Catherine Woolley (1904–2005)

Gus the Friendly Ghost lived in an old house in the country. There were apple trees and lilacs in the yard and, in the summer, the Scott family lived there, too.

Gus liked to rattle and clank in the attic, but since the Scotts did not believe in ghosts, they did not believe in Gus. But, when he rattled and clanked, they told all their friends, “We’ve got a ghost!”

But when autumn arrived, the Scott family packed up and left the old country house. Gus had nothing to do; he was lonely. Gus went for a walk. He met Mouse, who was freezing, and he invited him to come live in the old country house. Gus was happy to have Mouse staying in the house; he learned to make all sorts of cheese dishes because, even though ghosts never get hungry, Mouse was always hungry, and Gus wanted him to be happy.

Gus read to Mouse by the light of the fire. Sometimes the two friends played checkers. They popped corn. And, one day, the snow melted, the sun grew warm. Buds grew on the apple tree and the lilacs bloomed. And, one day, a car drove into the yard. The Scott family was back!

What will happen when they find Mouse [and Gus] living in the house?

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This edition, an offering from the Weekly Reader Children’s Book Club, was re-issued by Weekly Reader in 2002 and by Purple House Press in 2014. The reading age for the book is five and six years old, grade levels preschool through third.

A beloved childhood favorite, this delightful tale of friendship is sure to become a much-loved story for a new generation of young readers. The charming illustrations . . . purple, red, black, and white . . . are a perfect accompaniment to the sweet tale of Gus and Mouse and the Scott family. It’s an engaging story for adults to share with their young readers; the life lessons of friendship, respect, acceptance, and selflessness are both relevant and heartwarming. Parents are sure to enjoy sharing this enchanting story with their young readers.

Highly recommended.… (plus d'informations)

Whether you're a novice or an experienced writer wishing to break into children's books, this highly readable reference source by Catherine Wooley, acclaimed author of children's books, will help you overcome all the obstacles that stand in your way of getting into print. Using specific examples from her own prolific career, as well as from the lives and works of other successful children's book authors, she has put together a unique guide that takes the writer step-by-step though the entire process of getting his or her book published.… (plus d'informations)