Hardly Haunted - by Jessie Sima (Hardcover)

About the Book

When a house believes she is haunted, she tries everything in her power to stop it in order to get people to move in--until she realizes that she is fine just the way she is.

Book Synopsis

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?

Review Quotes

* "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

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

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

About the Author

Jessie Sima is the author and illustrator of bestselling picture books, including Not Quite Narwhal; Love, Z; Hardly Haunted; and more. They grew up in a small town in southern New Jersey and now write and draw in a creaky house in New York state. When not making books, Jessie can be found reading graphic novels, watching scary movies, and playing outside with dogs. You can visit them online at JessieSima.com.