THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. 2008. Ill. by Dave McKean. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780060530938

Audio Book:

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. Narrated by Neil Gaiman. 2008. New York: Recorded Books. ISBN 9781436158848

Nobody Owens is the name of the boy in this uniquely Gaiman fantasy.  While just a toddler, Nobody is  orphaned by "the man Jack." Nobody escapes being killed himself by toddling his way to a nearby ancient graveyard that has been repurposed as a nature preserve for the past 30 years.  There he finds protection, education, and an interesting upbringing.   Mr. and Mrs. Owens, resident ghosts who had been childless in life, become his adoring parents.  He is affectionately nicknamed "Bod" (not to be confused with "Bud") by a living-dead creature named Silas who becomes his guardian.  Because Silas is allowed out of the graveyard at night, he is able to supply Bod with food, clothes, books, and other necessities for a living boy. 

Hinting of the sentiment "it takes a village," Silas convinces the reluctant ghosts that it will "take a graveyard" to give the living boy a proper upbringing.  Bod is given “The Freedom of the Graveyard" which allows him to see in darkness and other spectral abilities.  Over time he learns "Fading, Sliding, and Dreamwalking" which seem as reasonable as "reading, writing, and arithmetic.”  Silas explains to Bod, "it's only in the graveyard that we can keep you safe.  This is where you live and this is where those who love you can be found.  Outside would not be safe for you.  Not yet."  

In eight chapters, Gaiman charms and chills us with Bod's story from toddler to young adult.   He is loved, nurtured and prepared to eventually take his place in the real, living world where he belongs.  The phantasmagoric personalities he encounters are every bit as believable as the living people he meets.   They all play a significant part leading up to the final confrontation of his ultimate adversary.  Themes of love and friendship flourish in the midst of the struggle between good and evil.  Themes of bravery and sacrifice weigh heavily in the plot as well.

The Graveyard Book lends itself to a celebration of other scary stories and scary music.  Episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents and the Twilight Zone can be shared along with works by other masters of suspense such as R. L. Stine or John Bellairs.  Holidays such as Mexico’s Day of the Dead and our own Halloween are obvious times to explore goose bump inducing fantasy.  Music such as Gounod’s Funeral March of a Marionette (Alfred Hitchcock’s theme music), and Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain (from Disney’s Fantasia) would be pieces students should be introduced to if they are not already familiar with them.

Gaiman's Newbery gold for this work credits his storytelling and writing genius, but the audio book showcases yet another talent.  Performing his own work, Gaiman reveals a mellifluous, British voice and silver tongue that brings even more life to his story.  Bod, Silas, and the many other colorful characters in the story have distinct voices performed by Gaiman.  Never over done, or silly, but always endearing, Gaiman's performance is award worthy.   

Unabridged on 7 discs, the audio book is almost 8 hours of ghost-story entertainment.  Each disc opens with music arranged and performed by Bela Fleck and his trademark banjo.  Recommended for ages 10 and up, it is an excellent choice for a family road trip or for a nightly read aloud on a camping trip.  Kirkus sums it up as “Wistful, witty, wise—and creepy.”