Kate Klise | Musings of the Monster Librarian

Book Review: The Loch Ness Punster (43 Old Cemetery Road) by Kate Klise, illustrated by M.Sarah Klise

The Loch Ness Punster (43 Old Cemetery Road) by Kate Klise, illustrated by M.Sarah Klise

HMH Books for Young Readers (April 7, 2015)

ISBN-13: 978-0544313378

Availability: Hard cover, Paperback

This is the seventh book in the series 43 Old Cemetery Road. The series is about an abandoned kid named Seymour Hope, a ghost named Olive C. Spence, and a grumpy author, Ignatius B. Grumply, who live together in a haunted house. What makes this series special is that there are exciting new characters introduced in every sequel. The format is fun; it is based on letters, postcards, newspapers, and drawings rather than straight narrative. The author uses comical language and wordplay coupled with true adventure. The plots are exciting and keep the reader guessing. No two books in the series are alike.

In The Loch Ness Punster, we find out why Iggy is so grumpy all the time. A childhood memory continues to haunt and anger him. He is sent to a Scottish castle he inherits from his uncle Ian, who makes lots of bad jokes, so is called a “punster.” Seymour, the main character, inherits the castle from Iggy’s uncle, but he must protect it from a villain who wants to change it into an amusement park so he can become a knight by winning the Queen’s competition to bring tourists to the region.

With ghosts, bizarre pets, and mysterious appearances and disappearances, the reader is caught in a complicated but wildly fun adventure. A storm is brewing, literally and figuratively, and has the cast of misfits running around until the reader has no clue what will happen next. Throw in a sweet romance, and you have a winning series populated by characters who are written with depth and humor, and a way of attaching themselves to your heart. Mysterious and unique, you will have trouble putting this book down. I loved this series and recommend that you read the books in order. Highly recommended for children of all ages.

Contains: N/A

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by the Goblin Girl

Book Review: 43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise, illustrated by Sarah Klise

43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise, illustrated by M. Sarah Klise

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009

ISBN-13: 9780547398488

Available: Hardcover, Paperback

The first book in the 43 Old Cemetery Road series, Dying to Meet You focuses on three main characters: Eleven-year-old Seymour Hope, living on his own at the Spence mansion; Ignatius B. Grumply (I. B. Grumply), a famous author of ghost stories for children; and Olive C. Spence, a ghost living in the Spence mansion. The premise of the story is that I.B. Grumply has rented the Spence mansion from Les and Diane Hope for the summer, hoping that a change of location will help him overcome a case of writer’s block. Unbeknownst to him, they have abandoned their eleven year old son Seymour and his cat, leaving them in the care of Mr. Grumply. Also unbeknownst to Mr. Grumply, the home’s former owner, Olive, still inhabits the old house as its resident ghost.

The story is cleverly told entirely as a series of correspondence between the three main characters and a handful of acquaintances. Through typed letters, handwritten notes, and local newspapers, we get to know each of these characters and watch as their relationships evolve. The story is not overly complex and is easy for young readers to follow, but is also very witty and includes quite a bit of humor. The illustrations, presented to the reader as drawings by 11-year-old Seymour, are well-suited to the book’s structure. Every character has a cleverly scripted name that is perfectly matched to the character’s personality and the general storyline. For instance, I. B. Grumply begins the story as a very grumpy loner represented by a literary agent named Paige Turner. The local real estate agent is appropriately named Anita Sale. Other minor characters include local librarian M. Balm, pet store owner Barry A. Lyve, and grocer Kay Daver. Humorous quips are also worked into each article (and ad) that is included in the newspaper pages scattered throughout the book. Readers who take the time to read each snippet in the papers are rewarded with a few extra chuckles.

The structure of the book makes it a quick read as the notes and letters between characters are generally not lengthy. Throughout the book, we are able to see the relationships of the characters grow and watch them form a unique family as they learn how to care for one another.

The book targets young readers 9-12 years of age. Readers who enjoy a tame ghost story would find this book a very entertaining read. The seventh and final installment in the series will be released April 2015.

Reviewed by Heather Hurley