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Boo Who?
A shy little ghost who s new to the group has trouble fitting in until his special talent comes to the fore.
Boo is new. And even if the other kids are welcoming, it can be scary being new, especially for a shy ghost who can t play any of their games. ("You tagged me? Oh, sorry. I couldn t feel it.") Can Boo find a way to fit in and make friends with the rest of the group? From the creator of Rex Wrecks It! comes a funny story about feeling invisible and finding a way to be seen and appreciated for who you are."
Boo is new. And even if the other kids are welcoming, it can be scary being new, especially for a shy ghost who can t play any of their games. ("You tagged me? Oh, sorry. I couldn t feel it.") Can Boo find a way to fit in and make friends with the rest of the group? From the creator of Rex Wrecks It! comes a funny story about feeling invisible and finding a way to be seen and appreciated for who you are."
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2017
3 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Ben Clanton
53 books458 followersBen Clanton is the author/illustrator of the Narwhal and Jelly series as well as a number of other books as IT CAME IN THE MAIL, MO'S MUSTACHE, and TATER TALES. When Ben isn't doodling up stories (and often when he is) he likes to cook, explore outdoors, and play basketball. Ben lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and kids. Find out more about Ben at www.benclanton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
August 28, 2018
If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound? If a ghost plays with his friends but none of them know he is there, does he have any friends? What happens when he plays a game of hide and seek. Hiding, Boo's got that covered. But will any of his friends seek his whereabouts?
The marvelous Ben Clanton's simple yet effective artwork accompany a twist on the problem of feeling left out.
The marvelous Ben Clanton's simple yet effective artwork accompany a twist on the problem of feeling left out.
July 25, 2017
“Boo is new. Being new can be scary, even when everyone is friendly.” So begins a simple story of a shy, young ghost in a new place. The other “kids” are friendly, but without a body Boo can’t play some of their games and he starts to feel like he wants to just disappear.
Pleasantly spare illustrations with cute, endearing characters (a dinosaur, a robot, a furry monster, a unicorn bunny, and the titular ghost) will make it easy for young kids to like this story of overcoming shyness and embracing the physical differences that make each person unique. This book could be useful as a start to talking about friendship, being sensitive and inclusive of people with differing abilities, and recognizing your own talents and strengths as well as talents of others.
Reviewed for Granite Media: http://www.granitemedia.org/2017/07/b...
Pleasantly spare illustrations with cute, endearing characters (a dinosaur, a robot, a furry monster, a unicorn bunny, and the titular ghost) will make it easy for young kids to like this story of overcoming shyness and embracing the physical differences that make each person unique. This book could be useful as a start to talking about friendship, being sensitive and inclusive of people with differing abilities, and recognizing your own talents and strengths as well as talents of others.
Reviewed for Granite Media: http://www.granitemedia.org/2017/07/b...
March 19, 2018
Check out more Picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
“Boo is new. Being new can be scary, even when everyone is friendly.” A shy ghost has trouble fitting in since he doesn't have a body and can't play most of the games with the other kids. Some of the other kids though keep trying with different games until they find one that can include Boo!
My nephew's nickname is BOO! So yeah when I saw this book I know we had to read it. He really relates to books about friendship and being alone or on the outside since he's autistic. When Boo started disappearing he really got that and felt for the kid. And he was equally as delighted as Boo when the other kids were calling out to him because they couldn't see him! Of course he chose the finale to draw!!
I LOVE the drawings here. They are simple without any background. Because the art consists of five kids of differing size, color, and every manner of detail you can imagine a person having the focus stays right where it ought to be... on the CHARACTERS! Even the sex of the children seem ambiguous and not a focus... like sex doesn't matter either... I feel like any reader would be able to relate to at least one of the children and put themselves in the place of that character. I really appreciated how some of the text of the story was dialogue the kids were saying to each other. It makes a book a lot more interactive than reading words from a nameless narrator.
