Leonard Builds a Haunted House

K-Gr 3–A delightful tale that celebrates individuality and staying true to oneself, even when others don’t quite understand. Leonard and his ghostly family are a typical spooky bunch, living in a haunted house until the town decides to demolish it to make room for a fun plex. Rather than mourning, Leonard gets to work: he finds a new plot, researches construction, and begins to build a new home. But there’s a problem—his new house isn’t spooky at all. It’s beautiful. Modern. Maybe even charming! His family is baffled (and a little horrified) by the lack of cobwebs and creaky floorboards. Can Leonard win them over and show that being scary doesn’t have to mean being traditional? Humorous illustrations are full of delightful details, such as the “Boo-haul” and other clever visual jokes. The artwork adds a rich, layered humor that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This is another winner from Ciccotello that blends heart and humor in both text and illustration.