If you grew up with a Weekly Reader subscription or spent any time in a wood-paneled elementary school library, you probably remember a very specific shade of orange and purple. It’s the kind of nostalgic color palette that immediately brings back the smell of old paper. I'm talking about the Gus the ghost books, those classic mid-century picture books that made haunting look like a cozy career choice.
Gus isn't your typical spooky specter. He doesn't rattle chains to be scary; he rattles them because he's bored or wants to make the Scott family feel like they're getting their money's worth out of their summer house. Honestly, he’s basically a shy, translucent introvert who just wants a little company and maybe some cookies.
Who Actually Created Gus?
A lot of people think "Jane Thayer" was just a person, but that was actually a pen name. The real author was Catherine Woolley. She was a powerhouse in the children’s book world, living to be 100 years old. She wrote under her real name for older kids but used Jane Thayer for her picture books. It’s a fun bit of trivia because it shows how authors back then felt the need to separate their "serious" work from the playful stuff.
The look of the books—that iconic, sketchy, slightly messy style—came from the mind of Seymour Fleishman. He illustrated over 100 books in his lifetime. The partnership between Thayer and Fleishman is what made Gus work. Without Fleishman's art, Gus might have just been a blob. Instead, he’s a character with a personality you can see in his eyes.
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The Gus the Ghost Books in Order
If you’re trying to collect these or just want to remember which one you read, here is how the primary series rolled out. Note that dates can be a bit tricky because of reprints and Book Club editions, but these are the big ones:
- Gus Was a Friendly Ghost (1962): This is the one that started it all. Gus meets a freezing mouse and invites him to stay for the winter. It’s a classic "odd couple" story.
- What’s a Ghost Going to Do? (1966): The Scott family decides to sell the house, and Gus has to figure out how to stop it. Panic ensues.
- Gus Was a Christmas Ghost (1970): Gus tries to keep the house warm and festive. It’s arguably one of the better holiday ghost stories out there because it isn't trying to be A Christmas Carol.
- Gus and the Baby Ghost (1972): Gus finds an abandoned baby ghost in a museum. This one is high on the "cute" factor.
- Gus Was a Mexican Ghost (1974): Gus follows the Scotts on vacation. This book is a product of its time but shows Gus's adventurous side.
- Gus Was a Gorgeous Ghost (1978): Gus gets a bit vain and tries to upgrade his look.
- Gus Goes to School (1982): Sometimes titled Gus Was a Real Dumb Ghost in earlier drafts or specific editions, this one sees Gus trying to get an education.
- Gus Loved His Happy Home (1989): One of the later entries, focusing on Gus’s deep attachment to his territory.
What Most People Get Wrong About Gus
People often confuse Gus with Georgie. Robert Bright’s Georgie the Ghost came out much earlier (1944). While both ghosts are friendly and live in old houses, they have different vibes. Georgie is a bit more of a "working" ghost with a specific routine. Gus is more of a free spirit—literally.
The Gus the ghost books also stand out because of the Scott family. They don't actually believe in ghosts. When they hear Gus clanking around in the attic, they just joke about it. "Oh, that’s just our ghost," they say. It’s a brilliant narrative choice because it makes Gus’s efforts to be a "proper" ghost feel both hilarious and slightly tragic. He’s trying so hard to be spooky, and they think he’s a plumbing issue or a joke.
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Why These Books Are Making a Comeback
You’ve probably seen these books popping up on Instagram or Pinterest lately. There’s a massive wave of "vintage-core" or "kid-core" aesthetics driving interest back to Seymour Fleishman's art. People are using the old Weekly Reader editions as Halloween decor because they look so much better than the modern, neon-bright stuff you see in stores today.
But it’s more than just the look. The stories are quiet. They don't have the frenetic energy of a lot of modern children's media. In a world of loud iPad games, a story about a ghost making soup for a mouse is a vibe people are craving.
Collectors are starting to hunt for the original 1960s and 70s hardcovers. If you find one in a thrift store with the original dust jacket, grab it. Some of the rarer titles like Gus Was a Christmas Ghost can fetch a decent price because they weren't printed in as high a volume as the original friendly ghost book.
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How to Start Your Own Collection
If you're looking to dive into the world of Gus the ghost books, don't just buy the first thing you see on a major retail site. The modern reprints are fine if you just want the story, but the paper quality and the color saturation aren't the same.
Check out:
- Etsy and eBay: Search for "Weekly Reader Gus Ghost." These were mass-produced for the book club, so they are relatively sturdy and easy to find for under $20.
- Used Bookstores: Look in the "Vintage Children's" section, not just the general kids' area.
- Estate Sales: This is where you find the pristine copies that stayed in a box in someone’s attic for 50 years.
To really appreciate the series, start with the 1962 original. It sets the tone for everything. Once you see Gus and Mouse sharing a meal, you’ll understand why these books have stuck around for over sixty years.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify the Edition: If you are buying for investment, check the copyright page. A "Weekly Reader Children's Book Club" edition is common and great for reading, but a first edition William Morrow copy is the "holy grail" for collectors.
- Compare the Illustrators: Look at Fleishman’s work in the Gus series and then check out his work in The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy. You’ll start to recognize his distinctive line work everywhere.
- Check Condition: Since these were children's books, many have crayon marks or torn pages. Always ask for a photo of the spine and the "Gus" character pages before buying vintage copies online.