I certainly appreciated the text of the book too though. From the opening words through Boo feeling like he had disappeared all the way until the end when the kids acted out a way he can play with them, it all drew you in. I really liked that the words were simple with only a hard word here and there. It makes this a lot more versatile for differing ages of reader. An older brother could certainly read it to a younger sister or better, listen as she reads it to him! And they'd both enjoy the story and get something from the message.
And boy is the message so rich and depthful! It certainly centers on the idea of friendship and what friendship means (to include everyone even if that means changing what you do together) but it also allows the reader to relate to how children left out would feel. Building that emotional intelligence in a child can't be developed too early and this book is a winner at that! It's also great at talking about talents... your talents and others talents and how to work them from within a group.
If you have a shy child or one who has trouble relating to others this is a great book for a home library. It will grow with a child, gives many opportunities for conversation as well as having art that endures.
BOTTOM LINE: Perfect for a child to learn about friendship!
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You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
August 6, 2017
Such a great book! Cute! Loved it!!
December 10, 2020
A sweet story of feeling different and finding your strengths. It is hard to be new, and Boo the Ghost is lucky that all the others around him are friendly, but he still feels like an outsider because he can't play the same games as them. But he finds on that he is best at. Adorable art, too.
July 10, 2018
When I saw this was by the author of Narwhal and Jelly I just had to read it! The art was cute and the story was sweet. It was all about fitting in just the way you are.
October 26, 2018
A book about including everyone. Sweet.
October 28, 2018
Not Halloween-y, which is what I was looking for when I checked it out, but Iris approved!
December 19, 2018
3.5 stars
November 7, 2017
Being the new kid can be difficult. Making new friends and finding a way to belong is often difficult. It is for Boo the ghost. Even when he makes friends, he doesn't feel like he quite belongs. He can't play the games the others play. But maybe there is one game that Boo can play with his new friends. Most children feel out of place and like they don't belong at one time or another. In this sweet story of friendship, a little ghost is different than his new friends. But together they find a way to be friends anyway. A cute, sweet story that would work well as an introduction to differences and how to work around them for the youngest audience.
July 31, 2024
Boo finds out he's good at hide-and-seek.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2024
Boo is a shy ghost who must adjust to being the newcomer in this simple but engaging picture book from author/illustrator Ben Clanton. Happening upon an established friend group—Rex, Gizmo, Wild, and Sprinkles—Boo joins them, but although they try to incorporate him into their play, he finds he simply cannot play their games. He isn't able to pick up twigs, and the ball goes right through him during bounce-ball. But when the play turns to hide-and-seek, Book discovers that here is a game where he has an advantage...
With a simple text—a sentence of narrative as well as some brief dialogue per two-page spread—and fun, cartoon-style illustrations, Boo Who? is a worthy addition to the body of picture books depicting friendly and/or shy ghosts. Think figures like Casper, the Friendly Ghost, and titles like Robert Bright's Georgie , Jane Thayer's Gus Was a Friendly Ghost , Flavia Z. Drago's Gustavo, the Shy Ghost , or Guido Van Genechten's Gilbert the Ghost . I didn't realize, when requesting it from the library, that it was a follow-up to Clanton's Rex Wrecks It! , which I may now have to track down. In any case, this is one I would recommend to picture book audiences looking for sweet rather than spooky ghostly fare. It would be perfect for younger children, perhaps from three to five years old.
With a simple text—a sentence of narrative as well as some brief dialogue per two-page spread—and fun, cartoon-style illustrations, Boo Who? is a worthy addition to the body of picture books depicting friendly and/or shy ghosts. Think figures like Casper, the Friendly Ghost, and titles like Robert Bright's Georgie , Jane Thayer's Gus Was a Friendly Ghost , Flavia Z. Drago's Gustavo, the Shy Ghost , or Guido Van Genechten's Gilbert the Ghost . I didn't realize, when requesting it from the library, that it was a follow-up to Clanton's Rex Wrecks It! , which I may now have to track down. In any case, this is one I would recommend to picture book audiences looking for sweet rather than spooky ghostly fare. It would be perfect for younger children, perhaps from three to five years old.
