Ghost Catcher - Hardcover

Haseley, Dennis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060222476 ISBN 13: 9780060222475

Publisher: Harpercollins, 1991

Synopsis

An allegory of emotional growth and human kinship in which Ghost Catcher solves people's problems and they in turn help him

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-- This unusual picture-book story has the mythic, mysterious quality of a folktale, and is told in an unembellished narrative text that reads like poetry. Ghost Catcher is a man who has no shadow, and never feels "scared and never mad and never sad." He snatches back loved ones from the land of the dead: first a young boy's mistreated dog, then an old woman's harrassed husband. Those retrieved are given a second chance at happiness, and their partners are given an opportunity to correct the wrongs they had inflicted on them. Thinking himself invulnerable, Ghost Catcher is one day drawn to visit the land of ghosts, only to become trapped there. It is through the power of love and community that the combined efforts of the people in his village finally save him. Bloom's full-page, folk-art style paintings are visually and emotionally compelling. The mural-like compositions in dark, rich, earthy colors are brooding and somber yet glowing, as though reflecting the soft light of candles or the setting sun. This tale of power, isolation, and mutual interdependence is intriguing, but its sophisticated theme and execution will probably limit its child appeal. --Corinne Camarata, Port Washington Public Library, NY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

A brooding, intriguing tale about a shadowless man who ``could get close to ghosts without turning into one.'' One neighbor after another seeks his help when a beloved (whether dog or spouse) has died after being mistreated; Ghost Catcher walks over the hills toward the shadows and brings them back. Later, he sets off to the land of shadow on his own account, but finds it a frightening, lonely place. He weeps for his lost village; miraculously, he is home again, surrounded by the loving friends who have recalled him. Haseley's spare, poetic narrative recalls the deliberate cadence and implied significance of an enthralling campfire story. Bloom's arresting paintings center on richly expressive figures with marvelous eyes, glowing against dark, generalized landscapes of purple, brick, and magenta. (The setting and people seem to be Hispanic.) Resonant with potent symbols, a story whose power is magnified by its outstanding illustrations (and marred only by its cluttered title page). (Picture book. 7-12) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harpercollins
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0060222476
• ISBN 13: 9780060222475
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Bloom Lloyd