Description
From School Library Journal Gr 3–6—Young Ada Goth lives at Ghastly-Gorm Hall with her father, a famous poet. Lord Goth appears to have it all—everything except a close relationship with Ada, who reminds him of her deceased mother. Ada doesn't fret; she loves exploring the sprawling grounds surrounding her home and is always finding something new. Late one night, she encounters the ghost of a recently deceased mouse named Ishmael. Ishmael and Ada go looking for the mousetrap that ended Ishmael's corporeal life, only to discover some very strange activities afoot in the Goth household. Ada pursues her suspicions of her father's gamekeeper. She soon realizes that lives may be at stake and is determined to stop the gamekeeper's sinister plans. This title is the winner of the 2013 Costa Book Awards category for children's books, appearing in the United States for the first time. Gorgeous, intricately penned illustrations appear on almost every page, bursting with the characters' quirky personalities. The text is light, though packed with punny literary, cultural, and historical allusions. Readers with an appreciation for absurdity will devour the humorously frivolous details that abound, but those craving plot may grow fatigued by them. The narrative is quite simple; the real joys for readers here are a highly likable protagonist and the witty, exaggerated secondary character sketches. The suspense is authentic, and the sequels will surely continue to develop some of the secondary characters. A miniature book (Ishmael's memoirs) is included in a pocket on the back inside cover. VERDICT This title and its sequels will be snapped up by fans of quirky, atmospheric fantasy.—Sara White, Seminole County Public Library, Casselberry, FL "The most covetable book of the year. It is simply the most outstandingly beautiful piece of book design and production. . . . This book is a triumph from an author and illustrator at the height of his powers." — Reading Zone "Fans of Chris Riddell's Ottoline books will love this quirky story. With its purple-edged pages and silver-foiled endpapers, this beautifully-designed book is a real treasure." — Booktrust “This title and its sequels will be snapped up by fans of quirky, atmospheric fantasy.” — School Library Journal "Matching quality writing with pure entertainment, this series starter is a treat." — Booklist "This title and its sequels will be snapped up by fans of quirky, atmospheric fantasy." — School Library Journal "Bursting with charm and intrigue." — Booklist "beautifully designed Gothic tribute." xa0— Publishers Weekly Chris Riddell is the 2015-2017 UK Children's Laureate. His books have won a number of major prizes, including two Kate Greenaway Medals. Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse won the Costa Children's Book Award 2013. He is the coauthor of the bestselling series The Edge Chronicles, and the author of the Ottoline series. Read more
Features & Highlights
- Ada Goth is the only child of Lord Goth. The two live together in Ghastly-Gorm Hall. Lord Goth believes that children should be heard and not seen, so Ada has to wear large clumpy boots so that he can always hear her coming. This makes it hard for her to make friends and she's rather lonely. Then one day William and Emily Cabbage come to stay at the house, and together with a ghostly mouse called Ishmael they and Ada work together to unravel a dastardly plot!
