Starry, Starry Ghost

Isla of Adventure #4

by Dela Costa, Ana Sebastian (Illustrations)

In the fourth Isla of Adventure chapter book, Isla is excited about her first-ever sleepover!

Isla is invited to Tora’s for a sleepover! Snacks, movies, fancy pajamas, scary stories at night—Tora has it all planned out! But what the girls didn’t anticipate is a strange fluttering sound in the attic…Could it be a ghost?

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Isla of Adventure chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2023

Reviews

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is just fine for me. This is about a sleepover where Isla thinks theres a ghost but it turns out to be a moth thats stuck talking to her.

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great addition to this ongoing series. In this book Isla joins Tora and a new friend for a slumber party at Tora's house. And in between lots of laughs and fun she keeps hearing a creature crying out for help. But she's not sure where the sound is coming from and learns sometimes you need to stop and listen closely to really hear things.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

STARRY, STARRY GHOST is the delightful fourth installment in the Isla of Adventure series. Isla Verde has a special skill - she can talk to animals. In this adventure, Isla and her best friend and gecko, Fitz, have been invited to their neighbor Tora's house for a sleepover. Tora has also invited another friend who doesn't know Isla's secret ability. When Isla starts hearing voices, they soon realize that there are unexpected sounds coming from the attic - could it be a ghost?

What I loved: This was an overall cute installment with a new story that will entertain readers with a bit of mystery. Friendship is a strong theme here, especially with the new friend that doesn't know Isla can speak to animals. Even though some of the things Isla does as a result may seem strange, she rolls with it and stays kind to Isla throughout. This kindness, even when she does not fully understand Isla, is what makes her a great new friend and helps Isla to feel comfortable.

The mystery was clever with something calling for Isla from the attic - a voice it seems only she can hear. However, when all the girls hear the thumping sounds, they go to check it out, even though they are worried it might be a ghost. The reveal is sweet with a new save for Isla and chance to help someone else out.

The chapter book reads well with illustrations on every page spread to help keep young readers engaged. It manages to use mostly simple words and move quickly, which is helpful for early chapter readers. The illustrations include plenty of details and bring the story to life.

Final verdict: STARRY, STARRY GHOST is a cute installment in the Isla of Adventure series. This whole series is a really fantastic pick for young elementary school children, with stories that will delight, the magic of talking animals, compelling characters, and animal-related mysteries to solve.

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just couldn't get into the magical realism--wish I could have though.

[hazelnuttoffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

makes me want to have a sleepover. learned a spider web can take a spider up to an hour to make. wish there were a few more facts about moths.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great children’s chapter book. In this book our main character, Isla, is invited to her friend’s sleepover. This was a super cute, easy to read book that I think young readers will enjoy. I loved how Isla had the ability to talk to animals. This had a great story that I definitely recommend picking this one up.

Thank you Simon Kids for sending me a copy of this book.