Gilbert the Ghost

by Guido Van Genechten

Gilbert goes to ghost school like all the other ghosts, but he's a special ghost: he doesn't like to screech in a scary way, he doesn't want to haunt and was always polite. What will happen to Gilbert when he's sent by the Head of school to the Abandoned Tower? A warm picture book by bestselling author-illustrator Guido van Genechten about a friendly and special ghost.

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Childrens, Ghosts, Fiction, Holiday, Monsters

26 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Guido Van Genechten is een Vlaamse schrijver en illustrator.

Guido Van Genechten in de Nederlandstalige Wikipedia


Guido Van Genechten is a Flemish writer and illustrator.

Reviews

[Rosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had opted for this because of the cover and the book turned out to be almost as sweet as indicated, but not outstanding.

Gilbert loves some aspects of being a ghost but he doesn’t like saying “Boo”, he doesn’t want to haunt anyone and wants to be polite. When the principal of his Ghost school sends him to the Abandoned Tower as a punishment, Gilbert comes into his own and makes the best of his situation.

I liked the subtle message that comes out in the story about being yourself and making the best of your surroundings. But the content felt incomplete somehow. And it seemed like Gilbert’s punishment was permanent. His other ghost friends came to visit him at the Abandoned Tower after they finished their ghostly hauntings and at his place they behaved well. But Gilbert was never made part of the community again, and his parents don’t seem to be bothered. The ending was abrupt and unfinished for me.

The illustrations are adorable. I loved them more than the story.

If you are looking for a cute story without any significant message or moral, this would be a decent choice. But if you have kids who question everything, be prepared to face a lot of queries.

I’m usually very generous with children’s books but this one somehow failed to hit the mark for me.

3.25 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Clavis Publishing, for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.



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[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Gilbert the Ghost is an adorable children's book about a little Ghost called Gilbert who is very different to the other ghosts. When he goes to ghost school his principle trys to mold him into being the same as the other ghosts but Gilbert is unique and stays that way, happy within himself. Gilbert gets banished to the dark tower where he meets an interesting friend.
This book is so delightful and cute! The message given is to be who you are and don't feel you have to be something your not to fit in with others in a group.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert the ghost doesn't quite fit in with his peers at ghost school in this charming picture-book from Belgian author/illustrator Guido Van Genechten. The little pink spook just can't seem to work up a scary "Boo!," and so enrages the school principle that he is sent to the Abandoned Tower. Here he makes friends with a little black cat named Meow, and the two create a cozy home for themselves, occasionally visited by Gilbert's former classmates, now out and about in the world, haunting castles and old fortresses...

Originally published in Belgium and the Netherlands as Spookje Spartacus, this rather tall picture-book is an absolute delight, pairing an engaging tale of a gentle little ghost and his unusual path through life(?) with wonderfully appealing artwork. Stories featuring a friendly ghost are not at all uncommon in the world of picture-books - think of Robert Bright's thirteen-volume Georgie series, Jane Thayer's Gus the Friendly Ghost books, and (of course) the many books about Casper the Friendly Ghost - but this one still manages to feel fresh and winsome. I particularly liked the scenes featuring Gilbert and Meow, and can't help but wish that Guido Van Genechten would create more stories about these characters. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for spooky tales that are more on the gentle side.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert can't seem to BOO like the other ghosts. As punishment, he's sent to an abandoned tower to think about what he's not done, I guess. There he meets a new friend, and . . . well, I don't want to ruin any of the fun. This is a sweet story of friendship, and finding out what makes YOU tick. With adorable illustrations by the author.



Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ghostly glimpse at a cute book.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never thought ghosts would be this cute. Of course, except Casper.

I wish the cover was better than this because it doesn't do justice for the contents.

I love the story and the illustrations.

A good one. Apt for the kids.

Thank you, author and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.

[kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

paedagogik studium in a nutshell

[Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated story sends the message that it's ok to be different and to embrace those differences within ourselves. It's a simple story that packs a big punch. Highly recommended!

