The first visual impression of Kyo Maclear’s There’s a Ghost in the Garden is an otherworldly luminance and calm, thanks to Katty Maurey’s lush and subtle illustrations. The dedication page, with its leaves, flowers, and branches, is one on which to linger.
The garden of the unnamed grandfather and grandson is dry former stream bed. It is a place for birds and small mammals.
The little boy suspects a mischievous ghost given tipped flowerpots and trash cans but also small presents to be discovered.
The grandfather thinks there are multiple ghosts, deer ones and fox ones and bird ones.
He quips charmingly, “If I were a ghost, I’d probably just want some plants to eat and a cozy nest for sleeping. I’d want a place to call home.”
The two bond over the past based on Grandpa’s memories and the present based on their togetherness. Their shared world is a peaceful and loving one, in which both listen to the other and share a mutual respect.
The outer world beyond does not intrude, except, perhaps, sounds of cars and a neighbor’s music.
Kyo Maclear’s There is a Ghost in the Garden is well-paced and evocative. Katty Maurey’s illustrations are dreamy and have evoked shapes to point out and enjoy.
This work celebrates shared immersive adventures and moments between the generations in a natural sanctuary and green space. This is a work also of lost forests and changing times.
Shalin Hai-Jew has worked in higher education for many years. She has edited dozens of nonfiction educational books and authored a dozen with a number of publishers.
