Thank you Quirk Books for providing an e-copy through NetGalley.
Rating: 5

Welcome back to A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural series! Last time we talked about vampires, and now we will discuss everything about ghosts! This guide will explain what a ghost is, how to spot a ghost, types of ghosts, how to maybe fight or repel one, ghosts from folklore and legends, ghosts in books, movies, and other media, and good communication with ghosts. Everything is explained in clear and simple descriptions, with the main text broken up with fun blubs of “Did You Know?” facts, digressions that go in depth on certain topics, and cute related imagery that’s not too creepy. The author’s voice is perky and energetic, livening up the scary subject with humor, real talk, and natural-sounding dialogue. Facts are drawn from well-done research, whether from folklore studies, film and cinema, literature, or even occult/cryptozoology books, and list everything in fun and easy-to-digest formats. Like last time, the best chapter is the one that lists ghosts from around the world, as readers get to see different types of ghosts and how other cultures view their dead. Overall, Fitzpatrick delivers a wonderfully informative and engaging guide to spooky specters that kids into ghosts and monsters will love, especially during the Halloween season.

Review date: September 26, 2023

I really enjoyed the previous one in this series, Hanging with Vampires, and this was just as much fun. I really love the combination of chatty anecdotes, scientific facts, stories and things to do. It's easy to get into and I enjoyed the style of writing and it's approach to the subject, leaving it open for those who do and don't believe in ghosts. My only minor issue with this is that it is slightly more American than the previous one, in that sections like the library quiz could really only be done there. That said, the vast majority is broad enough for any readers, accessible and entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quirk Books for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book is the second in A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural series (the first book, which I also reviewed earlier this year, is on Vampires). My students can’t get enough books on any spooky topic, and this is going to be another huge hit in my library. The formatting of the book is so beautiful - even kids appreciate good design - and the tone of the writing will absolutely resonate with even reluctant readers.

Just as the first book in this series, this book focuses on the topic of ghosts through a scientific, factual-based lens but with lots of humor and references to pop culture.The book includes perceptions of ghosts through different cultures, which is really important to me when choosing books to add to my school library. This book even touches on topics like confirmation bias, word origin, science, research, media literacy, mythology, and travel. But it does so in a way that is totally accessible and engaging to young readers.

These are the kinds of books that kids are going to read again and again and share with their friends. Plus, the book is published with plenty of time to order for Spooky Season! Grades 2+

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the advance reader copy of Chilling with Ghosts in return for my honest review.

I have to say that I very much enjoyed Chilling With Ghosts. The book is well written, keeps a positive tone throughout and offers plenty of ghost information that kids love, paired with interesting and exciting facts about science, history and literature.

The author manages to keep a humorous but trustworthy tone throughout the book and the pacing makes the book a quick read with a satisfying amount of content.

The only negative I can find with the book is that the text makes frequent homages to media which may or may not be relevant to a child today, let alone in the next few years. I appreciated the references to Danny Phantom, Courage the Cowardly Dog, and the Ghost Busters reboot, but I can see kids just skimming over that section.

Overall this is one of my favorite paranormal nonfiction books for children to date and it will definitely find it's home in my library's children's room.

What a fantastic book! Chilling with Ghosts takes readers on a tour through all things ghostly, from the scientific study of paranormal phenomena to famous ghosts and historical beliefs. There’s also some fab tips on carrying out your own local history research and even some spooky craft and baking activities to test out! My 6yo and I are especially looking forward to making our own Ectoslime.

I loved the style and tone of writing: the informal conversational approach is really engaging, especially for younger readers, and you can feel the enthusiasm of the writer coming through the pages. This is really nicely matched by the design and illustrations. I can’t wait to get a hard copy when it is released! It’s a lovely authentic way to engage children with history and literature - with some especially good sections on how to interrogate a topic and ask thoughtful research questions.

I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book. I had expected it to be either full of really scary ghost stories or scientific analyses of apparitions. It has nothing of the sort. It is instead packed with witty writings about ghosts. It makes ghosts more fun than scary.

I will definitely buy this when it is published.

This book is a must have for ghost fans of all ages! The art is gorgeous (like, I would hang this on my wall gorgeous) the writing is fun, whitty and easy to read. I love all the different lists, pictures, fun facts, recipes, "interviews" etc.

A lovely book for all ages interested in the supernatural. It’s informative, fun and easy to read. It includes the historical and scientific facts along side activities to keep the reader engaged. I also loved how it touched on everyday struggles and gave tips on how to deal with things like anxiety without overwhelming you. Very well written, an enjoyable read.