The first time that I came across this utterly charming tale was not exactly under the best of circumstances. Well, let me rephrase that.... it was a horribly horrific day, according to my then almost six year-old self. It dealt with my annual August visit to Dr. Doris Sullivan, our family's longtime doctor, and the apprehensive feelings going through my veins and sending my tiny insides into a sea of knots that this sojourn would once again end with tears due to the dreaded four letter word..... shot.
My mother and I were the only people in her waiting room on this dark, humid, misty morning. As we sat down, my stomach turned, and my head began to pound as all I could do was think of one thing, and one thing only.... the shot. My mother tried as best as she could to calm my nerves, but it just wasn't working. Warm tears started to flow out of my eyes and quickly down my cheeks. Just then, Dr. Sullivan walked into the waiting room, and looked into my eyes. She smiled warmly, and reached into the second shelf in one of the two large bookshelves up against the wall. Her hands moved across several titles until she settled on one and pulled it out. "We just got this story in the mail the other day from Readers Digest. I think you might like this one." The cover illustrations of a slightly chubby, yet kind looking ghost feeding a little baby ghost bundled up in a white blanket in a rocking chair, while a tiny black cat sat and watched made me smile. Ghosts? Feeding Baby Ghosts? This, I thought, I had to read. So, I carried the book into the exam room, and managed to read through it, and it helped ease my nerves, even right up to when that cringe worthy time came for my shot. My mother held the book open and as I looked towards the happy illustrations of Gus cradling the little baby ghost, instead of looking at the silver needle heading straight into my upper right arm. Yes, it still hurt, but not as much, thanks to Gus (and yes, Dr. Sullivan).
And from that visit forward, at every annual appointment, I made sure that I found that comforting tale, and read it through to take away my apprehensive feelings.
Years later, several months after the untimely passing of Dr. Sullivan, her family had a large yard sale at her home, which also served as her office. My mother and I decided to take a drive over so we could pay our respects to her daughter. While looking around at all of the items that were placed on the tables on the driveway, I came across a plastic milk carton container filled with numerous children's book, many of which I read so many years ago, that once lined the mahogany bookshelves in her waiting room. And there, behind a worn book about baby ducks, it was. The site of the familiar purple cover, now faded though the course of time, brought an instant smile to my face, and I was overcome with emotion, thinking back to how this simple book, placed into my hands by Dr. Sullivan, could lift my anxiety and take away my fears. Her daughter, after seeing my reaction to finding the book, told me to take it, that it obviously held some special place in my heart.
She was absolutely correct in her observation, as it was a beautiful reminder of how her gentle mother was blessed with an innate gift to know exactly what to do that could bring comfort to a frightened child. For this child, it was the adventures of a kind, caring ghost. With this, I am happy to introduce you and your little ones to author Jane Thayer's
Gus and the Baby Ghost, the first of several Halloween tales that I will be shining a spotlight on this week.
As our tale begins, Gus, the Ghost, Cora, the black cat, a mouse whose simply called Mouse, and old Mr. Frizzle all live together in the Historical Museum. Mr. Frizzle runs the museum by day, and Gus, Cora and Mouse watch over the museum at night. Amazingly, they all get along quite well with one another, and life at the museum is going smoothly until Cora alerts Gus to an unexpected surprise that's right outside. Gus opens the door and spots a tiny baby ghost peacefully sleeping in a little basket on the front doorstep. Gus takes the little baby Ghost. Gus tries very hard to keep Mr. Frizzle from noticing the baby, but is not successful, and Mr. Frizzle isn't very happy at first about the new addition. But, when Gus promises to make sure that the baby ghost doesn't disturb the visitors to the museum, Mr. Frizzle grumpily and reluctantly agrees. And, as soon as he sees the delighted reaction from the visitors to the sounds of the ghostly, albeit sweet "Coos", his stance on the new addition quickly changes, and he takes turns taking care of the little baby ghost with his friend, Gus.
Gus and the Baby Ghost
Written by Jane Thayer & Illustrated by Seymour Fleishman
Publisher: William Morrow & Co (1972)
ISBN: 978-0688213695
