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Flavia Zorilla Drago
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Gustavo, the Shy Ghost (The World of Gustavo) Hardcover – Picture Book, July 14, 2020

by Flavia Z. Drago (Author, Illustrator)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 1,731 ratings
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A #1 New York Times bestseller!

This winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season — or anytime.

Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z.Drago’s vivid illustrations tella sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere.
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  1. Reading age
    2 - 6 years, from customers
  2. Book 1 of 3
    The World of Gustavo
  3. Print length
    40 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    Preschool - 2
  6. Dimensions
    10.25 x 0.41 x 11.63 inches
  7. Publisher
    Candlewick
  8. Publication date
    July 14, 2020
  9. ISBN-10
    1536211141
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1536211146
  11. See all details
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Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire (The World of Gustavo)
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From the Publisher

friendship; halloween; ghosts; vampires; witches; self confidence; funny; identity
halloween; listening; shy; ghosts; monsters; friendship; bravery
halloween; listening; shy; ghosts; monsters; friendship; bravery
halloween; listening; shy; ghosts; monsters; friendship; bravery
kindness; shyness; friendship; confidence; ghosts; monsters; day of the dead halloween; family; sisters; magic; new experience; cooking; anxiety; perfectionism making friends; individuality; acceptance; being yourself; halloween; vampire; spooky
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost Leila, the Perfect Witch Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire
Customer Reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
1,731
4.9 out of 5 stars
170
4.6 out of 5 stars
111
Price $11.06 $11.28 $10.61
Read the entire spooky-sweet series! A #1 New York Times bestseller! Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends. What can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? Leila is a witch who excels at everything she does-and now she dreams of winning the Magnificent Witchy Cake-off! But she learns a terrible truth: she’s a disaster in the kitchen. An enchanting story of trying your hardest despite your imperfections. Vlad is a vampire with the misfortune of having rosy cheeks that make him look alive. Hoping to avoid rejection, he hides his face behind elaborate outfits in traditional black. Then he finds out that his best friend has a pink secret of her own...

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a debut novel from Drago, a Mexican author and illustrator, and she deftly weaves in cultural references. The illustrations are bright and detailed. Gentle storytelling and vibrant mixed-media illustrations make for an enjoyable seasonal story.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Mexican-born author/illustrator Drago sweetly captures the angst-y little ghost’s perpetual perturbation...Iconic images of Mexican culture cleverly pepper the scenery. With the papel picado banners, panes de muerto, and Catrinas, Drago provides a festive environment for Gustavo’s laments. Decorated skulls peek out from around every corner; even the family goldfish is a smiling skeleton. This ghostly tale proves that anyone can have a happily-ever-after.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Born and raised in Mexico City, Drago fills her sweet ghost story with vibrant colors, textures, and authentic details from Mexican culture. Her illustrations burst with whimsical flourishes and clever details that youngsters will want to pore over repeatedly. While ideal for Day of the Dead, this heartwarming story about bravely taking the first step toward friendship is wonderful for little listeners year-round.
—Booklist

Gustavo is a sympathetic protagonist, and the illustrations are filled with appealing monsters and witty details.
—The Horn Book

Mexican artist Drago’s picture book debut offers a gentle friendship tale and folk-art-style, textural mixed-media pictures.
—Publishers Weekly

With rosy cheeks and wide eyes, Gustavo’s an easy little spirit to root for, and the book is particularly refreshing in its acceptance of Gustavo’s continued introversion even after making friends...Grainy, crayon-like textures pair with sturdy scribbles to give the mixed media art a joyful sense of movement, and the illustrations provide entertaining details of Day of the Dead traditions and the “monstrous” cast. This is an easy pick for some cheerful fall fun or in anticipation of a Day of the Dead celebration.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Flavia Z. Drago was born and raised in Mexico City. As a child, she wanted to be a mermaid. When that didn’t happen, she began her career as a graphic designer and a children’s book illustrator. She loves color, textures, and shapes and enjoys creating them with different materials and a bit of digital sorcery. She lives in Mexico.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick; Illustrated edition (July 14, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1536211141
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536211146
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 6 years, from customers
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.21 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.25 x 0.41 x 11.63 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 1,731 ratings

