Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Scholastic. All opinions expressed are my own.
As a parent, fostering a love for reading in my children has always been a top priority. In today’s digital age, it can sometimes be a challenge to peel kids away from screens and immerse them in the magic of a good book. My 12-year-old daughter, Bridget, like many tweens, can be quite particular about her reading choices. While I encourage her to read every night before bed, finding a book that truly captivates her imagination can take a little coaxing. However, a recent discovery has completely changed her nightly routine: Raina Telgemeier’s new graphic novel, Ghosts. Released on September 13th, this highly anticipated book has not only captured her attention but has also become a cherished part of her evening wind-down, to the point where I often have to remind her to put the book down and actually go to sleep! The vibrant storytelling and relatable characters have made Ghosts an instant favorite, proving once again the incredible power of graphic novels to engage young readers.
Unveiling the World of Ghosts: A Heartfelt Graphic Novel
Ghosts is another masterful creation from Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling author who has also garnered multiple Eisner Awards for her critically acclaimed works like Smile, Drama, and Sisters. Her unique ability to blend compelling narratives with expressive illustrations makes her graphic novels a beacon for readers of all ages, particularly tweens navigating complex emotions and life changes. Ghosts continues this tradition, offering a story that is both deeply moving and surprisingly insightful.
The story introduces us to Catrina and her family, who embark on a significant move to the picturesque coast of Northern California. This relocation isn’t just for a change of scenery; it’s a crucial decision made for Catrina’s younger sister, Maya, who battles cystic fibrosis. The cool, salty air blowing in from the sea is believed to offer therapeutic benefits for Maya’s condition. While Maya is excited about the potential health improvements, Catrina is less enthusiastic, grappling with the bittersweet feelings of leaving her friends behind for a new town called Bahía de la Luna.
As the sisters begin to explore their new surroundings, they stumble upon a local secret: Bahía de la Luna is rumored to be inhabited by ghosts. Maya, with her adventurous spirit and innocent curiosity, is instantly captivated by the idea and becomes determined to encounter one. Catrina, on the other hand, is plagued by her own fears and wants absolutely no part in any ghostly encounters. The narrative unfolds as the annual time of year approaches when the spectral residents of Bahía de la Luna are said to reunite with their loved ones. This impending event forces Catrina to confront her anxieties and find the courage to put aside her fears, not just for her sister’s sake, but for her own personal growth. Telgemeier expertly weaves a tale about illness, family bonds, the challenges of moving, and the surprising ways we find strength when we need it most.
Raina Telgemeier has truly outdone herself with Ghosts, delivering a narrative that resonates deeply with themes of family, unwavering friendship, and the profound courage that springs from these connections. It’s a testament to how love and support can empower us to achieve feats we once deemed impossible. The graphic novel format further enhances the storytelling, allowing readers to visually experience Catrina and Maya’s journey, making their emotions and struggles palpable and deeply relatable.
The Visionary Behind the Panels: Meet Raina Telgemeier
Raina Telgemeier is not just an author and illustrator; she is a trailblazer in the world of graphic novels for young audiences. Her name has become synonymous with compelling, emotionally rich, and visually stunning storytelling. She is the celebrated author and illustrator behind the #1 New York Times bestsellers Smile, Drama, and Sisters, all of which have left an indelible mark on children’s literature and inspired countless young readers. Telgemeier’s work is recognized for its honesty, humor, and ability to tackle sensitive subjects with grace and accessibility, making her books a staple in school libraries and bookshelves worldwide.
Beyond her original works, Raina has also lent her artistic talents to adapting and illustrating four graphic novel versions of Ann M. Martin’s beloved Baby-sitters Club series. Her adaptations brought a fresh, modern aesthetic to these classic stories, introducing them to a new generation of readers and cementing her reputation for versatility and creative prowess. Her impressive list of accolades includes not one, but two prestigious Eisner Awards, often considered the ‘Oscars’ of the comic book industry. She has also been honored with a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, a Stonewall Honor, and countless inclusions on notable book lists, underscoring her widespread critical acclaim and profound impact on the literary landscape. Raina lives and works in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, a region that undoubtedly inspires the rich settings and diverse characters found within her stories.
Witnessing my daughter, Bridget, truly immerse herself in the world of Ghosts has been incredibly heartwarming. It’s a joy to see her so engrossed in a story, turning pages late into the night. Her newfound admiration for Raina Telgemeier is a testament to the author’s ability to create relatable characters and captivating narratives that resonate deeply with young readers. To celebrate Bridget’s enthusiasm for Ghosts and to embrace the whimsical spirit of the book, I decided to conjure up a treat that’s both fun and perfectly spooky: our very own Ghost Cookies on a Stick!
These Ghost Cookies on a Stick are not only incredibly simple to make, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity for kids to get involved in the kitchen. It’s a wonderful activity to share with your family, creating delicious memories alongside delicious treats. I’m excited to guide you through the few short and easy steps, so you can whip up your own batch of these delightfully spooky cookies right in your home. Get ready to impress your little ghosts and goblins with these fun and festive snacks!
What You’ll Need for Ghost Cookies on a Stick
Crafting these adorable and eerie Ghost Cookies on a Stick requires just a handful of readily available ingredients and tools. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and fun. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you have everything prepared before you begin this spooky baking adventure:
- Popsicle sticks: These are essential for turning your cookies into fun, easy-to-handle treats, perfect for parties and little hands.