October 7, 2017
Summary
New to town, a little ghost named Boo is searching for a group of kids who he can be friends with. Luckily, Boo finds some kids who are all welcoming and excited to have a new friend, but he is having a hard time fitting in. Boo is not good at the same things his new friends are, and this makes him sad. However, they are determined to find a way to help him fit in! This adorably illustrated book will help children see that different talents make us unique, and there is always a way to include new friends.
Evaluation
This story was well written, with minimal words and detailed illustrations that support the storyline. I love how this book teaches readers about including peers and seeking out things that they are good at. I often hear students speak of and focus on their weaknesses in one area, while failing to consider their areas of strength. This book teaches students that different is okay, and it's okay to be friends with people who have different strengths than your own.
Teacher recommendation
I would use this story as a tool to teach students about helping their friends feel included. The characters seek out a way to include their new friend, and find something that everyone is good at. It showcases that everyone has unique talents, and just because they may not be good at one thing, does not mean they are bad at everything. Teachers could use this story to introduce writing personal narratives, and students could make connections to the story and write about them.
New to town, a little ghost named Boo is searching for a group of kids who he can be friends with. Luckily, Boo finds some kids who are all welcoming and excited to have a new friend, but he is having a hard time fitting in. Boo is not good at the same things his new friends are, and this makes him sad. However, they are determined to find a way to help him fit in! This adorably illustrated book will help children see that different talents make us unique, and there is always a way to include new friends.
Evaluation
This story was well written, with minimal words and detailed illustrations that support the storyline. I love how this book teaches readers about including peers and seeking out things that they are good at. I often hear students speak of and focus on their weaknesses in one area, while failing to consider their areas of strength. This book teaches students that different is okay, and it's okay to be friends with people who have different strengths than your own.
Teacher recommendation
I would use this story as a tool to teach students about helping their friends feel included. The characters seek out a way to include their new friend, and find something that everyone is good at. It showcases that everyone has unique talents, and just because they may not be good at one thing, does not mean they are bad at everything. Teachers could use this story to introduce writing personal narratives, and students could make connections to the story and write about them.
December 14, 2017
Clanton, Ben. Boo Who?, PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2017. $15.99.
Boo is new. He is making new friends, but it’s kind of scary and hard, even when everyone is really nice. He starts to play games with his new friends and finds that because he’s a ghost, balls go straight through him, no one can feels it when he tags them, and picking up sticks doesn’t work either. He’s beginning to feel like he will never fit in when his friends start a game of hide and seek and can’t find him anywhere. He rules at the game and finds out he does belong.
I love the pictures in this book. All of Boo’s friends are different and unique. I also like that the friends are all welcoming and kind (not always the case in picture books). A sweet addition for early childhood collections.
PRE-K, EL (K-3)- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Shay, School Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Boo is new. He is making new friends, but it’s kind of scary and hard, even when everyone is really nice. He starts to play games with his new friends and finds that because he’s a ghost, balls go straight through him, no one can feels it when he tags them, and picking up sticks doesn’t work either. He’s beginning to feel like he will never fit in when his friends start a game of hide and seek and can’t find him anywhere. He rules at the game and finds out he does belong.
I love the pictures in this book. All of Boo’s friends are different and unique. I also like that the friends are all welcoming and kind (not always the case in picture books). A sweet addition for early childhood collections.
PRE-K, EL (K-3)- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Shay, School Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
September 1, 2022
My kids liked it more than I did. I didn't have anything against it, just didn't hit the "favorite" chord with me. Some good things though: the story is about a ghost who is new. The other characters are a robot, monster, T-Rex, and bunny unicorn. The ghost tries to fit in but can't bounce a ball or play a lot of the games they play. First quote I liked, "Being new can be scary, even when everyone is friendly." Then after trying to play unsuccessfully, "Would anyone even care if Boo just disappeared?" And then they find a game he can play (hide and seek). And the final message: "This is Boo. He's new, but he fits right in."
