Day of the Living LIV (Spirited #1)

A lively, mildly spooky mix of magic, ghostly goings-on, school drama, and friendship.

There's something strange about eight-year-old Liv Livingston's new school in this delightfully creepy paranormal graphic novel series opener by debut creator Livingston. When Liv's family moves from sunny Pleasant Place to eerie Gloomsdale, Liv quickly realizes that the ghosts that inhabit her new home are the least of her worries; her first day at Gloomsdale Elementary reveals that she's the only living human student attending the school. Her ghoulish classmates--comprising ghosts, vampires, witches, and other fantastical supernatural fare--are excited to figure out what makes Liv tick, causing Liv to worry that she'll never truly belong. But Liv's unfolding adventures are a lesson in learning to see the bright side of big life changes, and together with her Gloomsdale peers, she opens her heart to unfamiliar experiences, and celebrates what makes each of her new friends unique. Glass House Graphics's lighthearted dialogue and playful character designs, such as a werewolf's cowlicks resembling wolf ears, evoke a welcoming Scooby Doo energy, while uncomplicated, easy-to-follow layouts make this a compelling option for transitioning young readers. Liv is portrayed with pale skin; supporting characters appear racially diverse. Ages 5-9. (Jan.)

Gr 3 Up--Readers are welcomed to Liv Livingston's world as she navigates the dreaded "new kid" dilemma of curious stares and established cafeteria dynamics at school. But there is a twist for this purple-haired tween: she is the only living child at a school for ghosts. Liv was apprehensive about leaving idyllic Pleasant Place, but her amiable stepfather gets her excited about the possibilities in Gloomsdale. Everything is different: Gloomsdale Elementary has spiders and cobwebs (on purpose), coffin-shaped lockers, and hall monitor bats! But the bullying of cheerleading specter Astrid may ring familiar. Luckily, Liv's new friends Howl and Vera van Pire the Sixth welcome her with open arms and encourage her individuality. This title has many strengths, and Liv's second-person narration is charming, giving off the interactive warmth of a diary. The art is bold and appealing, and the rich texture and expressive character designs are reminiscent of Molly Knox Ostertag's "Witch Boy" series. Young readers will pore over the abundance of spooky and humorous background details in every panel. However, the driving conflict and resolution feel thin for how well the author builds out Liv's world. The bullying isn't effectively addressed--there are ghostly teachers all over the school, yet none intervene when Astrid steals Liv's artwork and openly mocks it in class. But the conclusion drives home the message that it's okay to be different and to be yourself. VERDICT A sweet title that delivers more life lessons than scares; a promising series debut.--Ashleigh Williams