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Gus the Ghost #1
Gus Was a Friendly Ghost
Back in print from Purple House Press!
There was once a friendly ghost, by the name of Gus, who lived in an old house in the country. Mr. and Mrs. Scott and their twins, Susie and Sammy, lived there too during the summer. Then autumn came and the Scott family left. Which meant Gus had nothing to do but sit around. One day, during a walk, he met Mouse, who was cold and hungry. "Come spend the winter at my house!" cried Gus.
Thus begins an unlikely but heartwarming friendship. First published in 1962, children have delighted in this story and other Gus the Ghost books for over fifty years. Seymour Fleishman's sweet, nostalgic illustrations bring Gus, the Scotts and Mouse to life.
There was once a friendly ghost, by the name of Gus, who lived in an old house in the country. Mr. and Mrs. Scott and their twins, Susie and Sammy, lived there too during the summer. Then autumn came and the Scott family left. Which meant Gus had nothing to do but sit around. One day, during a walk, he met Mouse, who was cold and hungry. "Come spend the winter at my house!" cried Gus.
Thus begins an unlikely but heartwarming friendship. First published in 1962, children have delighted in this story and other Gus the Ghost books for over fifty years. Seymour Fleishman's sweet, nostalgic illustrations bring Gus, the Scotts and Mouse to life.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1962
4 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Jane Thayer
78 books15 followersJane Thayer (pen name of: Catherine Woolley) was an American writer. She is known best for the book The Puppy Who Wanted A Boy, which became the basis of a 1980s Saturday Morning cartoon series, The Puppy's Further Adventures.
Obituary from: Boston Globe, July 27, 2005
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articl...
With the 87 children's books she wrote, Catherine Woolley delighted generations of young readers around the world with stories of children, animals, a friendly ghost, and mysterious happenings.
She was so prolific that her publisher told her to use a nom de plume for some books. She chose Jane Thayer, her grandmother's name, for the many picture books she wrote.
For her older readers, she used her real name on books such as the ''Ginnie and Geneva" series about the adventures of two young girls. Many of the books were translated into foreign languages.
Ms. Woolley died Saturday in her Truro home. She was 100 and had been in failing health in recent years.
Until then, said her niece Betsy Drinkwater of Enfield, N.H., Ms. Woolley was a lover of books and a ''lifelong Democrat."
''After her 100th birthday last summer, her goal was to live long enough to vote in the 2004 election, and she did," Drinkwater said.
''She was a character," Drinkwater said. ''She never married, was very independent, and traveled all over the world. ''
A petite woman with blue eyes and curly hair, Ms. Woolley was also feisty, said a Truro neighbor, Peggy Longgood. ''She was clear in what she believed in and thought, and she would not back down on anything. She was indomitable."
Ms. Woolley continued to write into her 80s and 90s, Drinkwater said. Her last published work was 1989's ''Writing for Children," in which she advised adults how to write children's books. It wasn't easy, she warned.
Though Ms. Woolley never had children, she seemed to have a kinship with them, friends said. In her books, she often drew on her own experiences and world travels. She always urged students at the writers' workshops she taught on Cape Cod to write what they knew. In ''Writing for Children," she writes: ''There is a delight in working with words, because if you are a writer you love the magic of words and you love using words to bring children into the world you are creating."
Ms. Woolley was born in Chicago to Edward Mott and Anna Lazelle (Thayer) Woolley. She grew up in Passaic, N.J. Her father was a newspaperman in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Ms. Woolley attended both Barnard College in New York and the University of California at Los Angeles, earning her bachelor's degree from UCLA in 1927.
Ms. Woolley's niece said that after college, she worked in public relations in New York and eventually moved back with her parents in Passaic in the 1930s during the Great Depression. She lived in Passaic until she was 60.
Drinkwater believes that Ms. Woolley wrote for magazines before her first book, ''I Like Trains," was published in 1944.
In the early 1960s, she moved into a house she had bought in Truro, pounding out books on an old Remington typewriter. She never used a computer.
Among her many books were ''The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy," about a dog who was looking for a master and found more than one at an orphanage, and a series about ''Gus the Ghost," a friendly apparition.
On Cape Cod, Ms. Woolley was a fixture at writing and book events. She helped start a book club, worked with the Friends of the Truro Library, taught at writing workshops, and held story hours at the library.
When the library opened its new building in 1996, it named its children's room after her.
''Catherine's writing and literary life was paramount to her," said Anne Brock of North Truro, a former library trustee.
