#572 - Ghoul School
by Vibha Batra and illustrated by Riya Nagendra
“Ghoul School” by Vibha Batra and illustrated by Riya Nagendra. Published by Harper Collins. A quirky and spooky story of what happens when ghouls just want to have fun.
As the title suggests, this is a book of bhoots and prets with a twist. The protagonist is a ten year old bhoot called Siliguri who is a student of the ghoul school. The ghouls are being taught how to scare the living daylights out of humans. Things like haunting crumbling old buildings and walking with their feet turned backwards. Siliguri however isn’t interested in any of these. Instead of scaring humans he wants to entertain them as a stand up comedian of all things. Naturally he cannot openly express his desire to anyone and stand the risk of being asked to leave.
Siliguri strikes an acquaintance with a girl called Kachori and tries his hand at becoming an entertainer. The trouble however is that she is a human and an aspiring ghostbuster at that. He will be banished if someone finds out. To complicate matters, Kachori and he have formed a team. Siliguri pretends to scare people at first by haunting their homes making them seek help. Kachori pretends to be a ghostbuster and promises to get rid of the ghosts for them. Ghoulella, the most feared ghoul of all time is now on the loose in their city. It would undoubtedly result in mayhem if Siliguri and Kachori ran into Ghoulella during their ghoulastic adventures. What is going to happen next? Can Siliguri pursue his heartfelt desire? Will he manage to delight his audience as well as save the netherworld from the evil villain? Read the faboolous story to join Siliguri and Kachori on a one of a kind ghoulastic adventure.
The book portrays the world of ghouls and otherworldly beings in a hilarious manner evoking laughter. The humorous and witty wordplay is clearly the highlight of the story. Names and commonly used words have been twisted brilliantly to make them apt for the world of the ghouls. We couldn’t get over names like Diery Milk, Bhootan, United Colours of Bhootjans (UCB), Periya Pisach, Preti Zinda, Haunty & Misty (H&M), Graveban, Ewwtube, Ghoogle, Deadflix, Eekstagram, Facelessbook and so many more :D My ten and a half year old son and I had a jolly good time reading this highly entertaining story. The unusual friendship between Siliguri and Kachori which started off with mistrust and petty fights blossomed beautifully into a memorable partnership where they accept and help each other achieve their dreams. Some tender moments showing inclusion and empathy have been woven neatly along with the fun part. The quirky and cheeky illustrations bring the story alive beautifully. Overall this is a treat for everyone irrespective of whether they are scared of ghouls or not. Fun, spooky entertainment and an adventurous roller coaster ride filled with laughter is assured while reading the story. Ghouls will never be the same again!
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 10 and above.