November 28, 2022
Dans ce mignon album jeunesse, nous retrouvons des amis ( un dinosaure, un lapin-licorne (ah?), un monstre jaune, un robot et... un fantôme!
L'ennui est que Bouh, le fantôme en question, est transparent et ne peut donc pas participer aux jeux des autres. Voyant qu'il ne pouvait participer, Bouh se sent "disparaître" aux yeux des autres. Mais lorsque les amis décident de jouer à la cachette, Bouh peut non seulement jouer avec eux, il est également le plus doué.
Une petite histoire sur l'importance de l'inclusion et de l'adaptation.
Catégorisation: Album fiction, littérature jeunesse préscolaire, 4-5 ans
Note: 7/10
L'ennui est que Bouh, le fantôme en question, est transparent et ne peut donc pas participer aux jeux des autres. Voyant qu'il ne pouvait participer, Bouh se sent "disparaître" aux yeux des autres. Mais lorsque les amis décident de jouer à la cachette, Bouh peut non seulement jouer avec eux, il est également le plus doué.
Une petite histoire sur l'importance de l'inclusion et de l'adaptation.
Catégorisation: Album fiction, littérature jeunesse préscolaire, 4-5 ans
Note: 7/10
September 14, 2017
It's difficult to be new and try to find ways to fit in and make new friends. This cute picture book addresses that issue with a story about a little ghost named Boo. He's new, and while everyone is being very nice, he is having a tough time finding a game he can play with them. This would be a great book to share with young children, especially around Halloween. This could be a terrific way to start a conversation about ways to welcome new friends and make sure that everyone feels included in the fun.
May 18, 2018
Boo is the new kid in school, and to make matters worse, he is shy and timid about making friends. He has a hard time fitting in especially since, as a ghost, he is unable to join in the other kids' games. That is until he discovers he has a natural talent for hide-and-seek.
Any child who has ever felt out of place will relate to Boo's plight. This is a good story to share with a child who is joining a new group, team, or organization, starting a new activity, or attending a new school or childcare.
Any child who has ever felt out of place will relate to Boo's plight. This is a good story to share with a child who is joining a new group, team, or organization, starting a new activity, or attending a new school or childcare.
December 5, 2018
What a cute little story with a good message! Being new to a town or school can be scary, but there are always people around to help! When young ghost Boo arrives to a new playground, the other characters are quick to invite him to play a game. But because Boo is a ghost, it's hard to find a game that they can all play. Boo is ready to give up and disappear, but the game of hide-and-seek is suggested. This is perfect for Boo! The text and visuals are simple, making this a good story for early readers. I definitely enjoyed this cute story!
March 20, 2019
I did like this book. I liked the concept of what it feels like to be new at school, and being afraid to make new friends. Boo is a new student at school that just wanted to make friends. He eventually finds a group of students that end up interacting with him. When they try to play games Boo doesn't do well with physical activities. Eventually Boo hides because he doesn't feel like he will fit in. Eventually the group plays a game of hide and seek which boo reaches his full potential, and wins the game!
October 30, 2021
Boo Who? is a perfect Halloween book to introduce the vulnerability of being new. Boo who? was selected by children in 2018 in the "Children's Choices Reading List". Students can relate to this book and how Boo was scared being the new kid in town. The shy ghost who is new to the group has trouble fitting in, until his special talent comes to the table. Boo struggles with being new and it can be scary. The illustrations are adorable and the animals are comforting. Boo is a great role model for students.
March 19, 2022
Boo Who?
This book tells us the story of Boo, the new kid at school who has trouble fitting in. Boo was a ghost, so it made doing activities with his class mates harder. This causes Boo to become extremely discouraged and think no one would care if he just disappeared. Since Boo was a ghost, his new classmates had to become creative to choose a new game in which they could include Boo too. This book has simple illustrations but does a good job to help the reader follow along with the story in a visual way as well as reading.