One of Ms. Woolley's students was Yoko Kawashima Watkins of Brewster, with whom she worked for a year on a manuscript for Watkins's suc
Obituary from: Boston Globe, July 27, 2005
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articl...
With the 87 children's books she wrote, Catherine Woolley delighted generations of young readers around the world with stories of children, animals, a friendly ghost, and mysterious happenings.
She was so prolific that her publisher told her to use a nom de plume for some books. She chose Jane Thayer, her grandmother's name, for the many picture books she wrote.
For her older readers, she used her real name on books such as the ''Ginnie and Geneva" series about the adventures of two young girls. Many of the books were translated into foreign languages.
Ms. Woolley died Saturday in her Truro home. She was 100 and had been in failing health in recent years.
Until then, said her niece Betsy Drinkwater of Enfield, N.H., Ms. Woolley was a lover of books and a ''lifelong Democrat."
''After her 100th birthday last summer, her goal was to live long enough to vote in the 2004 election, and she did," Drinkwater said.
''She was a character," Drinkwater said. ''She never married, was very independent, and traveled all over the world. ''
A petite woman with blue eyes and curly hair, Ms. Woolley was also feisty, said a Truro neighbor, Peggy Longgood. ''She was clear in what she believed in and thought, and she would not back down on anything. She was indomitable."
Ms. Woolley continued to write into her 80s and 90s, Drinkwater said. Her last published work was 1989's ''Writing for Children," in which she advised adults how to write children's books. It wasn't easy, she warned.
Though Ms. Woolley never had children, she seemed to have a kinship with them, friends said. In her books, she often drew on her own experiences and world travels. She always urged students at the writers' workshops she taught on Cape Cod to write what they knew. In ''Writing for Children," she writes: ''There is a delight in working with words, because if you are a writer you love the magic of words and you love using words to bring children into the world you are creating."
Ms. Woolley was born in Chicago to Edward Mott and Anna Lazelle (Thayer) Woolley. She grew up in Passaic, N.J. Her father was a newspaperman in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Ms. Woolley attended both Barnard College in New York and the University of California at Los Angeles, earning her bachelor's degree from UCLA in 1927.
Ms. Woolley's niece said that after college, she worked in public relations in New York and eventually moved back with her parents in Passaic in the 1930s during the Great Depression. She lived in Passaic until she was 60.
Drinkwater believes that Ms. Woolley wrote for magazines before her first book, ''I Like Trains," was published in 1944.
In the early 1960s, she moved into a house she had bought in Truro, pounding out books on an old Remington typewriter. She never used a computer.
Among her many books were ''The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy," about a dog who was looking for a master and found more than one at an orphanage, and a series about ''Gus the Ghost," a friendly apparition.
On Cape Cod, Ms. Woolley was a fixture at writing and book events. She helped start a book club, worked with the Friends of the Truro Library, taught at writing workshops, and held story hours at the library.
When the library opened its new building in 1996, it named its children's room after her.
''Catherine's writing and literary life was paramount to her," said Anne Brock of North Truro, a former library trustee.
One of Ms. Woolley's students was Yoko Kawashima Watkins of Brewster, with whom she worked for a year on a manuscript for Watkins's suc
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
November 10, 2023
This is the first book I remember reading on my own as a child. So cool to be able to read with my grandson. 🥰
October 23, 2022
eBay find bundled with my favorite first childhood book, Andrew Henry’s Meadow. Jane Thayer’s Gus Was a Friendly Ghost is a 1960’s classic story. Revolving around a the theme of times similar to Casper.
A family, the Scott’s, visit their summer home. The story doesn’t say how Gus came to be. He simply is in the house.
Gus enjoy’s the family and does obligatory clanging because the family who doesn’t believe in ghosts notices the noise. Gleefully notes, “We’ve got a ghost” in jest. Gus enjoys playing along.
When everyone leaves for the fall Gus is lonely. Meets a mouse. They have a great relationship.
Family returns. Mouse gets angry. Behaves badly.
Eventually Mouse’s behavior infuriates Gus. Pretty sure the title word ‘Was’ has to do with this particular moment.
In the end, Mouse gets with Gus’s program. Everyone’s happy there’s a ghost.
Cute book for young readers. Limited color back in the day this book manages to host descriptive drawings that are very enjoyable reflecting the story and extra details children will relate to easily.
For a fun seasonal activity for parents could act out the story. Build a better mouse trap. Ask open ended questions about what Gus can do to problem solve the issue with his friend Mouse. So on.
