Wen, Lenny. (2024). Wolfgang in the Meadow. Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
Wolfgang lived in the meadow and while he did spooky things that the other supernatural creatures did, he was different in that he also loved to hug trees and pick flowers, watch clouds and stars.
But what he want ed more than anything was to take over for his hero, The Mighty Hubert, who had been haunting the Dark Castle for 999 1/2 years. Wolfgang had been studying hard and practicing his skills so that he could impress Hubert and take over for him at the end of the year.
On the day when Hubert was to choose, Wolfgang showed him what he had! Big BOOS and possessions, and dazzling light and twirling. He impressed everyone and at the end of it, Hubert announced the winner…WOLFGANG!!! “Wolfgang was living his dream.” He was the spookiest ghost! The haunter of the Dark Castle.
But after a while things didn’t feel right and he started to lose the very same abilities that won him the position in the first place. But one day, he saw an old friend at the window…a bird…and he felt a little tingle deep inside his tummy, and as he got closer and closer…he fell!
…and fell, and fell and fell…until…
…he fell right out into the meadow! He laid there, in the grass, with his animal friends, picking flowers and he started to feel like himself again. And slowly, but surely, his abilities started to come back as he remembered “what he had missed” but also who he was inside. He could be both spooky, AND love the meadow! He didn’t have to choose just one!
“Wolfgang floated again” (an ability he had lost in the castle) “surrounded by the things he loved. He still wanted to haunt the Dark Castle, but when he decided to return from the meadow…” he brought the meadow with him, too.
And this, Wolfgang was true to himself, found the best of both worlds, and lived happily, being exactly who he was, and enjoying it all. Good for you, Wolfgang.
I love Lenny Wen’s illustrations (and the story of course). I just want to give Wolfgang the biggest hug. And you can really tell where he finds his joy and the blending of the two worlds is glorious. I especially feel this kinship, as I too love the gothic and the spooky, but find my peace in nature. I love this little gothic cottagecore ghosty. Don’t let anyone pigeonhole you. Be, enjoy, and love, exactly who and what is right for you.
Recommended Ages: 3-7