The Great Ghost Rescue

One day Aunt Hortensia came to live with the family. She has been forced out of the place she was haunting, and decided to come live in the old castle that Humphrey’s family haunts. She brought with her stories of lots of ghosts being forced out of their old haunts or of being forced to haunt places like butcher shops (oh horror!). The family was staunch in their belief that whatever happened out in the rest of the world, they would be safe here.

However the unthinkable happened. Developers came to their castle and started to turn it into an amusement place. The family leaves, seeking a new place. They spend the night in a boardinghouse. At the boardinghouse they meet a boy named Rick. Rick is already mad at the injustices people are doing to animals, and is shocked to see that ghosts share the threat of extinction. He wants to help the ghosts and decides that they need to create a Ghost Sanctuary.

This is the story of Rick going to the Prime Minister and asking for a ghost sanctuary. It is also, more importantly, about how Humphrey realizes that he doesn’t have to be Horrible, he is fine the way he is.

The story is written in that creative style that always characterizes Ibbotson’s work. It is a wonderful book and I really enjoyed it.

Loggie-log-log-log


You will love Humphrey the Horrible and eat less meat.   January 30, 2002
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Eva Ibbotson's book really thrilled me. My Grandma gave me this book instead of underwear this Christmas. At first I didn't even read it, but when I started reading, I couldn't stop laughing. This book is about a PINK ghost Humphrey and his family. They have to leave their home - the Craggyford Castle - because some people have turned it into a five-star hotel with a disco and cinema. A trip begins and they meet a boy named Rick. Rick takes them to the Prime Minister with a wish for some land to make a ghost sanctuary. If you are a Harry Potter fan you will love this book. My younger sister was glad that it has a happy ending. Now I am looking for a new Eva Ibbotson book.


Humphrey the Horrible was a ghost.....   September 11, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

At the ripe old age of 34, I still enjoy this fantastic book! I have read it to any child in my family that will sit still long enough - and they are soon begging me to carry on reading! This book has always held such fond memories for me. The writing is vivid and really helps to bring the characters alive. I can visualise them even as I type. Written long before Harry Potter was old enough to play Quidditch, this book is an absolute delight! I am not giving away the storyline - it's much more fun to read about this wonderful and unusual 'family' for yourselves. Enjoy!


My favourite childhood book   August 26, 1999
It's fab, a great mix of silly jokes, stomach churning descriptions of ghostly activities, and a hero that you can identify with as readily as Harry Potter.