I Will Haunt This
Viviane Schwarz and Chris Riddell
Walker Books

In an attic is an ancient vase, a haunted vase. Along comes a cat and sends the vase tumbling, so we’re left with seventy two pieces and a little ghost – now free.

Off goes the ghost to do some haunting somewhere other than the attic. The house belongs to pleasant people with lots of new things so the ghost continues on its way searching in cupboards. In one it discovers a very large, warm cosy sweater – just the thing to haunt decides the ghost, especially as it’s a jumper full of hope and love. Snugly within the garment, the ghost dances till the evening when a girl arrives and is astonished to see a dancing jumper. Said jumper introduces itself and the girl asks why it’s wearing the jumper knitted by her grandpa. Amused she invites the ghost to become her friend and inquires where it lives.

Its response results in it being given a new place to haunt, a place full of warm memories. The ghost very much approves of its new situation and goes on to help the girl with her drawing, something she’s been struggling with. She continues with her drawing long into the night and in the morning shows the ghost what she’s drawn and says who it’s for.

How do you think the ghost reacts?

This truly tender tale shows how unlikely items can hold great importance; and that it’s vital we appreciate the time spent with friends, new and not so new, as well as valuing made objects created specially for us with love.

As always, Chris Riddell’s illustrations are stunning; the picture drawn by the girl for the ghost is one readers and listeners will want to spend ages poring over its fine details. A fantastic combination of words and pictures.