What do you think?
Rate this book
The World of Gustavo #1
Gustavo, the shy ghost
This winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season — or anytime.
Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z. Drago’s vivid illustrations tell a sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere.
Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z. Drago’s vivid illustrations tell a sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere.
40 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2020
48 people are currently reading
2069 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 679 reviews
July 14, 2020
I have to be brave.Gustavo is such a sweetheart!
I have to let the others see me!
This lonely ghost desperately wants to make a friend but he’s too shy to talk to them. Even when he’s near the other monsters, no one sees him.
Finally, Gustavo comes up with a plan. Even though he’s filled with self doubt in the lead up to the Day of the Dead, Gustavo is determined to be brave.
I love that Gustavo’s plan involves an activity that he enjoys, that he doesn’t try to become someone else in order to get the other monsters to notice him. His courage is rewarded and this little spectral introvert finds not just one friend but many.
The illustrations are so cute, clearly showing the way Gustavo is feeling throughout the story. There are a variety of monsters and plenty of background details to enjoy.
I’ve already read this book so many times that I’ve lost count. I only wish I had a little monster to read it to.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for introducing me to such an adorable kindred introvert.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
November 25, 2022
Read for my toddler's story time. Some pages I asked my toddler to find Gustavo because he was in disguise. Those were fun. My toddler commented that this story is scary for her. She's 3 years old even though this children's book is intended for readers ages 3 to 7. This story followed Gustavo. Gustavo didn't have any friends because he's shy. Making friends was hard for him. He tried many different ways to get close to them but they don't see him. In the end, he decided to host a violin concert because he loved to play the violin and invited everyone to come. They didn't show up at the appointed time so he played his music to cheer himself up. Everyone finally showed up and loved his music. They were lost finding their way over and his music lead the way for them.
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review!
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review!
August 21, 2020
This is a book about friendship and overcoming shyness, cast with a variety of paranormal creatures.
Gustavo is a ghost. He's a talented spook who plays the violin. But when it comes to making friends, he's not quite as adept. He's simply too shy! And a little bit invisible. Feeling brave, he decides to hold a violin concert and invite all the monsters he wishes would be his friends. Will his risk pay off?
I can see this being a good selection for the upcoming spooky season. It talks about the Day of the Dead, but it would probably fit in on a Halloween shelf, too. The variety of monsters is fun and creative, and the illustrations are engaging.
Overall, this is a strong picture book about using your strengths to overcome your weaknesses.
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital ARC.
Gustavo is a ghost. He's a talented spook who plays the violin. But when it comes to making friends, he's not quite as adept. He's simply too shy! And a little bit invisible. Feeling brave, he decides to hold a violin concert and invite all the monsters he wishes would be his friends. Will his risk pay off?
I can see this being a good selection for the upcoming spooky season. It talks about the Day of the Dead, but it would probably fit in on a Halloween shelf, too. The variety of monsters is fun and creative, and the illustrations are engaging.
Overall, this is a strong picture book about using your strengths to overcome your weaknesses.
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital ARC.
October 21, 2021
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost Yes, it was a sweet little book. I tend not to like the "shy" label, and felt it rather unnecessary that Gustavo is "in love" with Alma the monster (they are both the equivalent of children and I'm just personally not a fan of that sort of thing for elementary age kids). I also think it was a bit idealized, that Gustavo goes from being too shy to really show himself to any of the children to suddenly planning a big party and inviting everyone (and, of course, everyone comes and everyone likes Gustavo--which is also idealized). But, it's a sweet book... the message overall is a good one: if you truly show yourself to people, rather than hiding from them, you'll find that they like you the way you are*. And I liked that Gustavo doesn't have a complete personality change, he is still a bit more reserved but finds ways to interact with his new friends. Great illustrations, though may not be suitable for sensitive youngsters.
*I do think it's over-simplified to present the idea that EVERYONE is going to like you. I do think that Not Yeti handled this better.
*I do think it's over-simplified to present the idea that EVERYONE is going to like you. I do think that Not Yeti handled this better.
November 11, 2023
Nice book about a shy child (the "monsters" aspect of this book makes for cute illustrations but isn't relative to the message as far as I perceived it) who feels invisible (although he's a ghost so maybe he actually becomes invisible?) and has trouble making eye contact or talking to people.
Then he has a party and plays the violin and everyone is impressed.
I'm not sure how helpful or widely applicable this happy resolution is, but I guess it could be good to remind shy kids that it's not just them.
