BOO! HISS! by author- illustrator Cyndi Marko is a graphic novel chapter book full of eighty pages of fun for readers 6-9 years of age. A storyteller sets most situations up for the reader and then a cute little ghost by the name of Phyllis and her friend, a silly snake named Sheldon, carry the story forth in graphic novel style inside speech bubbles.
The two friends have lived together comfortably for many years in an empty house that is now up for sale! The two friends are frantic when a truck called MOVE IT pulls up and a family of humans---a mother, father, a boy, a baby, and a dog begin to move in! “Who are they? What are they doing? This is OUR HOUSE!”
The clever illustrations, the fun-filled speech bubbles and the use of lots of sound words such as Boo and Hiss will keep the reader’s attention. Their plan to scare the family out of the house is also delightful. However, when the family finally decides to leave the “haunted” house, Phyllis and Sheldon realize they will miss them greatly and put into effect their Un-scare Plan. By the end of the book, they are all living happily together----Phyllis the ghost bakes cupcakes and reads stories out loud to all while Sheldon the snake holds sheet music for Dad’s jazzy performances. They are now a family.
BOO! HISS! by the talented Cyndi Marko is a perfect chapter book about togetherness for readers 6-9 years old who are beginning to enjoy the colorful and creative aspects of the graphic novel. (Aladdin/ Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing Division) 2022.
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Activity Questions for BOO! HISS!
Reread Chapter 6 and find the following sound words: Boom, Bang, Clang, Boo, Rattle, Hiss, Whump, Crash, Thump and Honk. Each of these words stand for a sound. Speak each one out loud by making the sound that is indicated. Don’t be bashful. Open your mouth and have fun with sound!
The family members who moved into the house included Mom, Dad, Charlie, baby, and the family dog. Which one was your favorite character and why? Consider each character’s contribution to family life as well as each character’s hobbies and interests. Draw a picture of your favorite character saying something. Please use the speech bubble format.
Questions: Why were Boo and Hiss upset when they saw a moving van in the front yard? Why did their attempts to frighten the baby fail? Why did their Scare Plan also not work against the baby’s older brother? At the end of the story, what reasons did Boo and Hiss give for not wanting the family to leave?
