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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Boo! by Erin Melody is an engaging and clever children’s picture book that follows Ivory the Ghost on her journey to overcome a very unusual fear—saying and hearing “boo!” Ivory is supposed to spook the farm, but every time she tries to make her ghostly sound, she ends up scaring herself instead. In search of help, she visits several animal friends, including Wise Owl, Pigeon, and Cow. Each has its own distinct sound, and through playful repetition and vocal exploration—saying sounds high, low, fast, and slow—Ivory gradually builds confidence in her voice. The story is delightfully structured with rhythmic dialogue, interactive phrasing, and humorous expressions that invite children to read along, mimic the sounds, and join in the fun. This sweet and silly tale wraps up with Ivory finally finding her voice and courage, just in time to give readers a friendly little fright of their own.
As an educator, I found Boo! by Erin Melody to be a creative and skillful blend of storytelling, phonemic awareness, and vocal exploration. Melody’s background as a music teacher and literacy specialist shines through in the book’s lyrical flow and rhythmic structure. It is filled with playful sound patterns and repetition that feel almost like singing. The charming illustrations bring a gentle spookiness to life. The story lends itself beautifully to classroom read-alouds, where students can explore its musical elements while building vocal confidence, just like Ivory. The pacing is ideal for young readers, offering a satisfying balance of anticipation and familiarity. Ivory is an endearing and relatable character, and the themes of self-expression and overcoming fear are delivered with warmth and charm. Boo! would make a lovely addition to any home or classroom library.