- Cookie dough of your choice: Flexibility is key here! You can use your favorite homemade recipe or opt for the convenience of store-bought refrigerated dough.
- Ghost shaped cookie cutter: To achieve that classic spooky silhouette. You can find these at most craft stores or during seasonal sales.
- Candy eyeballs: These tiny edible embellishments are crucial for giving your ghosts their playful, yet eerie, expressions.
- White candy melts: Ideal for creating a smooth, vibrant white coating that hardens nicely and adds a delicious vanilla flavor.
When it comes to your cookie dough, feel absolutely free to customize! While I personally opted for my trusty homemade basic chocolate chip cookie recipe (minus the chips for this particular theme), a classic sugar cookie dough would also work wonderfully and provide a smooth canvas for the white candy coating. For those busy days, a prepared refrigerated cookie dough is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor or fun. The goal is to have a sturdy cookie base that holds its shape well after baking and can comfortably accommodate a popsicle stick.
Once your chosen dough is ready, lightly flour a clean surface – this could be your countertop or a large pastry mat – to prevent sticking. Then, roll out your cookie dough to an even thickness, typically about 1/4 inch. This consistent thickness ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Now comes the fun part: take your ghost-shaped cookie cutter and press firmly into the dough to create your ghostly figures. Try to cut as many shapes as possible from each roll to minimize re-rolling scraps.
Depending on the design of your specific ghost cookie cutter, you might find that your ghosts have little “arms” or other embellishments. For a more classic, flowing ghost shape that’s easily recognizable and ideal for decorating, I chose to gently trim off the arms from my ghost cookies. This simple modification helps create that iconic, ethereal silhouette we all associate with friendly spirits, making them even more charming once decorated.
Now, carefully transfer your ghost cutouts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Before baking, gently insert a popsicle stick into the bottom center of each ghost cookie, pushing it about halfway up into the cookie. Ensure the stick is secure but doesn’t poke through the top. This transforms your standard cookie into a delightful “cookie pop,” making them perfect for grabbing, serving, and enjoying without any mess.
Bake your cookies according to your chosen dough’s instructions, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Baking times will vary depending on your dough and oven, so keep a close eye on them. Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire baking rack. It’s absolutely crucial that they cool completely on the rack; this ensures they are firm enough for the next decorating steps and prevents the candy melts from softening or melting the warm cookie.
Once your ghostly cookies are completely cooled and firm to the touch, you are ready to add the magical finishing touches that will bring them to life! Begin by melting a package of white candy melts. The key to perfectly smooth candy melts is gentle heating. Place the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in the microwave at 50% power for 1 minute. Remove and stir thoroughly. Then, microwave for an additional 30 seconds at 50% power and stir again. Repeat these 30-second intervals, stirring diligently in between each, until the candy melts are completely smooth and fluid. Be very careful not to overheat the candy melts, as they can seize up and become clumpy if overcooked, making them unusable for coating. Patience is key for a beautiful, even coating.
Prepare your workspace by laying out a piece of parchment paper. This will catch any drips and prevent the cookies from sticking as the candy melts harden. Carefully place your cooled cookies on the parchment paper. Using a spoon, generously spoon the melted white candy mixture onto each cookie, ensuring you cover the entire surface, including the sides. Gently spread the candy melts with the back of the spoon or an offset spatula to create an even, smooth layer. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy at this stage; the next step will quickly transform them!
Immediately after coating each cookie, while the candy melts are still wet and pliable, carefully place two candy eyeballs onto the upper portion of each ghost. The wet candy melt will act as the “glue” to secure them in place. This is where your ghosts truly come to life with their adorable, yet slightly spooky, expressions! Once all your cookies are coated and adorned with eyes, let them sit undisturbed for at least 30 minutes. This crucial setting time allows the candy melts to fully harden, ensuring your ghostly creations are firm and ready to be handled without smudging or sticking.
Once the candy melts have fully set and hardened, your spookalicious Ghost Cookies on a Stick are officially ready to be enjoyed! These treats are not just delicious; they are also incredibly charming and perfect for adding a festive touch to any occasion. The combination of a sweet cookie base and a smooth candy coating, topped with playful candy eyes, makes them irresistible.
These delightful cookies are incredibly versatile. They make fantastic additions to a kid’s Halloween party, serving as adorable and easily portable treats. You can also prepare them for school events, fall festivals, or simply as a fun weekend baking project to enjoy with your family. Their ease of creation means you don’t need a special occasion to whip up a batch; sometimes, “just because” is the best reason!
True to form, my family devoured these scary-cute treats in record time! There’s something undeniably appealing about a cookie on a stick, especially one so whimsically decorated. My daughter was already asking if there were any left almost immediately after finishing her first one, which is always the highest compliment a baker can receive. It’s a good thing they are so straightforward and quick to make, as I foresee many more batches of these Ghost Cookies on a Stick in our future, especially as Halloween approaches and the spooky season takes hold!
Don’t miss out on the adventure and emotional depth within Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier, a graphic novel that beautifully explores family, courage, and the unknown. And to truly complete your spooky celebration, whether it’s for a Halloween gathering or just a fun afternoon, be sure to craft your very own batch of delightful Ghost Cookies on a Stick! They are the perfect accompaniment to a great book and a fantastic way to embrace the spirit of the season.
Looking for more seasonal treats and Halloween-themed delights? You’ll also love these other spooktacular ideas from our kitchen:
- Halloween Cookies
- Halloween Ice Cream Floats
- Candy Corn Pie
- Halloween Punch
- Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups