Stanley’s Ghost: A Halloween Adventure
John Carpenter presents Storm Kids, an imprint of Storm King Comics
Storrie / Balke / Alvarez / Chiang
Oh no! Who’s been stealing fruit from all the gardens in Arbordale? Was it the prankster Chester Chipmunk? Or maybe Baby Fang? Accusations fly until someone suggests that maybe it was the Ghost of Bunnyburrow Manor! Neighbors have claimed to have seen it flying around, but are ghosts even real? And if they are, why would they be stealing fruit? Stanley Squirrel offers to lead an expedition into the house to see if it really is haunted and find out just what’s been going on. But as the gang creeps around the house looking for answers, what they find isn’t what any of them were expecting!
I am a huge fan of the spooky season and am always on the look for a fun and thoughtful Halloween story. Being a father, a grandfather and educator; I am also always on the look for something that I can share that is age / family appropriate. Stanley’s Ghost, a new release from Storm King, made my shopping easy.
Paul Storrie and Jeff Balke (both comic industry heavy hitters) collaborate on this tale, which is wildly reminiscent in both content and style of Looney Tunes, Duck Tales and Scooby Doo. The readers meet and follow a group of neighborhood friends who go on the trail of a mystery which leads them to the local haunted house, complete with creepy backstory and ghosts! Such a blast! While the tale does include some supernatural aspects (it is a Halloween story), it is very age appropriate and family-friendly. I would not hesitate to hand this off to upper elementary or for this to be a read-aloud for young elementary.
This complete 30+ page story (that comes with a few add on shorts and the end) will be the $4.99 you spend this Halloween season. (hint: the link is at the top of the review!)
Grade: 10 / 13
The Bottom Line: This will undoubtedly become a Halloween family classic!