Then he has a party and plays the violin and everyone is impressed.
I'm not sure how helpful or widely applicable this happy resolution is, but I guess it could be good to remind shy kids that it's not just them.
July 15, 2020
Flavia Z. Dragó’s Gustavo, the Shy Ghost is an adorable picture book about finding the courage to make friends. The art is lovely and colourful while the simple storyline is easy-to-follow. This is a perfect and sweet read for the spooky season but it will definitely stay with you throughout the year!
Shy ghost Gustavo loves doing ghostly things like passing through walls and making things fly. He also loves playing the violin. However, poor Gustavo is terribly shy. He struggles to make friends with the other monsters. Although he tries his best to get close to them, they never see him. One day, he musters up the courage and invites them to a violin concert at the Day of the Dead party. Will Gustavo finally be able to show the other little monsters who he really is?
This is such a sweet little story! The storyline is simple and easy-to-follow. I especially love how well Dragó explores the themes of friendship, loneliness, bravery, and being true to yourself. These are familiar but timeless themes. The book presents them in a lovely, accessible, and visually appealing way that will be easily relatable to both child and adult readers.
I love the cheerfully spooky illustrations with their soft but vibrant colours and wonderful details. Every time I reread, I find myself noticing some new detail in the beautiful drawings that I didn’t see before! I also love the little bits of visual humour in the art. I especially love how Mexican culture, especially the Day of the Dead and its festivities, shine through the illustrations. The little monsters are all so adorable and unique! Although Gustavo is simply drawn, there’s just something so adorable about him with his cute smile and rosy cheeks.
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost is a sweet and beautifully illustrated read. I loved this picture book and I am excited to see what Flavia Z. Dragó puts out next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for this book in exchange for an honest review.
👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 out of 5 ghosts!
Shy ghost Gustavo loves doing ghostly things like passing through walls and making things fly. He also loves playing the violin. However, poor Gustavo is terribly shy. He struggles to make friends with the other monsters. Although he tries his best to get close to them, they never see him. One day, he musters up the courage and invites them to a violin concert at the Day of the Dead party. Will Gustavo finally be able to show the other little monsters who he really is?
This is such a sweet little story! The storyline is simple and easy-to-follow. I especially love how well Dragó explores the themes of friendship, loneliness, bravery, and being true to yourself. These are familiar but timeless themes. The book presents them in a lovely, accessible, and visually appealing way that will be easily relatable to both child and adult readers.
I love the cheerfully spooky illustrations with their soft but vibrant colours and wonderful details. Every time I reread, I find myself noticing some new detail in the beautiful drawings that I didn’t see before! I also love the little bits of visual humour in the art. I especially love how Mexican culture, especially the Day of the Dead and its festivities, shine through the illustrations. The little monsters are all so adorable and unique! Although Gustavo is simply drawn, there’s just something so adorable about him with his cute smile and rosy cheeks.
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost is a sweet and beautifully illustrated read. I loved this picture book and I am excited to see what Flavia Z. Dragó puts out next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for this book in exchange for an honest review.
👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 out of 5 ghosts!
October 14, 2021
ADORABLE.
A shy little ghost wants so badly to have friends, and he especially likes one beautiful little monster girl. But he's too shy to play with anyone, or talk to them. The only thing he feels good about, is playing the violin. JUST SO ADORABLE. The art looks like concept art for the movie Coco, and if you love that, as I do, you need this book.
A shy little ghost wants so badly to have friends, and he especially likes one beautiful little monster girl. But he's too shy to play with anyone, or talk to them. The only thing he feels good about, is playing the violin. JUST SO ADORABLE. The art looks like concept art for the movie Coco, and if you love that, as I do, you need this book.
September 21, 2022
ONE OF THE MOST ADORABLE SPOOKY SEASON PICTURE BOOKS I'VE EVER SEEN
November 19, 2023
I would die for Gustavo 😭😭😭🩷🩷🩷
October 19, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Gustavo is a ghost, a very, very shy ghost. He doesn’t know how to make friends with the other monsters and feels like no one can ever see him. What he does like is playing his violin.
One day Gustavo has an idea. He writes a letter to the other monsters inviting them to his Day of the Dead concert which he is holding in the cemetery where he will play his violin for them and hopefully they will like it and become his friend. But will his plan work?
The first things that I noticed about this book are how large it is, around A4 size, and how amazing the illustrations are both on the bright cover and the more subtle drawings inside. There is so much to see on every page.
