"Spooky And The Gargoyle"

Chico State University English Professor Teresa Traver says the idea started with her preschool son who hugged the family gargoyle statue on his way to school. Traver specializes in British literature and literature of the child, and together with illustrator Ariana Dahlenberg she has published a little tale of courage and friendship.

"Spooky And The Gargoyle" ($7.99 in paperback from Thousand Acre Wood Books; also for Amazon Kindle) is an endearing story for ages 4-8 (with discussion questions and activities at teresatraver.com/spooky). It begins with a kitten adjusting to her family's new home which just happens to have a gargoyle statue outside. "The old Maxwell place was full of shadows that spooked her, so her family called her 'Spooky.'"

The full-page illustrations, in greens, browns, and purples, paint a world of mystery, one that needs exploring. Warily Spooky reaches out and touches the gargoyle who promptly admonishes her. "'Go away!' the gargoyle grumbled. 'I'm busy. My job is to guard the house. And I guard it best when I'm alone.'"

But Spooky keeps coming back to talk with Eben (for that is his name), though Eben isn't much of a conversationalist. Then there's the front gate. "Each day, Spooky drew a little closer to the gate so that she could see, hear, and smell more of the big world that frightened and fascinated her. One day a stray dog wandered by. Spooky took one look and ran. The dog chased her..."

Then: "Eben spoke. 'This is private property! No dogs allowed!"' Dog abruptly exits.

Spooky feels safe now. "Eben grumbled less. Sometimes he gave her pointers on how to guard a house. 'The trick is to LOOK confident, even if you're scared. Try it.'"

Another day and--there's another dog, a big one, who heads straight for Eben, jumping up and rocking him back and forth so hard Eben might fall from his pedestal. He shouts for help. "Spooky's heart hammered with fear, but she had to do something!" 

Could a little white kitten who resembles a ghost actually frighten a big dog?

Just you watch!

Traver's book received a 2020 Indie Reader's Discovery Award in the Children's (Board Books and Pre-Reading) category.