For teachers, if this book is allowed as I know some themes are subjectively excluded, could have students illustrate their own version. Dress like characters. Similar ideas to with parents.
For young readers this is a win. Fun. Silly. About friends. Respect. Caring.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
A family, the Scott’s, visit their summer home. The story doesn’t say how Gus came to be. He simply is in the house.
Gus enjoy’s the family and does obligatory clanging because the family who doesn’t believe in ghosts notices the noise. Gleefully notes, “We’ve got a ghost” in jest. Gus enjoys playing along.
When everyone leaves for the fall Gus is lonely. Meets a mouse. They have a great relationship.
Family returns. Mouse gets angry. Behaves badly.
Eventually Mouse’s behavior infuriates Gus. Pretty sure the title word ‘Was’ has to do with this particular moment.
In the end, Mouse gets with Gus’s program. Everyone’s happy there’s a ghost.
Cute book for young readers. Limited color back in the day this book manages to host descriptive drawings that are very enjoyable reflecting the story and extra details children will relate to easily.
For a fun seasonal activity for parents could act out the story. Build a better mouse trap. Ask open ended questions about what Gus can do to problem solve the issue with his friend Mouse. So on.
For teachers, if this book is allowed as I know some themes are subjectively excluded, could have students illustrate their own version. Dress like characters. Similar ideas to with parents.
For young readers this is a win. Fun. Silly. About friends. Respect. Caring.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
January 25, 2021
Gus loves the family that stays in his old house during the summers--but he gets lonely when they go away in the fall. He looks for a friend and finds one in an opinionated (and often rather grouchy) mouse. But, kind Gus finds places in the house for the mouse to sleep, and food for it to eat--despite the lady of the house having set out mothballs and newspapers to keep the mice away! They have a wonderful time together until the family comes home--and doesn't like mice! Will Gus find a way keep both his friends happy?
Originally published in the early '60s, Jane Thayer's first story about Gus the Ghost is definitely dated--but it holds a good deal of nostalgic charm, too. After all, I got a little tired of hearing that Mrs. Scott is "so very pretty"--as if that is her biggest recommendation. But, I also know this was a big part of being a housewife back in the day. Despite the "datedness" the theme of friendship is timeless and, while the story is a bit on the long side compared to modern picture books, this could still be a fun glimpse at a ghost story Wally and The Beaver might have read! ;-)
Originally published in the early '60s, Jane Thayer's first story about Gus the Ghost is definitely dated--but it holds a good deal of nostalgic charm, too. After all, I got a little tired of hearing that Mrs. Scott is "so very pretty"--as if that is her biggest recommendation. But, I also know this was a big part of being a housewife back in the day. Despite the "datedness" the theme of friendship is timeless and, while the story is a bit on the long side compared to modern picture books, this could still be a fun glimpse at a ghost story Wally and The Beaver might have read! ;-)
August 31, 2013
★★★★★Gus was a Friendly Ghost by Jane Thayer
This is another childhood favorite. I've had my copy since I was 3yo. My daughter continues to love it as well.
This is the story of Gus the Ghost. The homeowners don't believe in ghosts, but joke when they hear a noise, saying it was their ghost. He is sad when they leave for the winter.
He finds a mouse and lets him move in. They keep each other company. But mouse gets mad when the family comes back and Gus has to keep the peace.
This is another childhood favorite. I've had my copy since I was 3yo. My daughter continues to love it as well.
This is the story of Gus the Ghost. The homeowners don't believe in ghosts, but joke when they hear a noise, saying it was their ghost. He is sad when they leave for the winter.
He finds a mouse and lets him move in. They keep each other company. But mouse gets mad when the family comes back and Gus has to keep the peace.
October 3, 2013
One of my absolute favorite books as a kid and I have no idea why. You can tell it's a little old school, especially when you're looking at the hair styles of the family that live in the house. But Gus is just so damn endearing even though he's a ghost. Now my kids love it too, especially my 5 yr old. Great addition to any collection.
October 27, 2016
The first book in one of my favorite childhood series. Engaging, creative and a perfect read aloud.
December 26, 2019
Love Gus!
January 11, 2021
This is going to be a childhood read that has unfortunately failed my re-reading attempt of it and it is since of the fact that one of my favorites The Giving Tree has been so critically judged as a book about codependency that people clamor to have it banned. Have they not read this particular book or its re-print?
