Anu has to go to a new school, her best friend is far away, and her new house doesn’t feel like home at all. Worst of all, there are ghosts in her closet! Mischievous and mean, the ghosts’ horrible howls echo through the night. This looks like a job for Hanuman, the mighty monkey hero from Indian mythology who can change shape in a blink of an eye and chase goblins away with his thundering voice. When Hanuman answers Anu’s plea for help, Anu rejoices—until she realizes those pesky ghosts are still around. With laughter and song, Anu is able to expel the ghosts on her own, and to overcome any fear that might come her way.
Uma Krishnaswami effortlessly weaves motifs from Indian mythology into this bubbly story, and Shiraaz Bhabha’s acrylic paintings glow with warmth and richness on every page. This book will delight and amaze any child who has faced down change by exercising her imagination—or who’s had ghosts in her closet.
Uma Krishnaswami is an award-winning author. Born in New Delhi, India, she emigrated to the United States in 1979, where she earned a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Currently the co-director of the Bisti Writing Project, Uma also teaches writing workshops for young people and adults with the National Park Service and Writers on the Net. She lives with her husband and son in Aztec, New Mexico.
Shiraaz Bhabha was born and raised in Bombay, India. A gifted artist and web designer, she earned her BFA in Commercial Art/Advertising Design at Sophia Polytechnic in Bombay, and an MFA in Computer Arts from Memphis College of Art in Tennessee. Her paintings blend detailed Eastern techniques with Western abstract expression. Shiraaz currently resides in Palo Alto, California with her husband and son.
“This delightful story has a familiar theme, but the addition of Hindu mythology and the twist of having the protagonist herself discover a way out of her dilemma set it apart from similar titles about overcoming fears...An upbeat story with a positive message.” —School Library Journal
"…a unique tale that is worthy of a wide audience." Kirkus
" …a sunny story that beautifully deals with Anu’s fear and sadness, and how she overcomes these feelings. Illustrations by Shiraaz Bhabha are bright and pleasing. My preschooler started reading this book with bated breath and wide-eyed interest; she finished on a giggly note. It now makes a wonderful addition to her library." —India Currents
" …a welcome addition to a child's bookshelf for more reasons than adding diversity." —South Asian Women’s Network
