloween book, and maybe it is because I love Halloween, but I would read this book by Barbara Cantini all year round. It has humor and is low-key spooky. Most ages can appreciate it, however, the only thing that might be a smidgen much for the younger or sensitive reader is the fact that the “Halloween Candy Bag” our friend Ghoulia carries, is the actual head of her uncle and she will remove her own head near the end of things.
This shorter chapter book is the Addams Family meets Space Case by James Marshall, but someplace in the middle is where you get Ghoulia. She is a typical kid (except for the whole being a zombie thing) and wants friends. But of course, her aunt is afraid the village will not accept them and run them out of their home. Yet, when Halloween arrives, Ghoulia sees an opportunity to try and fit in, if only for the night.
Of course, silliness happens and things work out, but it is a little tense there for a minute or two. It is just a fun book that needs to be read. The illustrations are sparse, but really get to the bones of things. It is probably best for the second to young fourth grade readers, but you could read it aloud to most ages. It might not work great for a group, but really works well for the individual and one-on-one reading. I’m looking forward to sequels which seem to number up to five. And the author also has the Ivy Pocket series that might be fun to look into as well as it has an equally spookily sweet cover.
