The Haunted Hamburger and Other Ghostly Stories
by David LaRochelle
illustrated by Paul Meisel
Dutton Children’s Books, 2011
Ages 4 to 8
ISBN 978–0‑525–42272‑3
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When two little ghosts refuse to go to sleep, there’s only one thing left for their father to do: tell them spooky ghost stories. But what proves scary for little ghosts will be hilarious to children. A ghost who is used as a diaper? A hamburger who can win a scary face contest without moving? Read the book to find out the details…if you dare! It’s a frightfully funny read aloud any time of the year.
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Resources
Whether you’re a teacher, librarian, bookseller, or simply a creative ghost looking for a fun way to celebrate silly, spooky stories, here are 13 ways to host your own Hilarious Haunted Book Party!
And here are some free pdf files to help you with your celebration:
Bookmarks to color
A Haunted Hamburger that you can make as frightening as you want
A Mystery Picture puzzle
A silly, interactive, fill-in-the-blank story about a strange creature named Oswald.
Your students will have a rollicking time with this easy-to-read Reader’s Theatre script of The Haunted Hamburger, adapted by educator Heidi Grosch. No costumes or sets necessary
Awards and Recognition
North Carolina Children’s Book Award
Reviews
“The humor is freewheeling and perfectly calibrated…it should evoke both sniggers and belly laughs.… Perfect for Halloween—but too good not to read all year round.” (Martha V. Parravano, The Horn Book, starred review)
“Meisel’s hapless, gap-toothed ghosts and LaRochelle’s knack for pitch-perfect bedtime storytelling make these stories light on horror but heavy on laughs.” (Publishers Weekly)
“As fresh as LaRochelle’s text is, Meisel’s playfully rendered illustrations capture every ridiculous, giggle-inducing moment and amps it right up. Share with the most sleep-resistant and squirmy kids for a surefire read-aloud romp.” (Kirkus Reviews
“Smartly written with plenty of unexpected twists, this book is sure to become a year-round bedtime favorite.” (School Library Journal)