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Mel (Epic Reading) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don’t get this book. We have our cute little ghost who is unlike the others. He is sent to an abandoned tower because he is different. Now I know what you’re thinking, Awh he must find happiness, purpose, other friends there! Nope he sure doesn’t!! Nothing is good about being sent to this tower (it seems) except that some of the other ghosts get bored being ghosts and visit him.

I cannot for the life of me figure out what kids (or adults) are supposed to understand about this; other than ostracizing is normal? I just shake my head at this one and cannot figure out what they were going for. Or perhaps, given the abrupt ending they just missed some pages? (lol)

Regardless of what was intended, sadly Gilbert the Ghost missed the mark for me.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Clavis Publishing & Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC of Gilbert the Ghost in exchange for an honest review!

Gilbert the Ghost is definitely an adorable book & the illustrations are amazing. I loved the color scheme, the ghost designs, the whole cute shabang. Basically, my entire rating is based on the art, because the story itself fell flat. There wasn't much to it, which I suppose for the age group this might be okay, but in general it feels very incomplete.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
I fell in love with the cute cover, and the book turned out to be just as cute. Gilbert is a pink ghost who doesn’t like to yell ‘bhooo!’ and scare people. When he’s sent to the Abandoned Tower, he meets a little black cat and transforms the tower into a cozy and loving home.
Now, I have a special love for cute ghosts, and Gilbert is a sweetie pie. If you are looking for a scary story for kids, this isn’t one. It’s warm and cuddly. The illustrations are simple yet lively.
I enjoyed the book but wished it was a bit longer.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Clavis Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#ClavisPublishing #NetGalley

[Prin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect bedtime story read. My son and I will really enjoy this one. Aside from the cute art, I love how the short story shows that we need not always conform to what is considered "normal", and instead find the things that make us happy and give us peace so we can share the same to others. Something everyone could use a little reminder of, both young and old.
[Big thanks to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for the eARC]

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert the Ghost is not your typical ghost. In fact he is much more. He is thoughtful and quiet. He is also polite and friendly. A delightful story about ghosts and how it is ok to be different.

A special thank you to Clavis Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Mande · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute drawings and the premise is great, but the ending was very abrupt and my daughter even asked if pages were missing. Even for a short picture book there was zero character development/growth/explanation. Still worth a read.

[Set · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is about a male ghost that is pink and happy but lonely. Happy Halloween...I guess not. I didn't enjoy this book, depressing.

[Eule Luftschloss · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CUTENESS!

Gilbert the ghost is an unusual ghost, or special, as his parents say.
Instead of frightening people, he is just very, very, very nice. He befriends a cat and their home is open to all ghosts.

I think this one is one that goes straight on my wishlist so I can have my own physical copy one day.

If you ignore the cute ghosts and all that, you have sweet story about how different does not mean bad, and that you will find your own path if you dare to look.

The arc was provided by the publisher.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.


This follows a ghost called Gilbert who lives with his loving parents and attains a ghost school. In his school he and other kids learn how to become frightening ghosts so that they can go and haunted the abandoned buildings. However Gilbert is different he is special.

One night, when the Head of the school gets angry at Gilbert, he sends him off to the Abandoned Tower for punishment. What wil Gilbert do now?

It was such an amazing story. A tale of friendship, kindness and comfort. Gilbert was such a sweetheart. The story impacts an important morals and as it is written in lucid language it won't be any trouble for the kids to follow along. I think they are going to love Gilbert and his cuteness. This is a perfect bedtime story. Loved it!

[Kindred Reader (lilastrings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert The Ghost is a cute, short, and entertaining read! The illustration is adorable and captivating enough to hold a child's interest. Gilbert, our ghost protagonist, is different from other ghost classmates. Not only does he look different, but he's also really gentle and couldn't scare the way his classmates could. I read this with my niece, and the ghost Principal makes for a good conversation about what kind of teachers there are in school.

Overall, this is an enjoyable read and a good book to help discuss the importance of being good and accepting one's uniqueness with children.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the copy!