About the author

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Flavia Zorilla Drago

Flavia Zorilla Drago

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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
1,731 global ratings
Sweet story & beautiful pictures!
5 Stars
Sweet story & beautiful pictures!
I recommend this to kiddos & adults who love spooky season! It has a very touching message & gorgeous unique illustrations. I can't wait to buy the others!!
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Top reviews from the United States

Jordan
5.0 out of 5 stars Cute!
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2023
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This book has beautiful illustrations and a great message for kids. Our toddler requests to read it almost every night.
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Hollie
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story & beautiful pictures!
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023
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I recommend this to kiddos & adults who love spooky season! It has a very touching message & gorgeous unique illustrations. I can't wait to buy the others!!
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Hollie
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story & beautiful pictures!
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023
I recommend this to kiddos & adults who love spooky season! It has a very touching message & gorgeous unique illustrations. I can't wait to buy the others!!
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Jennifer F.
5.0 out of 5 stars Love!
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2024
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Love this book!! Bright and colorful and an all around great read
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Anna Hansen
5.0 out of 5 stars The cutest Halloween book!
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023
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My son loves this book so much, we made him a Gustavo the Ghost costume for Halloween.
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Gussie
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2023
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So, so cute I'm in love with Gustavo the main character. Beautiful artwork as well.
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Asha
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a sweet book!
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2023
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I’ve been seeing this book on Pinterest/ig influencers’ photos of their kids’ seasonal bookshelves and I wasn’t sure about it—I am very picky about what messages I am representing to my toddler through books, and like them to have nice illustrations as well. I read it at B&N and I knew I HAD to get it!!! As an adult, I immediately loved it—in college, I threw what would have been a really fun Halloween party for my work friends, who all said they would come and told me literally just hours before how excited they were…but when it came time for the party, literally no one showed up except my 3 closer friends. Everyone else had come up with some excuse. Turns out they had all gone—together—to a tailgating party in a town hours away! I was crushed, and haven’t thrown another party since (except my son’s 1st birthday, which no one came to except one friend 😭).

My son is a generally outgoing toddler with adults and with peers at school, but with older kids or children he doesn’t know, he gets verrrry shy. Gustavo seems to have a similar problem! Right away, my son engaged with this book. He loves looking at the “ghostes” and also enjoys talking about Gustavo’s violin, being an avid music appreciator. We’ve had this book for a couple weeks now, and last night he was telling me (as we had a conversation during potty time lol) that Gustavo was “scared of the kids…no, not the kids. The MONSTERS.” 😂 So it’s had enough of an impact that he’s remembered the exact verbiage lol!

I’m glad this book has given my toddler a character to identify with—it’s a very validating feeling to have your own complex emotions represented! I know Gustavo will stick around on our shelves for many Halloween seasons to come.
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eilimelliecm
5.0 out of 5 stars Gustavo the Cutest Ghost
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023
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 Such an adorable book to read to students on Halloween! They love it. After the book is over, create your own Gustavo the Ghost and identify how YOU glow!
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A. R.
5.0 out of 5 stars Cutest book ever
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023
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I adore this book and my little does too. She asks to read it daily. I bought a Gustavo stuffy too. It’s a great lesson to be brave for big and small. We talk about being brave like Gustavo often.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Maribel Martinez
5.0 out of 5 stars Libro infantil
Reviewed in Mexico on December 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
A los alumnos les encanta leer. Me lo han pedido y lo compre para el salón de clases.
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RobinK
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweetest book 👻
Reviewed in Canada on October 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
We love GUSTAVO!
We took it out from the library so many times we had to make it part of our collection.
Such a sweet story with a cute message and darling illustrations!
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R.
5.0 out of 5 stars So cute e beautiful
Reviewed in Brazil on December 29, 2022
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Cool story beautifully painted. Loved the art and the cute Gustavo.
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Sonia P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Germany on October 28, 2023
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My daughter is a shy 4 year old so I knew I had to get this book for her. Very nice story and illustrations, keeps my little one engaged and creates opportunity for further discussions while looking at the illustrations.
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Treasa
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
Really love this book - has a really lovely story about a shy ghost, and it doesn't go the expected direction of him changing to make friends, but the friends coming to him, when he shares what he enjoys. Love the messaging and the images are beautiful.
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