Ben and Becky in the Haunted House

November 1, 1999
Gr 1-3-Following the series format, this book is meant to be shared by an adult with a beginning reader. The text on the left-hand page contains more difficult vocabulary and highlights words in bold that appear in the easier text on the right. Here, Ben and Becky are visiting their grandparents and learn about a haunted house in the neighborhood. Grandpa arranges an overnight visit to it, but in the middle of the night, he disappears. The siblings must then overcome their fears and find out what happened to him. The story is entertaining and has just the right amount of suspense. Johnson's colorful illustrations of the siblings exploring the haunted house are filled with expression. The youngsters are wide-eyed with curiosity and a touch of fear as they search for Grandpa. The spooky touches are handled with a lightness appropriate for the age level.-Maura Bresnahan, Shawsheen School, Andover, MA

Copyright 1999 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.