You might be expecting a children’s book featuring ghosts and monsters to be scary, but it certainly isn’t. Gustavo is exceptionally cute. He loves being helpful, he’s kind, and he adores playing the violin. The monsters in the book do normal things like playing together, eating ‘ice-scream’, and walking their pets.
This is a beautiful book that would be especially helpful for a shy child, as they will be able to identify with the main character, even if he is a ghost. It is a fantastic read, it has a lovely message to it, and will keep children entertained. The perfect read for Halloween or for Day of the Dead, which will also be a talking point for the readers.
Gustavo is a ghost, a very, very shy ghost. He doesn’t know how to make friends with the other monsters and feels like no one can ever see him. What he does like is playing his violin.
One day Gustavo has an idea. He writes a letter to the other monsters inviting them to his Day of the Dead concert which he is holding in the cemetery where he will play his violin for them and hopefully they will like it and become his friend. But will his plan work?
The first things that I noticed about this book are how large it is, around A4 size, and how amazing the illustrations are both on the bright cover and the more subtle drawings inside. There is so much to see on every page.
You might be expecting a children’s book featuring ghosts and monsters to be scary, but it certainly isn’t. Gustavo is exceptionally cute. He loves being helpful, he’s kind, and he adores playing the violin. The monsters in the book do normal things like playing together, eating ‘ice-scream’, and walking their pets.
This is a beautiful book that would be especially helpful for a shy child, as they will be able to identify with the main character, even if he is a ghost. It is a fantastic read, it has a lovely message to it, and will keep children entertained. The perfect read for Halloween or for Day of the Dead, which will also be a talking point for the readers.
January 16, 2021
Mexican author and artist Flavia Z. Drago makes her debut in Gustavo, the Shy Ghost, a sweet tale of a timid spirit who finally finds the friends he's been longing for. Although he had attempted to attract the attention of the other little monsters in a myriad of subtle ways, Gustavo always found that he remained invisible to them. Eventually, he worked up the courage to invite everyone to his violin concert, to be held in the cemetery on the Day of the Dead. Here, after a rocky start, he found exactly what he was hoping for...
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost is an absolutely delightful little book, and an accomplished debut for Drago, whose work I will hope to see in many subsequent publications. The story itself is sweet and heartwarming, featuring the shy and gentle kind of ghost also to be found in such classics as Robert Bright's Georgie and sequels, and Jane Thayer's Gus the Friendly Ghost series. The mixed media illustrations are charming, with so many appealing and humorous little details, and will keep young readers engaged. Recommended to anyone seeking children's stories about friendly ghosts, as well as to picture-book readers looking for Day of the Dead stories.
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost is an absolutely delightful little book, and an accomplished debut for Drago, whose work I will hope to see in many subsequent publications. The story itself is sweet and heartwarming, featuring the shy and gentle kind of ghost also to be found in such classics as Robert Bright's Georgie and sequels, and Jane Thayer's Gus the Friendly Ghost series. The mixed media illustrations are charming, with so many appealing and humorous little details, and will keep young readers engaged. Recommended to anyone seeking children's stories about friendly ghosts, as well as to picture-book readers looking for Day of the Dead stories.
December 13, 2025
Božinku toto bola jedna z najviac cute detských kníh 🥹
Krásne ilustrácie a ešte krajšie dvojzmyselné vety
Úplne som sa z nej roztopil 🫠
Krásne ilustrácie a ešte krajšie dvojzmyselné vety
Úplne som sa z nej roztopil 🫠
August 22, 2021
Read for my 365 Kids Book challenge. You can see all the books on their own shelf.
During the long time of being closed to the public, my library changed things up quite a bit, including a major rearranging of the kids books, moving the bilingual/not English language books to a new, more prominent spot. So when I finally got to roam the stacks, this was one of the first things I say, albeit in Spanish. Fortunately there was an English edition as well.
So bright, so full of cute monsters, and a whole lot of Day of the Dead elements. Plus a story about the difficulty some have in knowing how to make friends and finding the courage it takes to do so.
I'm thrilled in general to see so many books by diverse authors or starring diverse characters, and to see them prominently displayed is even better. I'll be looking for more Drago. And now to get it back before the Halloween rush.
Library copy
During the long time of being closed to the public, my library changed things up quite a bit, including a major rearranging of the kids books, moving the bilingual/not English language books to a new, more prominent spot. So when I finally got to roam the stacks, this was one of the first things I say, albeit in Spanish. Fortunately there was an English edition as well.
