Ghost Writer

Flor, Roberto, Luis

by Stephanie Wildman, Cecilia Populus-Eudave, Estefania Razo (illustrator)

Twins Flor and Roberto and their big brother Luis are back again, just in time for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. But Halloween reminds them of Julio, their beloved Boston Terrier who‛d passed away. From conjuring La Catrina for a Halloween costume to decorating the altar with treats that Julio loved, the twins and Luis combine holiday traditions and come back in touch with happy memories of their pet. Bonus content provides directions for creating papel picado, a Dia de Los Muertos tradition, representing the wind and fragility of life.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Stephanie Wildman also writes as Stephanie M. Wildman.

Reviews

[Rosanne Kurstedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

GHOST WRITER written by Stephanie Wildman and Cecilia Populus-Eudave and illustrated by Estefania Razo brings back the adorable twins, Flor and Roberto. In this book, Luis, their older brother, teaches them about Dia de Los Muertos and Halloween as they grieve the loss of their Julio. In preparing for the celebration, they children are uplifted as they recount fun memories of their beloved dog.

[Jilanne]

A trio of siblings want to remember and honor the dog they loved, and those memories are not sad. No, it's important to recall the joy that their beloved pet brought them. This meaningful story depicts the kids' preparations for an ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos and a little note-sneaking by the oldest sibling (pretending to be the ghost dog). Kids who've lost a pet will identify with the trio, and perhaps get some ideas on how they can remember and honor the pets they've lost, too. Sweet story!

[Tina Shepardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story about an upcoming holiday, Dia de los Muertos, which celebrates and remembers those who have passed away. Luis and his twin siblings struggle with missing their Boston Terrier, Julio. Luis helps his twin siblings to gain a new perspective through revisiting the good times and memories. He helps them see loss doesn't always have to be sad, for it can be uplifting and warm one's heart to remember all that loved one gave when they were living. A wonderful story to help kids deal with this sensitive and difficult topic. Beautiful illustrations and includes a wonderful activity in the Back Matter.

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about the blending of two cultures. All children in the US are familiar with Halloween and look forward to dressing up in costumes, but they probably haven’t heard of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican celebration like a family reunion—except dead ancestors are the guests of honor, so they will want to turn each page and ask a lot of questions.

The children in this book, Luis, Flor, and Roberto, let us see how they miss their dog Julio, and Flor and Roberta decide they could make Halloween costumes inspired by their beloved dog Julio. They brainstormed ideas, like making bone and rabbit costumes since Julio loved to chew on bones and chase bunnies. Big Brother Luis tells them to remember the funny things he did and how he made them happy, then suggests they honor Julio at the altar for Dia de los Muertos, not just with Halloween costumes.

Besides celebrating with offerings on the altar, we can hang papel picado, representing the wind and the Fragility of Life. The children cut out paper picado and drew pictures for the altar. The illustrations help the reader learn about what they are and look like. Then, notes from Julio start showing up. Big brother Luis says, “Do you think Julio’s ghost is writing us notes?” Flor and Roberto get excited, searching for more notes. It reminded me of searching for hidden gifts or finding hidden Easter eggs.

The reader meets La Catrina, the icon of the Day of the Dead, Mexico’s annual fiesta, which honors the deceased and reminds us of the cycle of life and death. At the end of the book, instructions for How to Make Papel give parents and children a fun activity they can enjoy together. Parents will appreciate how Stephanie combined two cultures to broaden their children’s world in such a simple way.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Writer is a cute book explaining the traditions of Dia de Los Muertos (a Mexican celebration to honor those who died) in a light, happy way. Illustrations are bright, making the big-eyed characters leap off the page as their sadness turns to joy in remembering how much they loved their dog who has passed away. I enjoyed learning more about this holiday and look forward to reading the other two books that feature these fun siblings. Aside from the interesting story, my favorite two-page spread is at the end, showing clear, simple steps for creating papel picado, a colorful paper craft significant to the holiday. I’ve found Lawley’s books to be of a nice quality. Their picture books have an easy-to-read large font on crisp, sturdy pages with the added bonus of well-designed back matter.

