Book Review: “Sir Simon: Super Scarer” by Cale Atkinson

“Sir Simon: Super Scarer” by Cale Atkinson (2018)

Genre: Children’s Fiction, Picture Books

Page Length: 46 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

Meet Sir Simon, Super Scarer. He’s a professional ghost who has been transferred to his first house. And just in time! He was getting tired of haunting bus stops and forests and potatoes. And to top it off, this house is occupied by an old lady — they’re the easiest to haunt!

But things don’t go as planned when it turns out a KID comes with this old lady. Chester spots Simon immediately and peppers him with questions. Simon is exasperated. . . until he realizes he can trick Chester into doing his ghost chores. Spooky sounds, footsteps in the attic, creaks on the stairs — these things don’t happen on their own, you know!

After a long night of haunting, it seems that maybe Chester isn’t cut out to be a ghost, so Simon decides to help with Chester’s human chores. Turns out Simon isn’t cut out for human chores either.

But maybe they’re both cut out to be friends . . .(description from Goodreads)

Review:

I recently read Super Detectives, the first installment in the Simon and Chester series, so I was delighted for the opportunity to read about Sir Simon’s origin in this book. Sir Simon can be equated to the like of Casper, the Friendly Ghost as the main protagonist. He’s lively, cute in appearance, humorous, and takes his business of haunting very seriously. As for readers, we learn that haunting is no tedious business as he takes readers through his daily schedule which involves moving items around the house and making spooky noises.

When Simon feels like his newest assignment of a haunted house will be easy, it turns out to be more complicated than he thought when he meets Chester. Chester is a lively kid who wants to learn all about what it takes to be a ghost and carry out spooky duties. Simon is just as curious about humans as Chester as is about ghosts. That spark of curiosity is what leads them to start a solid friendship (which is explored in later books).

This book is equal amounts of spooky fun and pure entertainment. It’s an enjoyable reading experience for all ages, especially for its intended younger audience. I think what I appreciated most about the book is its theme to explore the world around us and that a healthy dose of curiosity is what makes life so exciting. The book sparks a sense of adventure in its audience, and the color palette used in the artwork is so bright and colorful. Unlike the usual color tones used in ghost stories, it heightens the plot’s overall sense of discovery. Sir Simon: Super Scarer is a comical and amusing book that will brighten up your day.

Final Verdict: