Gustavo, the Shy Ghost (The World of Gustavo)

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All in all, this is one spoopy book that I would recommend to all. It features bravery, friendship, ghosts, and violin music. Some of the things that happened to Gustavo were based on some of my own experiences. When I was in kindergarten – just like Gustavo – I sat by myself during lunch breaks, watching children play while being amazed by the fact that they seemed to be completely happy to talk and play with each other. I also remember being very nervous about having to ask for stuff in a shop, or raise my hand in class, or phoning, but even if I have gotten better, big parties still make me nervous. I created several activities for students to practice retelling the beginning, middle, and end, story elements, and sequence the story. Born and raised in Mexico City, Drago fills her sweet ghost story with vibrant colors, textures, and authentic details from Mexican culture. Her illustrations burst with whimsical flourishes and clever details that youngsters will want to pore over repeatedly. While ideal for Day of the Dead, this heartwarming story about bravely taking the first step toward friendship is wonderful for little listeners year-round. The story is simple with clear story elements. This is a great book for retelling, because the story events and story elements (character, setting, problem and solution) are clear and easy to identify as students practice these skills.

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.

The author, Flavia Z. Drago, is a Mexican artist. I am always looking for ways to make our library more diverse, in the stories and authors, and this book makes such a great addition. Since this book includes so many references to the Mexican holiday, I appreciate that it comes from a Mexican author. Playing: Introduce each icon card to the students. Point out that each name rhymes. Invite the students to brainstorm other words that rhyme with each name card. Gustavo is a sympathetic protagonist, and the illustrations are filled with appealing monsters and witty details.

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.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. 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. 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. 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 this book is set around Dia De Los Muertos instead of Halloween. It’s a great way to bring this meaningful holiday into the classroom, and symbols of Dia De Los Muertos are included in almost all of the illustrations.

This is a debut novel from Drago, a Mexican author and illustrator, and she deftly weaves in cultural references. The illustrations are bright and detailed. Gentle storytelling and vibrant mixed-media illustrations make for an enjoyable seasonal story.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! Gustavo the Shy Ghost, by Flavia Z. Drago, is one of the five books on the shortlist for the 2021 Klaus Flugge Prize. 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. When I started making the book, I didn’t notice how much I had in common with Gustavo, but the more I got to understand him, I realised that telling this story was important for me because I wanted to show that being shy doesn’t mean that you don’t enjoy the company of people – or in this case, monsters! – It just means that you find it difficult to reach to others, especially for the first time.

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! Variation: Identify the middle or ending sounds of each icon name card. Get Your Printable Gustavo the Shy Ghost Activity It hits such an important skill..making friends! So many times, our students and kids at home don’t know HOW to make friends. We spend a lot of time talking about being a good friend, but many students need direct instruction on how to introduce themselves, and how to make connections with those around them. The judges call her book ‘a visual treat’ and admire the way it’s full of detail but never cluttered.Mexican-born author/illustrator Drago sweetly captures the angst-y little ghost’s perpetual perturbation…Iconic images of Mexican culture cleverly pepper the scenery. With the papel picado banners, panes de muerto, and Catrinas, Drago provides a festive environment for Gustavo’s laments. Decorated skulls peek out from around every corner; even the family goldfish is a smiling skeleton. This ghostly tale proves that anyone can have a happily-ever-after.