Basically I feel sorry for Gus since first of all the family who use the house as a summer retreat don't believe in him but are still proud of him. What kind of nonsense is this? I wouldn't even know how you would explain that to a child or the fact that Gus may see Mrs. Scott as a crush prospect just since she is so pretty.
And then even though I understand why Gus would be lonely once the family is away, he finds an even worse companion. Mouse is ungrateful, lazy, rude, complains about everything and basically is a user who makes excuses not to help although everything is being done for his comfort alone. And all he can do besides that is throw tantrums, misbehave and stuff his face even as Gus works hard to meet his needs even if it does mean he has burnt fingers as a result of it.
The whole fact that this manipulative relationship never reaches a settling point but is allowed to continue highly bugs me almost as much as the fact that Gus chose to stand-up to his pesky rat-like winter visitor just since a pretty face was involved. Again I am not even seeing a saving point for Gus at all and it is no wonder I haven't pursued the other books in the series.
Although children may enjoy the cute story of a ghost and his mousy friend this isn't one of the vintage books that I would happily introduce to modern children.
Basically I feel sorry for Gus since first of all the family who use the house as a summer retreat don't believe in him but are still proud of him. What kind of nonsense is this? I wouldn't even know how you would explain that to a child or the fact that Gus may see Mrs. Scott as a crush prospect just since she is so pretty.
And then even though I understand why Gus would be lonely once the family is away, he finds an even worse companion. Mouse is ungrateful, lazy, rude, complains about everything and basically is a user who makes excuses not to help although everything is being done for his comfort alone. And all he can do besides that is throw tantrums, misbehave and stuff his face even as Gus works hard to meet his needs even if it does mean he has burnt fingers as a result of it.
The whole fact that this manipulative relationship never reaches a settling point but is allowed to continue highly bugs me almost as much as the fact that Gus chose to stand-up to his pesky rat-like winter visitor just since a pretty face was involved. Again I am not even seeing a saving point for Gus at all and it is no wonder I haven't pursued the other books in the series.
Although children may enjoy the cute story of a ghost and his mousy friend this isn't one of the vintage books that I would happily introduce to modern children.
December 31, 2024
Had this book growing up and lost the copy in one of our moves. My mom bought me a new one two years ago and it’s my new tradition to read it every Halloween.
I used to love pouring over the illustrations of the house to see where the cheese and the mouse were hiding! (Although me being so upset at the mouse’s behavior was definitely a sign of my undiagnosed childhood anxiety, lol.)
Am I adding this at the last minute to get me to my 2024 reading goal? You bet I am.
I used to love pouring over the illustrations of the house to see where the cheese and the mouse were hiding! (Although me being so upset at the mouse’s behavior was definitely a sign of my undiagnosed childhood anxiety, lol.)
Am I adding this at the last minute to get me to my 2024 reading goal? You bet I am.
August 22, 2020
FOND MEMORIES OF GUS AND MOUSE AND... CHEESE SNACKS!
I adored this book as a child in the 1960s; in fact, it was my favorite children's picture book. I read it so many times that my original copy was barely intact when I passed it on to my daughters two decades later. Seymour Fleishman's artwork and choice of colors are entrancing and integral to the pleasure this book evokes. Every time I read it, I wanted my mom to make grilled cheese sandwiches, especially after wintertime reads. The story's morals have depth, and I recall discussions with my mom about Mouse's cynicism, Gus's reproach after Mouse has gone too far, and of course... Gus's forgiveness. I was glad to see that the original has been reprinted, so glad that I purchased a new copy for my grandchildren. Jane Thayer's GUS WAS A FRIENDLY GHOST is a deservedly beloved classic.
I adored this book as a child in the 1960s; in fact, it was my favorite children's picture book. I read it so many times that my original copy was barely intact when I passed it on to my daughters two decades later. Seymour Fleishman's artwork and choice of colors are entrancing and integral to the pleasure this book evokes. Every time I read it, I wanted my mom to make grilled cheese sandwiches, especially after wintertime reads. The story's morals have depth, and I recall discussions with my mom about Mouse's cynicism, Gus's reproach after Mouse has gone too far, and of course... Gus's forgiveness. I was glad to see that the original has been reprinted, so glad that I purchased a new copy for my grandchildren. Jane Thayer's GUS WAS A FRIENDLY GHOST is a deservedly beloved classic.
October 9, 2023
Gus continues to provide me nostalgic joy, and I love seeing the difference between Gus in 1962 and Gus in 1971 - lots of cultural changes in that time, and it is shown in Gus too! Happy Halloween everyone!
