Barbara Cantini – Författare

Ghoulia lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and spends most of her time playing with Tragedy, her beloved albino greyhound. But things aren’t as easy as they seem for this little zombie girl—all she wants is a real friend. She tries to venture past the manor’s walls, but she can’t hide her pale green skin or the deep purple circles under her eyes. The other children will be afraid of her, and no one will want to be her friend. But when Halloween rolls around, Ghoulia hatches a brilliant plan. All the other, ordinary children will be dressed up like monsters, so Ghoulia can go out into the town and be entirely herself. In the end, all the kids realize that Ghoulia is (almost) just like them and learn that friendship can come in many forms.

A rollicking mystery with an unexpected hero, this fully-illustrated chapter book continues the adventures of Ghoulia, a lovable, not-so-scary zombie.One dark and stormy night, Ghoulia’s cousin Dilbert comes to visit her at Crumbling Manor. She’s confused—she didn’t invite him, and it turns out that Dilbert’s a real grouch. He complains about everything! When Ghoulia tries to track down Auntie Departed to find out why she invited Dilbert, she finds that Auntie has vanished. Ghoulia can’t find her. And the doorbell won’t stopringing. One after another, Ghoulia’s friends arrive—all with the same mysterious invitation in hand. As the gang searches Crumbling Manor for Auntie Departed, one of their own goes missing. Finally, Dilbert inadvertently solves the mystery in the greenhouse when he finds himselfface-to-face with the sinister Chatterbox Ivy. Clue meets Little Shop of Horrors in this fun romp, which includes full-color illustrations and kid-friendly activities.

Book #3 in this fully illustrated, not-so-spooky chapter book series starring everyone’s favorite little zombie Ghoulia, Auntie Departed, and Tragedy the greyhound are back for another adventure atCrumbling Manor! They’re preparing for the annual Dead but Not Departed New Year’s Eveparty. A young ghost arrives, and he seems to be fading away. Turns out, the ghost has forgotten his own name and is in danger of vanishing entirely—all because there’s no one left alive who remembers him. Not on Ghoulia’s watch! If she can help the ghost figure out his name, she’ll be able to keep him safe. But will Ghoulia be able to discover the truth before it’s too late? With all the hijinks and Tim Burton–style art that made Books #1 and #2 fan favorites, Book #3 is sure to deliver!

In Book 4 of this Tim Burton–inspired chapter book series, Ghoulia and her family hit the road for summer vacation!Ghoulia, Auntie Departed, and Uncle Misfortune are ready for a vacation. They pack up their things and head to Fancy Manor to visit Cousin Dilbert and Auntie Witch. Fancy Manor is nice and rundown, and it’s on Lake Mystery—with lots of opportunity for swimming and other summer fun.But there’s a hitch in the plan. Because Fancy Manor seems abandoned, the town plans to reclaim the property in just a few days unless a living heir comes forward. Will Ghoulia be able to brew a Return to Life potion strong enough to convince the staff at town hall that this zombie family is actually alive?

Everyone’s favorite little zombie girl is back in the fifth book of this ghoulishly good Tim Burton–inspired early chapter book, a great fit for fans of Netflix’s Wednesday and all readers who enjoy a mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of the macabre! Halloween is approaching which means it’s time for the annual parade! Between carving pumpkins and enjoying fresh pumpkin juice, Ghoulia and her friends realize they need to find the perfect costume.While rummaging through the attic for hats, masks, and capes, they stumble upon an old memory box. Inside are trinkets, old photographs, and a faded postcard—from Ghoulia’s parents! They embarked on a voyage long ago but never returned from their trip. Where could they have possibly ended up?It’s time to put on some sleuthing gear; finding out will require detective skills and a lot of imagination! With the help of her faithful dog Tragedy, cousin Dilbert, and all her friends, Ghoulia sets on a journey to crack open the titanic mystery of her parents’ whereabouts . . . before the trail gets too cold!Ghoulia and friends return in the fifth book of this fun, full-color chapter book series, starring everyone’s favorite, not-so-scary zombie.