This book tells us the story of Boo, the new kid at school who has trouble fitting in. Boo was a ghost, so it made doing activities with his class mates harder. This causes Boo to become extremely discouraged and think no one would care if he just disappeared. Since Boo was a ghost, his new classmates had to become creative to choose a new game in which they could include Boo too. This book has simple illustrations but does a good job to help the reader follow along with the story in a visual way as well as reading.
November 24, 2018
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This is such an adorable book. I loved it.
Boo is a new and a little nervous about fitting in. Everyone is nice and accepting, but Boo soon learns he is not very good at the games they like to play.
Amazing book about fitting in and making new friends.
I loved the illustrations. They are simple but so cute. Very well-written.
This is such an adorable book. I loved it.
Boo is a new and a little nervous about fitting in. Everyone is nice and accepting, but Boo soon learns he is not very good at the games they like to play.
Amazing book about fitting in and making new friends.
I loved the illustrations. They are simple but so cute. Very well-written.
March 15, 2020
This by far has been one of my favorite books that I have read for my literature for young children course. I love the illustrations of Boo and his friends. Even without a distinct background, the characters are just enough to show the story. This book is a lot more interactive for children. I also feel like a lot of children can relate to feeling left out and that we all have our own special qualities to show others.
January 26, 2022
This book by Ben Clanton is about a ghost named Boo who has a hard time fitting in with his new friends because he can't play their games. He finally discovers he is good at playing hide and seek and learns he does fit in.
This was a cute book. I liked how Boo discovers that what made him different was actually a good thing. I would read this to a new student who is having a hard time fitting in.
This was a cute book. I liked how Boo discovers that what made him different was actually a good thing. I would read this to a new student who is having a hard time fitting in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
Have you guys seen the new PLUSH characters from Ben's Narwhal books coming this Fall?! You have to check them out, they are awesome!
Back to this book...it's a gem, as you would expect. A masterful and artful exploration of self-doubt, fitting-in and having friends help find your strengths when you can't see them yourself (physically, literally, figuratively--all of it). Recommended.
Back to this book...it's a gem, as you would expect. A masterful and artful exploration of self-doubt, fitting-in and having friends help find your strengths when you can't see them yourself (physically, literally, figuratively--all of it). Recommended.
July 19, 2017
Great for showing little ones how to welcome a newcomer to the neighborhood or classroom.
Could also be used in a classroom in preparation for a writing prompt in which the writer has to list pros and cons of any given object or character.
Full color illustrations, done in ink, pencil watercolor and 'digital magic', are very simple, but lots of expressions through the eyes.
Could also be used in a classroom in preparation for a writing prompt in which the writer has to list pros and cons of any given object or character.
Full color illustrations, done in ink, pencil watercolor and 'digital magic', are very simple, but lots of expressions through the eyes.
August 23, 2017
I loved this book. The pictures and the story both were so much fun. The reader could almost liken this to a new child coming into a new neighborhood or school and trying to find a way to fit in. There could also be a lot of fun activities that a reader could do for a story time and a craft. This book has serious possibilities for teaching moments with children.
September 16, 2017
I love the cute characters, monsters and creatures, mashed up, for example bunny with a unicorn horn. The main character is a ghost who can't play like the other friends because of course he has different limitations, like being see-through and having no substance. But he finds the game he excels at and is included in the group.
November 19, 2017
Synopsis: Boo is new, and he has a hard time fitting in with new friends.
A cute story about Boo wanting to make friends. He has a hard time fitting in because he can't play some of the games the others like to play. He struggles to fit in, but the others continue to include him in their games... and they eventually find a game he can play too.
A cute story about Boo wanting to make friends. He has a hard time fitting in because he can't play some of the games the others like to play. He struggles to fit in, but the others continue to include him in their games... and they eventually find a game he can play too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews