Terry Fide and the Bakery Ghost by Jeanette Stampone
Ghost Detectives by Jeanette Stampone is a new three-book series of ghostly stories for junior fiction readers. The first book – Terry Fide (love the name!) and the Bakery Ghost, introduces readers to main character Terry, who is an unlikely ghost detective. He longs to be just like his dad and the other ghost hunters in his family. The only problem is, Terry is scared of anything frightening, especially ghosts, except for his unusual dog Bones, who is a very cute character.
When his father is away solving a ghostly problem, Terry is flung into the role of working out what (or who) is messing up the town bakery. Despite his fears, he rises to the occasion and begins to follow the clues, along with his best friend Max, and Avery, a girl from his class, who decides she is going to help him, even if he doesn’t want her help. In fact Avery has some very good ideas and all three children will become key to solving the mystery and supporting each other.
Max does have a particular talent for ghostly investigations – he has inherited his anscestors ‘ghost detective feeling’, getting a very itchy belly whenever a ghost is near. When they first arrive at the bakery, his senses go on high alert and he sees a mist rolling into the room, that turns into an old man wearing an apron.
Who is the ghostly apparition? And why is he intent on ruining the bakery and its contents?
Terry, Max and Avery will work together, overcome their fears and uncover some history that might just explain what is going on in the bakery.
With themes of friendship, courage and self-belief, this is a great read for ages 7+ who want to read chapter books and enjoy mystery stories. There is humour and suspense and the ghosts are not frightening. It is an easy read at 52 pages and the short chapters and black and white illustrations make it perfect for more reluctant readers.
A fun, spooky junior fiction book for emerging readers.
Published by About Kids Books | Illustrated by Jasmine Berry
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