[Megan Griest · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute story about how being different is okay. Gilbert the Ghost doesn’t say “Boooooo” like the other ghosts at school, and is banished to the Abandoned Tower, where he befriends a black cat named Meow. When Gilbert asks Meow why he isn’t scared of him, Meow tells Gilbert it’s because he knew he was different from the start. As the other ghosts tire from scaring, they wander to the Abandoned Tower to hang out with Gilbert and Meow.

This book would be great at Halloween, and to introduce young ones to ghosts since Gilbert is adorably illustrated. Gilbert the Ghost would be best for younger children,

[Ramona · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
A very cute story about being different, but without a satisfying ending. Gilbert is a ghost that can’t say Boo and doesn’t want to haunt anyone. The principal of the ghost school sends him away to an abandoned tower, because Gilbert can’t be with the other ghost students if he can’t say Boo. There he meets a cat and they become friends. But at the end of the book Gilbert still isn’t allowed to go back to school and he doesn’t fight for his rights. I think the message of the book is that you don’t have to belong to the group if you don’t want to, but I think I would prefer a more hopeful ending to this book.

[taketwolu]

After failing to follow a Ghost School lesson, Gilbert’s teacher sends him off to the Abandoned Tower, where Gilbert befriends a cat. I love how cute and wholesome this little children’s book is. It tells readers that it’s okay to be special and accept one’s self as well as what real friendship looks like. The art style is a bonus and it definitely gets me in the Halloween spirit! I would’ve like a bit more substance or a slightly longer story, but it’s short and sweet -- which is probably great for kids.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure this is at a reading level for pre-k kids to understand but I think the k-1 crowd would get it. It’s a sweet story about a ghost who’s born different, makes a friend who accepts him for him, and then sets out on a different path with a safe space for others of his ghostly kind. It’s beautifully illustrated and I enjoyed the message. Overall, 4/5 stars ⭐️ would recommend to the 5+ crowd.

[Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for making this available..

This book was so adorable! The illustrations were so beautiful and the story was meaningful. I read this with my nieces and they absolutely loved it. Hope to see my little additions to Gilbert!

[Kattiah Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hvae no idea how to review this. It was cute and fun and adorable and everything I wanted from a picture book! Great for beginner readers and for adults that need a break!

[NTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just in time to grab for your littles for spooky season, Gilbert is an adorable ghost, who doesn't really know how to 'ghost'. And when he tries to learn, he just can't get it right. And he... kind of doesn't want to be spooky and scary and learn to shout BOOOO and haunt people & places. So when Gilbert is exiled to the abandoned tower, instead of learning to be scary in isolation, he instead makes a kitty cat friend named Meow, cleans and cozy-fies the tower, and welcomes all his former classmates over for tea and cookies whenever they're worn out from all their haunting adventures.

It's a sweet little story about not fitting in, but also not conforming just because people say you should. Eventually, Gilbert - and everyone else - is much happier because he remains true to himself. What better message for kiddos is there than that?

You can order it now, but I got my copy free for honest review from #ClavisPublishing #NetGalley

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this book cute or what?! I loved everything, from the beautiful illustrations to the uplifting story about friendship and embracing your uniqueness. What a delightful read!

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute children’s book. The illustrations are adorable. Teach children to be themselves, if you like yourself other will like you too.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable, and affirming for those who can't quite meet expectations.

[dragonfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Loved how it questions normative ghostness and shows how the other ghosts follow the normative pattern but secretly love the open and colorful lifestyle of Gustav.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inventive way to show the benefits of being your own self, with a ghost demanded to leave Ghost School because he's not scary enough, and told to not come back until he is. With the help of a new, unlikely friend – why, he never even needs try and fit in with the old crowd. The lesson about not forcing yourself into a gang when you just don't fit, and finding happiness on your own terms, are most attractive ones, and the artwork almost matches.

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and fun, but not much more. Not terribly funny, not something surprising or a message in it. Just cute and fun, for some that’s enough, for me that was okay, but I need a bit more to really enjoy a book.