GHOUL SCHOOL

A group of tweens face off against a people-eating plant in this generously illustrated middle-grade novella.

Joshua Tate is excited about his very first night without parental supervision. His mother gave him a list of chores to complete while she and his father are gone, but he and fellow sixth-graders Derrick and Asiahave planned nothing but fun, including creeping outside to see what happens late at night at a local park. As a result, Josh forgets to feed his mom’s nocturnal plant, which she smuggled in illegally from Africa. It turns out that that a hungry Lunabelle grows at an alarming rate, its lengthening vines moving around like tentacles. The Venus flytrap–like plant, which seems intent on eating the three friends, turns even deadlier once it becomes mobile and runs free through the Tate residence. Josh, Derrick, and Asia band together to take on the viny monstrosity and hopefully clean the house before Josh’s parents get home. De Guise’s energetic story boasts an appealing, diverse cast. The kids are convincingly portrayed and prove capable in incredible circumstances. The story is chock full of humor in both the text and illustrations. For example, likably offhanded Derrick, in response to Josh’s concern over feeding the Lunabelle, urges him to “hit it with some Miracle-Gro and let’s blow this popsicle stand.” Later, a worried Josh, in an illustration, pictures a menu board displaying its special as “SIXTH GRADERS W/A SIDE of BEETLES.” Espila’s superb artwork playfully exaggerates features, primarily characters’ eyes, which are huge. This beautifully designed book blends comic-book storytelling with traditional text, with dialogue occasionally popping up as word balloons mid-narrative. De Guise’s taut, brisk horror tale and Espila’s full-page spectacles ensure that there’s never a lull in the action.

A vibrant adventure that’s as charming as it is exhilarating.