September 18, 2018
My second favorite book as a child. It was my husband's favorite book too.
September 11, 2024
A favorite book of mine as a child, Andrew found it on Thriftbooks and bought it for me. We had a cozy, fun little read aloud this evening. 😊👻
November 1, 2021
Brings back my childhood reading this in school around Halloween
March 10, 2019
Gus was in an abusive relationship with that mouse 😢
June 15, 2022
Gus the Friendly Ghost lived in an old house in the country. There were apple trees and lilacs in the yard and, in the summer, the Scott family lived there, too.
Gus liked to rattle and clank in the attic, but since the Scotts did not believe in ghosts, they did not believe in Gus. But, when he rattled and clanked, they told all their friends, “We’ve got a ghost!”
But when autumn arrived, the Scott family packed up and left the old country house. Gus had nothing to do; he was lonely. Gus went for a walk. He met Mouse, who was freezing, and he invited him to come live in the old country house. Gus was happy to have Mouse staying in the house; he learned to make all sorts of cheese dishes because, even though ghosts never get hungry, Mouse was always hungry, and Gus wanted him to be happy.
Gus read to Mouse by the light of the fire. Sometimes the two friends played checkers. They popped corn. And, one day, the snow melted, the sun grew warm. Buds grew on the apple tree and the lilacs bloomed. And, one day, a car drove into the yard. The Scott family was back!
What will happen when they find Mouse [and Gus] living in the house?
=========
This edition, an offering from the Weekly Reader Children’s Book Club, was re-issued by Weekly Reader in 2002 and by Purple House Press in 2014. The reading age for the book is five and six years old, grade levels preschool through third.
A beloved childhood favorite, this delightful tale of friendship is sure to become a much-loved story for a new generation of young readers. The charming illustrations . . . purple, red, black, and white . . . are a perfect accompaniment to the sweet tale of Gus and Mouse and the Scott family. It’s an engaging story for adults to share with their young readers; the life lessons of friendship, respect, acceptance, and selflessness are both relevant and heartwarming. Parents are sure to enjoy sharing this enchanting story with their young readers.
Highly recommended.
Gus liked to rattle and clank in the attic, but since the Scotts did not believe in ghosts, they did not believe in Gus. But, when he rattled and clanked, they told all their friends, “We’ve got a ghost!”
But when autumn arrived, the Scott family packed up and left the old country house. Gus had nothing to do; he was lonely. Gus went for a walk. He met Mouse, who was freezing, and he invited him to come live in the old country house. Gus was happy to have Mouse staying in the house; he learned to make all sorts of cheese dishes because, even though ghosts never get hungry, Mouse was always hungry, and Gus wanted him to be happy.
Gus read to Mouse by the light of the fire. Sometimes the two friends played checkers. They popped corn. And, one day, the snow melted, the sun grew warm. Buds grew on the apple tree and the lilacs bloomed. And, one day, a car drove into the yard. The Scott family was back!
What will happen when they find Mouse [and Gus] living in the house?
=========
This edition, an offering from the Weekly Reader Children’s Book Club, was re-issued by Weekly Reader in 2002 and by Purple House Press in 2014. The reading age for the book is five and six years old, grade levels preschool through third.
A beloved childhood favorite, this delightful tale of friendship is sure to become a much-loved story for a new generation of young readers. The charming illustrations . . . purple, red, black, and white . . . are a perfect accompaniment to the sweet tale of Gus and Mouse and the Scott family. It’s an engaging story for adults to share with their young readers; the life lessons of friendship, respect, acceptance, and selflessness are both relevant and heartwarming. Parents are sure to enjoy sharing this enchanting story with their young readers.
Highly recommended.
July 9, 2021
I found this cute little book as a freebie at the library book sale. And I'm glad I took it with me. It was a fun read, simple, but interesting, and I was genuinely curious as to how the story would end. Basically, Gus is a ghost that lives in a home where the owners do not believe in ghosts. But, he tries his hardest anyway. The family always goes away for the winter, so Gus gets lonely. And he invites a mouse into the house to keep it from freezing. Everything is great, until the family returns. Then, Mouse becomes rather belligerent because he can't do things the way he wanted to anymore (play checkers, read in the front of the fire at night, have hot meals cooked for him in the kitchen) because its not really his house. So, he tries to terrorize the humans into moving out.
I didn't realize that there was a whole series of these ghost stories, so I look forward to tracking down the rest of them.
