The Ghost of the Deserted House by Tuula Pere is a delightful children’s story about summer adventure, friendship, and a little mystery. Oliver and his best friend, Liam, spend their vacation at a summer cottage. What starts as an ordinary trip filled with fishing, homemade soup, and comic books takes an exciting turn when the boys decide to sleep in the attic of an old, deserted house. Their nighttime adventure quickly becomes suspenseful as an unexpected visitor appears, leaving the boys to wonder if the house is truly haunted.

I adored the way the story captured the magic of childhood summers. The setting felt so familiar. Lazy afternoons by the lake, the excitement of sneaking away, and the slight fear of the unknown. Oliver and Liam’s friendship was the heart of the book. The scene where they build their own sleeping nest in the attic brought back memories of my own children making forts and creating their own worlds.

The suspense was well done without being too scary. The moment Liam woke up to a dark figure looming over them was both thrilling and funny. I loved how the author balanced fear with lightheartedness, especially when the “ghost” turned out to be Oliver’s snoring father. As a mother, I appreciated that the book delivered excitement without crossing into anything too frightening. It gave just the right amount of mystery for young readers.

One of my favorite aspects of the story was how it encouraged independence. Oliver and Liam made their own plans, problem-solved, and experienced small risks in a safe way. While they did sneak away, their intentions were innocent, and the story ultimately reinforced the importance of communication.

I would highly recommend The Ghost of the Deserted House for young readers, especially those who love light mysteries, sleepover adventures, and stories about friendship. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy books like The Boxcar Children or The Magic Tree House series.

Pages: 34 | ISBN : 9528201873