little ray childrens books Category:  Children Publisher: CreateSpace ISBN-10:  146633780X Type: Fiction Pages: 28 Copyright: January 25, 2012 ISBN-13: 9781466337800 In this colorful children’s book, one sweet spook named Goopy Ghost enlists a little help from Cupid’s bow and arrow to find a new friend. Born on Halloween from the orange-tastic soul of a pumpkin, Goopy Ghost is beginning to prove no holiday iscomplete without a little ghoul and a little goop. With Cupid on his side, Goopy Ghost is determined to track down a kindred spirit with a good soul. Excerpt That friends and family Matter the most Is equally true For a little ghost

Clarion ForeWord Review
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK
The Goopy Ghost at Valentine’s Day
V R Duin
CreateSpace
978-1-4663-3780-0
Four Stars (out of Five)
V R Duin’s The Goopy Ghost at Valentine’s Day is the tale of Goopy the Ghost’s search for a
friend. When Cupid sets out to help Goopy find a pal in time for Valentine’s Day, the quest sets
off an unexpected chain of events, with disaster narrowly averted.
The adventure begins when Goopy asks for Cupid’s help. Cupid shoots a cantaloupe with
his arrow to make a friend for Goopy. However, when Cupid’s cantaloupe ghost, Mushy,
appears, he steals the horse Cupid is riding. A wild chase ensues as Cupid and Goopy try to stop
the runaway horse and rescue Mushy from his wild ride.
Duin’s lively text will easily capture the attention of the young target audience. The
rhythmic patterns and catchy wording make this book ideal for read-alouds. The author’s
opening line sets the stage for fun: “Our goopy, gooey orange ghost / Was feeling very glum.”
The use of alliteration makes this a great book for children who are at the beginning stages of
reading.
The colorful illustrations by Bonnie Lemaire will catch and hold children’s attention as
well. Lemaire uses bold oranges, reds, and blues to bring the tale to life. The faces of her
characters, made comical through exaggerated features and over-emphasized expressions, will
make this book a favorite for young children.
A unique aspect of this particular children’s book is its references to the mythological
characters Mars, Mercury, and Cupid. This is an interesting way for young children to be
introduced to a few mythological figures and archetypes.