[Karen Greenwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Wildman and her sibling characters return with another thought-provoking, meaningful, and sweet story. Wildman's talent for writing picture books that deal with intangibles shines through. This time, the main character twins are learning about Dia de Los Muertos from their big brother, Luis. Through discussing memories of the family's beloved, deceased dog, Luis subtly guides the twins to undergo a shift in perspective. Instead of lamenting the loss, the children fully engage in the holiday, learning to celebrate the pup and the joy and fun he brought into their lives--leading to an adorable conclusion. This story will give young readers a positive way to discuss the challenging subject of loss. Back matter offers a themed project for readers of any age! Highly recommended!

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twins Flora and Roberto are ready to celebrate Halloween. But the holiday reminds them of their dog who has passed away and loved to bark at all the kids in Halloween costumes. Big brother Luis reminds them that Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, honors loved ones who are gone by recalling all the good memories. This bicultural story teaches readers about some of the traditions including an alter, La Catrina the skeleton, and sugar skulls. The afterward gives instructions for papel picado, the paper decorations. Children will not only learn about traditions for this holiday, but are reminded that if they are grieving a loved one, they can focus on all the good memories as well.

[Josh Stiefel · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Di de los Muertos, Luis and his twin siblings want to honor their beloved dog, Julio, who has passed away. They dream up fun costumes and decide to make an ofrendo, a place to give offerings, such as treats and notes, in his memory. Under the altar, they discover a note that says, “Arf! Arf!” Is the ghost of Julio writing back to them? This fun tale introduces children to the Mexican traditions for the Day of the Dead in a joyful & mysterious way. Backmatter includes instructions for making Papel Picado, paper notes that represent wind and the fragility of life.

[Stephanie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun series! I love the twins and their smart older brother. This time, it's around Halloween and Luis teaches the twins about Dia de los Muertos and all the associated traditions because they are missing their pet. It's a great story for kids going through similar grief, those interested in learning more about this celebration, and anyone enjoying crafts, surprises, a good mystery, and a little bit of sneakiness.

[Lydia Lukidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Stephanie Wilman brings her sibling characters back to life in this new story about Dia de los Muertos (mixed in with Halloween). The siblings miss their dog Julio, who had passed away. Dia de los Muertos honors those who have passed, and the kids find a way to honor him through recalling past memories and good times. The narrative can help young readers see that within the sadness of loss, there also exits joy, and gratitude for having had that experience of love.

[CK Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two-Sentence Review: In GHOST WRITER written by Stephanie Wildman/translated by Cecilia Populus-Eudave and illustrated by Estefania Razo, I ADORED the return of plucky characters Roberto, Luis, & Flor from TREASURE HUNT/BREATH BY BREATH as they mourn their doggie on Halloween and Dia de los Muertos as well. Having memories of a pet so dear to your heart and wanting to honor them in some way is a perennial feeling (and the illos for this deeply satisfying book don't disappoint, either!).

[Namita Mehra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this adorable and touching story about love and loss featuring twins Flor and Roberto who are back again with their older brother Luis. Their beloved dog Julio has passed and while the twins want to honour his memory with halloween costumes, Luis suggests honouring Julio at Dia de los Muertos. The 'ghost writer' shares his appreciation and communicates with the twins via secret notes. A great story that teaches about the Mexican traditions of honouring those who have left us.

[Jyoti Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big brother Luis, and twins, Flor and Roberto, star again in a sweet story about love and tradition, honoring their beloved dog Julio by celebrating both his favorite holiday, Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos. And there’s a fun little mystery thrown in! Fans of Breath by Breath will enjoy this new adventure with the three siblings.

[Brenna Jeanneret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story that weaves together Halloween Dia De Los Muertos and dealing with grief. I learn so much from this heartfelt story! And the rich illustrations really made the story come alive.

[Kari Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book about missing a beloved pet and learning a new tradition!

[Jessica Stremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Wildman and Razo!

[Rosi Hollinbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to the traditions of the Day of the Dead told through the story of 3 young children who had recently lost their beloved dog.

[A.H. Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haiku review:
What a perfect book
For Dia de los Muertos
Or to deal with loss

[Claire Noland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twins Flor and Roberto miss their recently deceased dog Julio and sadly share their memories with their older brother, Luis. Because Dia de los Muertos is coming soon, Luis suggests they build an altar with an ofrenda to celebrate the joy that Julio's life brought them.
With bright and expressive illustrations and lively text, the celebration is explained in a thoughtful and child-friendly way.
Instructions for making Papel Picado is included in the back matter.
I highly recommend that Ghost Writer be purchased for home, school and public libraries.