Children's Book review

The Galloping Ghost

By Hilda Offen

Published by Catnip

When Josh is asked to produce a poem for homework, he just can’t think of what to write.

Inspiration strikes when he finds a book of Victorian verse at home and cunningly adapts The Roaming Zephyr by Alexander Twisleton-Tharpe into The Lonely Zebra by Josh Weller.

Josh’s teacher is amazed by his new found prowess at poetry and much to his dismay, arranges for him to go on a poetry course.

When Josh learns Alexander Twisleton-Tharpe will be his tutor, he is terrified  - how can a man who died in 1895 (and whose poem he stole!) be teaching him now?

This gently humorous chapter book was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2009; black and white line drawings add to its appeal and the length is perfect for emerging readers.

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Reading age: 7+
Interest level: 7+