Ghoulia and the Heart Key is the sixth book in this popular full-color chapter book series, a great fit for fans of Netflix’s Wednesday and all readers who enjoy a mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of the macabre!Ghoulia is a typical little girl . . .who happens to be a zombie. She lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and albino greyhound named TragedyCrumbling Manor is all a-tizzy with glee as everyone prepares a party to die for to celebrate the return of Ghoulia’s parents. Snooping through her grandmother’s closet for a pretty outfit to wear, Ghoulia finds an old, beautifully crafted bracelet . . . which happens to unlock a hidden stairwell in the library!Led to a locked door that can only be opened by solving a riddle and finding the door’s mysterious “heart key,” Ghoulia, her grumpy cousin Dilbert, and the wise greyhound, Tragedy, start their search for the missing key.As clues start piling up, Ghoulia and Dilbert learn of their missing Auntie Acid. Suffering through a tragic heartbreak, their aunt left the manor many years ago and never returned. Detective senses tingling, Ghoulia suspects that their long-lost aunt may hold the “heart key” that unlocks the secret sealed door.Gathering up their courage and wits, Ghoulia, Dilbert, and Tragedy leave the manor and embark on an adventure to find and bring Auntie Acid home! But will they be able to track her and the key down? Or will their sleuthing reveal too many secrets the zombie family wanted to keep locked away . . . forever?Ghoulia and friends return in the sixth book of this ghoulishy good, full-color, Tim Burton–inspired chapter-book series, starring everyone’s favorite, not-so-scary zombie.Perfect for ages 6-8, reluctant readers, and fans of Wednesday and The Addams Family, this Halloween-themed series combines a love for the spooky with lessons about acceptance and courage. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Ghoulia's world, this is a must-have for any young reader's library. Ghoulia series:Ghoulia: Making New Friends Can Be Scary (#1)Ghoulia and the Mysterious Visitor (#2)Ghoulia and the Ghost with No Name (#3)Ghoulia and the Doomed Manor (#4)Ghoulia and the Sunken Secret (#5)Ghoulia and the Heart Key (#6)

Ghoulia and the Mysterious Visitor is the second book in this popular full-color chapter book series, a great fit for fans of Netflix’s Wednesday and all readers who enjoy a mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of the macabre!Ghoulia is a typical little girl . . . who happens to be a zombie. She lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and albino greyhound named Tragedy.One dark and stormy night, Ghoulia’s cousin Dilbert comes to visit her at Crumbling Manor. She’s confused—she didn’t invite him, and it turns out that Dilbert’s a real grouch. He complains about everything!When Ghoulia tries to track down Auntie Departed to find out why she invited Dilbert, she finds that Auntie has vanished. Ghoulia can’t find her. And the doorbell won’t stop ringing.One after another, Ghoulia’s friends arrive—all with the same mysterious invitation in hand. As the gang searches Crumbling Manor for Auntie Departed, one of their own goes missing. Finally, Dilbert inadvertently solves the mystery in the greenhouse when he finds himself face-to-face with the sinister Chatterbox Ivy.Perfect for ages 6–8, reluctant readers, and fans of Wednesday and The Addams Family, this Halloween-themed series combines a love for the spooky with lessons about acceptance and courage. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Ghoulia’s world, this book is a must-have for any young reader’s library.Includes bonus activities.Ghoulia series:Ghoulia: Making New Friends Can Be Scary (#1)Ghoulia and the Mysterious Visitor (#2)Ghoulia and the Ghost with No Name (#3)Ghoulia and the Doomed Manor (#4)Ghoulia and the Sunken Secret (#5)Ghoulia and the Heart Key (#6)

