Ghoul School

This book has 5 double-page layouts of pop-ups, flaps, spin wheels, tab pulls, and removable bits. Some of the flaps have flaps or pop-ups, too. Great illustrations and kooky touchs--removable Daily Gloom newspaper, school lunch recipe book, etc--will delight. The text describes the school led by Ms. Vampira, but the pictures tell another story - that of students. The book starts with Cecil Swot being dropped at the school by his ghostly/deceased parents, while the other students look on. He isn't very comfortable with his new school. That is apparent throughout the book, as he and his peers appear on the pages. In the end, the report card states he may be misplaced and arrangements are being made to transfer him "upstairs." While the pop-up/interactivity of this book are very good, I feel I should state it isn't over the top like some of the latest paper engineering (e.g. Sabuda, Reinhart circa 2008). I feel this book still stands well even with the advances in the area. My only complaint would be it is so short. But there is a great deal packed into it. Shockingly, you can get a feel for the different personalities of the students from the five layouts even though the only text on them is the report card. Also, when you go back and look at it again, you see things you didn't notice the first time around. I don't think most kids would find the book scary. It has little gross touches that most kids will find hilarious.

My ten year old step-son won't read anything, but he's read this book over and over again. The pictures and pop-ups are wonderful. I wish she would write more books like this one.

Great book Beautifull illustrations and a master work of pop-ups and paper engineering in general. It's a book for kids who like spooky stories, and adults will certaintly enjoyed. It's likely to become a classic pop-up.