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Hardly Haunted (Hardcover)

Hardly Haunted Cover Image
By Jessie Sima, Jessie Sima (Illustrator)
$18.99
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July/August 2021 Kids Indie Next List


“An old house is lonely, and thinks if she holds very still and keeps very quiet, she won’t seem so spooky and a family will move in. She wouldn’t want anyone to think she’s haunted! Sima’s illustrations are enchanting, and in her usual fashion, the story is pitch perfect.”
— Tildy Lutts, Belmont Books, Belmont, MA

Description


From the bestselling creator of Not Quite Narwhal comes a delightfully spooky story about an old house who wants to be a home…even if her new family isn’t what she expected.

House has a problem.

She’s a little spooky. She’s a little cobwebby. Oh, no! What if she’s haunted?

She’s not sure, but…her hinges creak. Her pipes bang. And on windy days, the branches scritch-scratch at her windows. She tries to hold her breath and be as still as possible. If she’s on her best behavior, maybe a family will move in.

How will House ever find a family that doesn’t mind being haunted?

About the Author


Jessie Sima is an author/illustrator living and working in New York City. They grew up in a small town in southern New Jersey, unaware that they were a storyteller. Once they figured it out, they told their family and friends, who took it quite well. They are the author of Not Quite NarwhalHarriet Gets Carried Away, Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature PoniesSpencer’s New PetJules vs. the OceanHardly HauntedWeather TogetherCookie Time, and Love, Z. You can visit them at JessieSima.com.

Jessie Sima is an author/illustrator living and working in New York City. They grew up in a small town in southern New Jersey, unaware that they were a storyteller. Once they figured it out, they told their family and friends, who took it quite well. They are the author of Not Quite NarwhalHarriet Gets Carried Away, Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature PoniesSpencer’s New PetJules vs. the OceanHardly HauntedWeather TogetherCookie Time, and Love, Z. You can visit them at JessieSima.com.

Praise For…


Digital illustrations predominately in purples and gold provide a soft, spooky atmosphere to give the dwelling character. This is just right for a Halloween story hour, and children will enjoy repeating the spooky sounds on every page.
— Booklist

Sima’s lighthearted, cartoony style and cozy palette disarm the book of any frightening elements. The gentle, upbeat vibe makes it a fair choice to remind kids that their differences from others are the key to their belonging. 
— Kirkus Reviews

Sima’s text is more sweet than spooky, complemented by the digital illustrations’ cool palette of purples, blues, and greens. Various sounds to read aloud and visual details to pore over (the anthropomorphic house’s expressions, the ever-present black cat) will surely lead to repeat ­readings.
— Horn Book Magazine

Sima creates a lovely twist on finding one’s place in the world, told with a light touch and plenty of spooky onomatopoeia.
— Publishers Weekly

* "This celebration of being true to oneself makes it a perfect addition to every library’s picture book collection, and the spooky message is one that is welcome all year around."
— School Library Journal, starred review

Product Details
ISBN: 9781534441705
ISBN-10: 1534441700
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 20th, 2021
Pages: 48
Language: English