Ghoulia: Making New Friends Can Be Scary is the first book in this popular full-color chapter book series, a great fit for fans of Netflix’s Wednesday and all readers who enjoy a mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of the macabre!Ghoulia is a typical little girl . . .who happens to be a zombie. She lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and albino greyhound named Tragedy.In search of a real friend, Ghoulia tries to venture past the manor’s walls, but she can’t hide her pale green skin or the deep purple circles under her eyes. The other children will be afraid of her, and no one will want to be her friend.But when Halloween rolls around, Ghoulia hatches a brilliant plan. All the other ordinary children will be dressed up like monsters, so Ghoulia can go out into the town and be entirely herself. In the end, all the kids realize that Ghoulia is (almost) just like them and learn that friendship can come in many forms.“Cantini depicts her undead urchin Tim Burton-style, with stitched lips, gray skin, and purple shadows beneath huge eyeballs. The manorial setting has an Addams Family vibe and provides just the right spooky setting for this series opener.” (Kirkus)Perfect for ages 6-8, reluctant readers, and fans of Wednesday and The Addams Family, this Halloween-themed series combines a love for the spooky with lessons about acceptance and courage. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Ghoulia's world, this collection is a must-have for any young reader's library. Includes bonus activities Ghoulia series:Ghoulia: Making New Friends Can Be Scary (#1)Ghoulia and the Mysterious Visitor (#2)Ghoulia and the Ghost with No Name (#3)Ghoulia and the Doomed Manor (#4)Ghoulia and the Sunken Secret (#5)Ghoulia and the Heart Key (#6)

Ghoulia and the Ghost with No Name is the third book in this popular full-color chapter book series, a great fit for fans of Netflix’s Wednesday and all readers who enjoy a mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of the macabre!Ghoulia is a typical little girl . . .who happens to be a zombie. She lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and albino greyhound named Tragedy.Ghoulia, Auntie Departed, and Tragedy the greyhound are preparing for the annual Dead but Not Departed New Year’s Eve party. A young ghost arrives, and he seems to be fading away.Turns out the ghost has forgotten his own name and is in danger of vanishing entirely—all because there’s no one left alive who remembers him.Not on Ghoulia’s watch! If she can help the ghost figure out his name, she’ll be able to keep him safe. But will Ghoulia be able to discover the truth before it’s too late?Perfect for ages 6-8, reluctant readers, and fans of Wednesday and The Addams Family, this Halloween-themed series combines a love for the spooky with lessons about acceptance and courage. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Ghoulia's world, this is a must-have for any young reader's library.Includes bonus activities Ghoulia series:Ghoulia: Making New Friends Can Be Scary (#1)Ghoulia and the Mysterious Visitor (#2)Ghoulia and the Ghost with No Name (#3)Ghoulia and the Doomed Manor (#4)Ghoulia and the Sunken Secret (#5)Ghoulia and the Heart Key (#6)

Ghoulia and the Doomed Manor is the fourth book in this popular full-color chapter book series, a great fit for fans of Netflix’s Wednesday and all readers who enjoy a mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of the macabre!Ghoulia is a typical little girl . . .who happens to be a zombie. She lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and albino greyhound named TragedyGhoulia, Auntie Departed, and Uncle Misfortune are ready for a vacation. They pack up their things and head to Fancy Manor to visit Cousin Dilbert and Auntie Witch. Fancy Manor is nice and rundown, and it’s on Lake Mystery—with lots of opportunity for swimming and other summer fun.But there’s a hitch in the plan. Because Fancy Manor seems abandoned, the town plans to reclaim the property in just a few days unless a living heir comes forward. Will Ghoulia be able to brew a Return to Life potion strong enough to convince the staff at town hall that this zombie family is actually alive?Perfect for ages 6-8, reluctant readers, and fans of Wednesday and The Addams Family, this Halloween-themed series combines a love for the spooky with lessons about acceptance and courage. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Ghoulia's world, this is a must-have for any young reader's library. Includes bonus activities Ghoulia series:Ghoulia: Making New Friends Can Be Scary (#1)Ghoulia and the Mysterious Visitor (#2)Ghoulia and the Ghost with No Name (#3)Ghoulia and the Doomed Manor (#4)Ghoulia and the Sunken Secret (#5)Ghoulia and the Heart Key (#6)