Ghosts (Informania ) (The World of the Unknown)

by Christopher Maynard

[pamela]

Honestly, there's very little not to love about Usborne's The World of the Unknown Series. All About Ghosts was one of my favourite books when I was a kid. I think I almost permanently had it on loan from the library (sorry fellow children of Elwood!) and would devour it under my blankets with a torch.

When a Change.org petition started to have this out of print gem re-issued, I was among the first signatures. And the second the re-release was announced, I was one of the first to pre-order. It's shorter than I remember, but isn't that always how childhood memories go?

I think what I love about this the most (despite the pleasant nostalgia that comes with it) is the fact that it's neither full-believing nor completely sceptical. It simply gives an overview of the different types of ghosts that a child might hear stories about, their origins, and where they might be found. It's incredibly matter-of-fact and doesn't pass any judgement as to the veracity of ghostly claims. Because of that, it appeals both to the sceptics among us, and the true believers. There's something in here for everyone!

There's not a lot of depth - it is a children's reference book, after all - but it gives enough information for a decent snapshot, and encourages readers to learn more. It even provides a handy little reference list.

I am certainly not disappointed by my purchase of this re-issue. It's nice to have my own copy of it now, and who knows, maybe one day my children will derive the same, chilling joy from All About Ghosts as I did as a child.