Bringing nothing to show and tell is like wearing shoes without socks…it stinks. So when all you got is nothing, you need to catch yourself a something. If you’ve got gumption, that something could be a ghost.

Once you find a good one, spend some quality time together. This will provide all the information you need to build the perfect ghost trap. It will also probably complicate things. When the moment finally arrives, you may be confident you can catch a ghost...but can you catch a friend?

An Amazon Best Book of the Month

“Hauntingly good—quirky, amusing, and deeply felt” — Kirkus review

“A tale sure to surprise and delight” — School Library Journal starred review

To get an exclusive print, order a copy from Buy Olympia.

To get an exclusive “got gumption” sticker, order a copy from:

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This guide was designed for kindergarten through third grade but can also be adapted for older students. It is in black and white for easy printing.

The questions and activities were developed based on Bloom’s Taxonomy and the Common Core Standards.

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Featured media and reviews

  • "Show-and-tell just got an upgrade – forget butterflies or baseball cards, it’s time to catch a ghost! But after all that ghost-hunting fun, you might find the real challenge isn’t just trapping one…it’s figuring out if you can create a friendship too."

    Everyday Reading

  • "Rachel has become a MUST READ aloud picture book reader. Be sure to add TO CATCH A GHOST to your to-read pile."

    Colby Sharp and Bookelicious Books

  • "To Catch a Ghost is a beautiful book written for children ages 4 and up that captures humorous moments, along with showcasing the tender hearts of young children. Children will enjoy the journey of befriending a ghost to catch them, and you can pause to see what the child wants to do once you get to the moment where things are perfect to complete this capture before revealing what happens in the story."

    YA Books Central

  • "Expressive illustrations, sweet directions for bravery and success, and a warmhearted ending."

    Imagination Soup

  • "Fans of Wilson’s How to Pee Your Pants will enjoy this follow-up about finding a ghost. It would make a great mentor text for procedural writing, a good Halloween read-aloud that includes those who don’t celebrate the holiday, and a nice story for starting a conversation about friendship."

    Kids Book a Day

  • "Fans of paranormal investigations will love this one, which features a subtle yet important story on recognizing and respecting the rights of others."

    Bookstr

  • "A picture book crush of the week"

    Let’s Talk Picture Books