About This Book
Reach for this book when your child expresses a deep sense of justice for those who are overlooked or when they feel like an outsider who does not fit the typical mold. Eva Ibbotson crafts a whimsical, slightly macabre world where ghosts are not monsters to be feared, but displaced refugees seeking a place to belong. It is a perfect choice for a young reader who finds beauty in the unusual and enjoys stories about standing up to indifferent authority figures. The story follows a young boy named Rick who befriends a family of eccentric ghosts whose homes are being destroyed by modern development. As they journey toward London to seek help from the Prime Minister, the book explores themes of empathy, environmental stewardship, and the courage required to protect the vulnerable. While it features spirits and some gothic imagery, the tone remains humorous and heart-centered, making it an excellent bridge for children who want something a bit spooky but ultimately comforting.