So bright, so full of cute monsters, and a whole lot of Day of the Dead elements. Plus a story about the difficulty some have in knowing how to make friends and finding the courage it takes to do so.
I'm thrilled in general to see so many books by diverse authors or starring diverse characters, and to see them prominently displayed is even better. I'll be looking for more Drago. And now to get it back before the Halloween rush.
Library copy
November 12, 2021
I need to own this. <3
October 9, 2021
So many things to delight in on every page!
October 22, 2021
Wonderfully sweet and evocative tale with a universal message and charming artwork.
This seems like it would pair wonderfully with "Leo: A Ghost Story"!
This seems like it would pair wonderfully with "Leo: A Ghost Story"!
May 18, 2020
Libro leído gracias a NetGalley :D (English Below!)
Este libro es precioso.
La historia trata sobre Gustavo, un fantasma tímido que ama tocar el violín y le es difícil hacer amigues. Está enamorado de Alma, la monstruita más linda, y quiere hablarle pero nunca tiene el suficiente coraje para hacerlo. Hasta que un día se da cuenta que para tener amigues les tiene que hablar a les otres monstruites, así que les invita a su concierto de violín.
Creo que cualquier niñe puede identificarse con Gustavo-- yo pude, y tengo (casi) 25. A veces hacer amigues es difícil y las interacciones sociales nos llenan de ansiedad, pero si nuestras intenciones son buenas y nos cruzamos con buena gente, podemos llegar a tener amistades increíbles y llenas de aventuras.
Amé las ilustraciones, no solo los dibujos sino también los patrones, las texturas y las referencias mexicanas. ¡Ojalá pronto pueda leer más sobre Gustavo!
------✄------
This one was a lovely, heartwarming book.
It's about Gustavo, a shy ghost that loves playing the violin and finds it difficult to make friends. He's in love with Alma, a lovely monster, and wants to talk to her but never has enough courage to do so. Until one day he decides that to have friends he has to talk to the other monsters, so he invites them to his violin concert.
Any child can relate to Gustavo, that's for sure! I could, and I'm 25 years old! Sometimes making friends is difficult and social interactions fill us up with anxiety, but if we have true intentions and meet good people on our way, we can have so many incredible full-of-adventures friendships!
Loved the illustrations, as well, not only the drawings themselves but the patterns, the textures, the Mexican references, etc. Hope to see more of Gustavo soon!
Este libro es precioso.
La historia trata sobre Gustavo, un fantasma tímido que ama tocar el violín y le es difícil hacer amigues. Está enamorado de Alma, la monstruita más linda, y quiere hablarle pero nunca tiene el suficiente coraje para hacerlo. Hasta que un día se da cuenta que para tener amigues les tiene que hablar a les otres monstruites, así que les invita a su concierto de violín.
Creo que cualquier niñe puede identificarse con Gustavo-- yo pude, y tengo (casi) 25. A veces hacer amigues es difícil y las interacciones sociales nos llenan de ansiedad, pero si nuestras intenciones son buenas y nos cruzamos con buena gente, podemos llegar a tener amistades increíbles y llenas de aventuras.
Amé las ilustraciones, no solo los dibujos sino también los patrones, las texturas y las referencias mexicanas. ¡Ojalá pronto pueda leer más sobre Gustavo!
------✄------
This one was a lovely, heartwarming book.
It's about Gustavo, a shy ghost that loves playing the violin and finds it difficult to make friends. He's in love with Alma, a lovely monster, and wants to talk to her but never has enough courage to do so. Until one day he decides that to have friends he has to talk to the other monsters, so he invites them to his violin concert.
Any child can relate to Gustavo, that's for sure! I could, and I'm 25 years old! Sometimes making friends is difficult and social interactions fill us up with anxiety, but if we have true intentions and meet good people on our way, we can have so many incredible full-of-adventures friendships!
Loved the illustrations, as well, not only the drawings themselves but the patterns, the textures, the Mexican references, etc. Hope to see more of Gustavo soon!
February 17, 2022
As soon as it ended, my son Cedar declared this his favorite book. Enough said!
