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Gustavo, the Shy Ghost

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Gustavo, The Shy Ghost
By Flavia Z. Drago
Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2020. Picture book.

Gustavo is a ghost who longs to make friends, but he's too shy to befriend the monsters in his neighborhood. He tries to join in with the kids as they play games, appearing as a soccer ball, lampshade, or canvas, but everyone just sees right through him. In a last-ditch effort and a burst of heroic courage, Gustavo invites all the monsters to come to the cemetery on the Day of the Dead to hear him perform his violin. Though at first no one is there, Gustavo's confidence grows and attracts all the friendly ghouls who were longing to be his friend all along

Flavia Z. Drago's Mexican-inspired illustrations make this a perfect Day of the Dead read-aloud, and Gustavo's struggle to gain his confidence and make friends makes this story just right for any time of the year. This is a sweet and gentle story about making friends, highlighted by illustrations featuring ghosts and ghouls alongside papel picado, marigolds, and decorated skulls galore. 
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