Book Review: Sir Simon Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson

Sir Simon Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson is a picturebook. 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. 

Sir Simon Super Scarer is a story about friendship and taking responsibility. Simon is excited about his new haunting spot, but takes advantage of Chester, who comes to stay with his grandmother. They each have their chores, and things they need to do, but Simon tries to get Chester to do his work. I like that Simon realizes what he has done and tries to help Chester in return.  Neither does a good job, but friendship and appreciation fore each other is created. I liked the illustrations, and thought that it did a good job of adding to the story and settling the mood. While the concept sounds fresh and original, I feel like have have read something similar in the past.  I cannot place the title now, but as a whole it felt too familiar to me. I do have to admit that there were some formatting issues with the digital copy, making it hard to read. However, I know that this will be solved by the final print and publish so I tried not to let that affect my feelings toward the story.