In all seriousness, we loved every aspect of this while reading it together. The illustrations are so detailed, it was fun to take our time and point out all the things we noticed on each page. Our favorite illustrations were the ones where Gustavo is disguising himself as different things like an umbrella, even as a snowman! Cedar imagined that ability would be fun. Cedar was so enthralled he even took over reading it aloud! That's how much he was enjoying it. Not only are the illustrations magical and colorful, but the story is also meaningful; about building self confidence and making friends. The way Gustavo finally draws full attention to himself to make friends is by inviting his classmates to a concert of himself playing his violin! It's a good inspiration about sharing our interests with others to connect with them, and finding self esteem through our hobbies and personal expression. After we finished reading, Cedar immediately drew the characters of Gustavo and his pet monster.
As a boy mom, I'm always looking for unique children's books for boys that aren't just about the typical "boy" subjects like trucks and dinosaurs, etc. Boys will especially appreciate this book, but every child can relate to what Gustavo feels. Feeling shy, anxious, and ignored, all while wanting to express themselves and connect with others. Also, my son loves everything that is "Halloween" themed and I know a lot of kids do too, so others will appreciate that aspect as well.
I completely recommend this book. It is great for reading time together as a parent.
In all seriousness, we loved every aspect of this while reading it together. The illustrations are so detailed, it was fun to take our time and point out all the things we noticed on each page. Our favorite illustrations were the ones where Gustavo is disguising himself as different things like an umbrella, even as a snowman! Cedar imagined that ability would be fun. Cedar was so enthralled he even took over reading it aloud! That's how much he was enjoying it. Not only are the illustrations magical and colorful, but the story is also meaningful; about building self confidence and making friends. The way Gustavo finally draws full attention to himself to make friends is by inviting his classmates to a concert of himself playing his violin! It's a good inspiration about sharing our interests with others to connect with them, and finding self esteem through our hobbies and personal expression. After we finished reading, Cedar immediately drew the characters of Gustavo and his pet monster.
As a boy mom, I'm always looking for unique children's books for boys that aren't just about the typical "boy" subjects like trucks and dinosaurs, etc. Boys will especially appreciate this book, but every child can relate to what Gustavo feels. Feeling shy, anxious, and ignored, all while wanting to express themselves and connect with others. Also, my son loves everything that is "Halloween" themed and I know a lot of kids do too, so others will appreciate that aspect as well.
I completely recommend this book. It is great for reading time together as a parent.
January 18, 2021
Very cute book about friendship and being yourself. The illustrations are fantastic, and Gustavo is especially adorable. This is a great read for any time of year, but could easily be incorporated into any monster or Halloween theme, and would be particularly nice near Day of the Dead, since that holiday is mentioned.
November 23, 2021
Really cute!
July 4, 2020
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Just look at this cover, who could resist reading this book? I know I couldn’t. I love ghosts, spooky ghosts, creepy ghosts, but I also love cute ghosts (Casper anyone?).
Meet Gustavo, he is a very spooky ghost with a lot of ghostly talents, but he has one big problem… he is very very very shy. In this book we see that he does try, but little dude, they are just not going to see you if you aren’t yourself (being a balloon or a lamp is just not something that stands out). I was cheering for him to step up, to be brave, to do something, because it seems that he has some very interesting classmates that may just be the friends he wants. I was so delighted to see him devise a plan that would make him stand out. I won’t tell you what his plan is, but I can tell you this, it was a great plan. It combines something he loves with something he is good at. I have to say when the plan was set in motion that I was a bit saddened… this couldn’t be how it ended, right?? And thankfully it didn’t and instead I just had a big grin on my face.
I loved the town and the people who lived there. Permanent Halloween Town? Sign me up! It seems like such a wonderful and spooky place to live and I had fun seeing who lived there. From invisible girls to werewolves to witches and pumpkin people. It was a delight.
The art is just the most fabulous, I love love love the style so much. It is cute but also spooky and fits so well with the book. I loved seeing Gustavo in various forms from his cute ghost form to a blanket to a painting.
All in all, this is one spoopy book that I would recommend to all. It features bravery, friendship, ghosts, and violin music.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Just look at this cover, who could resist reading this book? I know I couldn’t. I love ghosts, spooky ghosts, creepy ghosts, but I also love cute ghosts (Casper anyone?).
Meet Gustavo, he is a very spooky ghost with a lot of ghostly talents, but he has one big problem… he is very very very shy. In this book we see that he does try, but little dude, they are just not going to see you if you aren’t yourself (being a balloon or a lamp is just not something that stands out). I was cheering for him to step up, to be brave, to do something, because it seems that he has some very interesting classmates that may just be the friends he wants. I was so delighted to see him devise a plan that would make him stand out. I won’t tell you what his plan is, but I can tell you this, it was a great plan. It combines something he loves with something he is good at. I have to say when the plan was set in motion that I was a bit saddened… this couldn’t be how it ended, right?? And thankfully it didn’t and instead I just had a big grin on my face.
