Drago, Flavia Z. (2020). Gustavo, the Shy Ghost. Candlewick Press.
* Downloadable activity sheet at the end of this post!
Meet Gustavo. “He enjoyed doing the normal things that paranormal beings do – passing through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark.” He also loved to play the violin.
Gustavo has a crush on Alma. But there’s just one problem. Gustavo is SUPER shy. In fact, he’s so scared he has never spoken to any of the other monster children, INCLUDING Alma!
To make matters worse, even when he tried to get their attention, he couldn’t see them. He had to find a way! So, he wrote them letters, inviting them to a very special violin concert for Dia de los Muertos. And he was so nervous! But nobody came. Gustavo was so sad. He began to play his violin, and play and play his emotions out on the strings, so much so that he glowed!
All of a sudden, he heard his name! They came!!! They didn’t ignore him. THEY WERE LOST! But his music found them, and in turn, they found Gustavo!
From then on, Gustavo had friends, and they knew, that even if he was quiet, he was still their friend, he was loyal, fun and dedicated to taking care of his friends, “and they never stopped loving him.”
SUCH a good book. Very sweet, and wholesome, relatable with shy little Gustavo. Such a great story about overcoming our anxiety and learning to take chances so that we can connect with others who will accept us and love us for exactly who we are. Can’t wait to read Flavia’s witch and vampire books, too!
Recommended Ages: 3-7
Activity Sheets:
Original Source: Gustavo, the Shy Ghost – Candlewick Press
