Miss Smith and the Haunted Library Paperback – Picture Book, August 16, 2012

As in the familiar style of Michael Garland, this book brings to the readers attention the power of imagination. Illistated in the same quaint style as "James and the Giant Peach", the reader is drawn into the storyline with beautiful illistrations that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside recalling a childhood memory of "Trich or Treat" in the old neighborhood. Miss Smith is the catalyst for all the excitement that's about to ensue. It isn't any wonder why the class thinks she is their favorite teacher. She sports a punky red hairstyle that only adds to her unique sense of personality and style of teaching. The class is led in single file to an old, gothic style library, where the fun will soon begin. Miss Smith introduces the children to the Librarian and the adventure begins. Before long, the library begins to fill up with all manner of ghouls and scary creatures who turn out to give the children the time of their lives. At first, the children were scared by these phantoms who filed out of the book one by one as the stories were being read, but just as things started looking bleek for the class, the characters turned friendly and the whole theme of the trip changed to one of sheer delight. The giant gave some of the children rides high up into the air, Dracula told jokes and the Hound of the Baskervilles played fetch with the others. And as soon as everyone was starting to have a good time, the party had to come to an abrubt end. The Seniors Book Club was walking up to the front door for their regular book club meeting and soon, all madness ensues as everyone worked frantically to put things back as they were before "the book" was opened. Fortunately, everyone gets done before the seniors walk through the door and all the children got to check out a favorite book to take home to read to remind them of the day. The one thing I appreciated most about the auther was how he listed, at the end of this storybook, the actual books where the characters in this story could be found incase anyone was interested in persuing any further reading on the subject. All in all, I'd say it is a must read for any age.

For the most part the book is good and captures my almost 5 yr old's attention. Great illustrations, but they could've went more in depth with the monsters. It seemed a little rushed. The book had great potential but fell a little short for me.

The story started off good and had my daughter's attention, then the ending was just disappointing.

Halloween book for my grandchild.Illustrations were really nice. The story was enjoyable and easy to read for an eight year old

This book introduces classic characters from Literature: Frankenstein, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dracula, etc., via a wondeful magical book read by Miss. Smith - super illustrations (contemporary) and allows the kids in on a secret - which all kids love. My K and 2nd grader enjoy it.And the protagonist is named ZACK - so its a great gift for a ZACK!

Book is in great condition.

Miss Smith rocks! What a wonderful book to add to my kid's book collection- timeless. Order arrived on time, as promised. Thank you!

So glad to add this book to our library. Love this series and this particular story is the best

Michael Garland is one of my favorite children's authors. Love the story and illustrations.

This book will be a good addition to my collection of Halloween stories for grade 3s. It will help to set their imaginations wild.