Hugo’s Haunted Handbook

In this short graphic novel, protagonist Hugo offers advice on how to get rid of ghosts that may be haunting your house. Speaking directly to the reader and with his very own ghost trailing behind him, Hugo promises he can help. First, you must figure out if you have a ghost by leaving out cookie crumbs, setting up a camera, and/or checking for ectoplasm. Once you have confirmation of your ghost, Hugo demonstrates a variety of ways to get rid of it, including yelling a specific phrase, using “ghoul begone”, and throwing waffles. When none of these seem to work on Hugo’s ghost, the two come to an understanding and become friends.

With its snappy and brief dialogue, concise text, and general silliness, Hugo’s Haunted Handbook is a great book for new readers. The story is fast-paced and easy-to-follow, and the breaking of the fourth wall is fun and includes the reader in the story. Hugo’s voice feels authentic, and kids are sure to enjoy the visual gags and potty humour while more mature readers and adults will enjoy the wordplay. Using traditional comic-book style panels, the illustrations offer a fun secondary narrative: while Hugo is talking to the reader about getting rid of ghosts, his own ghost is sneaking around in the background.

If the illustrations, with their exaggerated expressions and cartoonish quality, look familiar, it might be because author/illustrator Whamond has illustrated several newer Robert Munsch titles. Though a spooky topic, the pictures are not at all scary with well-lit scenes and a friendly looking ghost who is full of human foibles.

A cute self-help style book that is a good transition between picture books and more wordy graphic novels, Hugo’s Haunted Handbook is sure to be a hit.