I loved the town and the people who lived there. Permanent Halloween Town? Sign me up! It seems like such a wonderful and spooky place to live and I had fun seeing who lived there. From invisible girls to werewolves to witches and pumpkin people. It was a delight.
The art is just the most fabulous, I love love love the style so much. It is cute but also spooky and fits so well with the book. I loved seeing Gustavo in various forms from his cute ghost form to a blanket to a painting.
All in all, this is one spoopy book that I would recommend to all. It features bravery, friendship, ghosts, and violin music.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 31, 2021
Utterly beautiful in design and execution, Gustavo tells the story of a little Mexican ghost who doesn't know how to make friends. It doesn't help that those he'd like to spend time with him never seem to notice him - but this is what happens when you're a ghost. Perhaps if he calls upon his passion for violin playing out in the local graveyard, others will be drawn to his music and feelings. Gustavo tells that universal story of the nervousness of finding friends and fitting in - albeit with a cast of retro mini-monsters and incorporeal characters.
As a debut, Drago's picturebook is a little masterclass of form and style. From the gloriously embossed cover on the hardback edition to the spreads within, this is a story in which every inch of the telling has been thought through with great care and purpose. Based within her native Mexico, Drago calls upon icons, symbols and themes around the Day of the Dead and threads them into a narrative in which she openly builds upon her own memories of a child when trying to make friends.
I loved the colours used throughout and the pages, although rich with characters and actions, never detract from the overall plot. Colour is used strikingly in places to convey mood and changes in typography bring the cast closer to you. I really hope this is the start of Drago's career rather than a one-hit; she has a gorgeous style and a way of writing to and for children that is most welcome.
As a debut, Drago's picturebook is a little masterclass of form and style. From the gloriously embossed cover on the hardback edition to the spreads within, this is a story in which every inch of the telling has been thought through with great care and purpose. Based within her native Mexico, Drago calls upon icons, symbols and themes around the Day of the Dead and threads them into a narrative in which she openly builds upon her own memories of a child when trying to make friends.
I loved the colours used throughout and the pages, although rich with characters and actions, never detract from the overall plot. Colour is used strikingly in places to convey mood and changes in typography bring the cast closer to you. I really hope this is the start of Drago's career rather than a one-hit; she has a gorgeous style and a way of writing to and for children that is most welcome.
October 28, 2020
Gustavo loves to do most ghostly things, but he is very shy and doesn't know how to make friends. One day he decides to be brave and invite the other monsters to a violin concert. The worst happens; no one comes. But Gustavo plays his violin anyway, and the other monsters hear the wonderful music and see the happiness of Gustavo when he plays, and they all become friends.
A very realistic story about overcoming shyness.
A very realistic story about overcoming shyness.
October 30, 2022
Gustavo is a shy ghost who wants to make friends!
Despite his best efforts, it seems that no one sees him. Then, through overcoming his anxieties, he realizes people had seen him all along!
As well as having a great plot, this book's art took my breath away. I think this is one of my favorite books of the year!
Despite his best efforts, it seems that no one sees him. Then, through overcoming his anxieties, he realizes people had seen him all along!
As well as having a great plot, this book's art took my breath away. I think this is one of my favorite books of the year!
Read
May 12, 2025Oh this was so adorable!
I loved the illustrations, the detail in it and how they told the story perfectly alongside the text. The story was sweet and moving and I loved the ending - so heartwarming!
I loved the illustrations, the detail in it and how they told the story perfectly alongside the text. The story was sweet and moving and I loved the ending - so heartwarming!
October 26, 2021
Really adorable illustrations.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 29, 2020
Cute story and adorable art!
Read
October 25, 2021A tender story about Gustavo, a very shy ghost, who only wants to be able to make some friends, with super cool and beautiful Mexican-inspired illustrations.
January 29, 2023
Muy bonitas ilustraciones y una historia muy tierna. Sobre un fantasma tímido que vive en un mundo mezcla Día de muertos con Halloween.
October 11, 2025
3/5 ⭐️
Była w porządku, ale szybko zapomnę. Średniawka raczej
Była w porządku, ale szybko zapomnę. Średniawka raczej
Displaying 1 - 30 of 679 reviews