I didn't realize that there was a whole series of these ghost stories, so I look forward to tracking down the rest of them.
January 26, 2023
Gus Was a Friendly Ghost (1961) by Janet Thayer, illustrated by Seymour Fleishman is a cute story about a family's summer home being occupied by a friendly ghost named Gus. But when the family goes away for the winter, Gus is left alone, until Mouse happens to come along. Gus considers Mouse his friend and invites him to stay in the house during the winter. They get along well until the family comes back when the weather is nice and Mouse doesn't like the humans and wants to scare them away, but Gus will have something to say about that... Very much in the spirit of Casper. This is a fun and interesting story about two unlikely friends and how they have to compromise and adjust in different ways. My rating - 3/5
March 20, 2021
This is the story of Gus the Ghost. The homeowners don't believe in ghosts, but joke when they hear a noise, saying it was their ghost. He is sad when they leave for the winter. Then, Gus meets Mouse to spend the winter with. He's a little busy, but Gus doesn't care since he provides him with company.
However, when the homeowners return, Mouse is extremely unhappy and plans to scare them away. Gus dislikes this idea. How will be get his friend to stop?
Sunshine and I enjoyed this book very much. Enjoy it with us on our Youtube channel Storytime Sunshine.
Here is a direct link: https://youtu.be/v-6coINmbp4
However, when the homeowners return, Mouse is extremely unhappy and plans to scare them away. Gus dislikes this idea. How will be get his friend to stop?
Sunshine and I enjoyed this book very much. Enjoy it with us on our Youtube channel Storytime Sunshine.
Here is a direct link: https://youtu.be/v-6coINmbp4
June 21, 2019
Gus lives in the summer home of the Scott family. They don’t believe in ghosts but they blame all the weird noises on him, and Gus loves to make his family happy. But when winter comes and Scotts are long gone, Gus is loney. He makes a new friend in Mouse. Eventually the Scott’s come back and Mouse is mean until Gus finally has enough and calls STOP. I don’t like this book. It is a one sided friendship with Gus doing everything to make Mouse happy, and Mouse being a pill. Let’s just say, I fully understand why this book is out of print.
November 5, 2018
I saw this in the library, and the cover art and concept reminded me of Georgie. This was written about two years later, and has definite similarities.
The story is fine. The text is probably a bit longer than necessary. Could be used for discussions on boundaries and situational behavior, as Gus has some trouble keeping the humans and his mouse friend at peace.
The story is fine. The text is probably a bit longer than necessary. Could be used for discussions on boundaries and situational behavior, as Gus has some trouble keeping the humans and his mouse friend at peace.
October 5, 2019
A most favorite book of mine. I received a copy as a child and still have it today. A most cherished book I used to tell a story in a children's library course and also shared in my experience working in an elementary school library.
I enjoy time spent with Gus & Mouse in the Scott's home. I always want cheese after reading or thinking about Gus Was a Friendly Ghost.
I enjoy time spent with Gus & Mouse in the Scott's home. I always want cheese after reading or thinking about Gus Was a Friendly Ghost.
July 18, 2017
A classic from my childhood but really hasn't aged that well. Gus and Mouse have a weird, somewhat toxic relationship, and I'm not excited about books where women are patronizingly appreciated solely for being physically attractive.
November 4, 2018
I actually remembered this one from my childhood. I read it to my boys. It's a good lesson about friendships, old and new. The problem of new friends being jealous of old friends comes up a lot in childhood.
October 9, 2019
A vintage book from mine and loads of other people's childhoods. The story itself is so sweet and so funny and the art style is iconic. I can't imagine a holiday season not reading this book with the family.
April 24, 2020
Nostalgia!
I loved this book as a child, and had to purchase it on Kindle to share with my grandchildren. Who wouldn't want to be Gus, with all the stomping and rattling and cheese? :-)
I loved this book as a child, and had to purchase it on Kindle to share with my grandchildren. Who wouldn't want to be Gus, with all the stomping and rattling and cheese? :-)
July 11, 2021
What a sweet weird little book. The illustrations are lovely and the story is very mundane but also not? Because there’s a ghost who clanks chains in the attic? Lol. Basically its about a ghost, whose friends with the home owners and he bakes. What more could you want?
May 17, 2017
A favorite of mine from when I was a kid.
June 8, 2017
I love everything about this.
October 11, 2017
This was one of my favorite childhood picture books to read in the fall. Reading it again as an adult, I believe one of the reasons why I loved it so much was because cheese was my favorite food!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews