Gaspar the Flatulating Ghost

by Teresa Burrell, Zachary Settle (Illustrations)

Gaspar is a lonely, little ghost who is lactose intolerant and his favorite thing in the whole world is ice cream. The other ghosts tease him and call him names. Gaspar lives in a vacant house. When the house is sold and Mr. and Mrs. Stone move in, with their two young boys, he is thrilled to have a new family, until he discovers no one can see him. After several attempts to get their attention, he finally gives up and goes to bed only to discover that sometimes wishes come true.

34 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 2014

About the author

Teresa Burrell maintained a private law practice where her work focused on abused minors. She has received several awards for her countless hours of pro bono work with children and their families. Burrell has also enjoyed a satisfying career as a teacher, working with children of all ages with diverse backgrounds and special needs. Now in semi-retirement, Burrell continues to educate groups about social issues impacting children and write novels, many of which are inspired by actual cases.

She has written 22 mystery novels: 17 in The Advocate Series, 4 in the Tuper Mystery Series, and one standalone, co-authored with LJ Sellers.

Reviews

[Robin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a neat book. My kids loved it. What kid doesn't like a cute and gassy ghost. A great book for kids and parents too.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me predicate my review with two confessions:
1. I don't have nor ever desired to have any children, and,
2. I received this ebook direct from the author in return for the promise of a review.

Children, or it seems to me from my limited relationship with nieces, nephews and the children of friends, love anything to do with bodily functions, so I am sure they will love the story of Gaspar the Flatulating Ghost.

Parents will also love it as it gives them an opening to discuss subjects such as friendship, embarrassing (for the parent) bodily functions and acceptance of those with disabilities or who are "different" in some way.

My one issue is, and spoiler alert, that it doesn't continue on a bit and we could see whether Gaspar still loved ice cream as much, or whether now that he has a friend he no longer needs to eat himself happy, and we've all done that at some time so perhaps the intent is to allow parents to explore this topic with their children as well.

The illustrations by Zachary Settle are good in their simplistic manner, although being an adult I don't understand how, when the story has already established that Gaspar has no physical presence and goes through people and objects, how he can pick up a milk shake, hug Hayden or lie in a bed with the sheets over him rather than them falling through him.

Overall, 4 1/2 out of 5 if you have children to read it to.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a little girl I heard Captain Kangaroo read a book. I loved it and pestered my parents until they purchased it for me. I couldn't read yet but I just had to have it. I've kept it for about 55 years and still like to read it to children. It started my lifelong love of reading. Gaspar The Flatulating Ghost is that kind of book.
The book will grab a child's attention and keep it. It's amusing and yet educational. I love the fact that Ms Burrell doesn't "dumb it down" just because it's a children's book. She introduces new words and explains them. It also teaches children about being different and accepting differences in others. The illustrations are wonderful and I believe that Zachary Settle deserves at least a Caldecott nomination,
As a daycare teacher I will be definitely reading Gaspar to "my kids" and recommending to colleagues,

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say except my 3 year old granddaughter and I love this book. The story is cute and with bright colors in the illustration it really held her interest. She giggled throughout the book, was sad because no one could see Gaspar, and really laughed when her Oma said the word "farted". And then we had to read it 4 more times. I would say this book is one to add to the library for children. I received this from the author for an honest review.