An interview about Goodie the Ghoul, presented in partnership* with Kenneth Hall and The Children’s Book Review.
Today, we’re delving into the whimsical world of Goodie the Ghoul with its creator, Kenneth Hall. Goodie, a lovable character who embarks on an adventure of self-discovery, has captured the hearts of readers, young and old alike. In this interview, we’ll explore the inspiration behind Goodie’s creation, delve into the themes of belonging and acceptance woven throughout the story, and gain insights into the creative process behind the artwork and character development. Join us as we uncover the magic behind Goodie’s journey and the valuable lessons he imparts to readers of all ages.
Tell us a little bit about the inspiration for Goodie the Ghoul. Where did the idea for Goodie spring from?
Ken Hall (KH): We read to our children from the day they were born. I was in the habit of telling impromptu stories that I would make up as I went along. We live on the southwest end of Greater Ottawa (Ontario, Canada), where the cornfields begin to sprawl southward. It was a gloomy day in late October, and the kids asked me to tell them a spooky story. I glanced over at a cornfield that was unharvested, likely cattle corn, and I said, “There is a little ghoul that lives in the thicket of trees out in the center of that field!” They were hooked, and the story was born.
Goodie seems to like lists and rules. Do you think these are helpful for children who feel anxious or sad?
KH: Being the parent of ADHD children, which comes chock-full of anxiety and other challenges, lists, checklists, and rules are a staple in this home. Of course, that is to the dismay of our children. Checklists and lists are great tools for kids. They are too easily distracted, and with certain developmental delays, this can lead to a lack of confidence because they never seem to get it right. However, guiding lists and rules set them up for success and build confidence and self-assurance.
Goodie prefers to seek acceptance outside of his own culture rather than try to help the other ghouls understand him. What is your overall message in the story regarding belonging and finding your place?
KH: If you are a piranha swimming with goldfish, you might find it a little difficult to fit in. Goodie is like a vegan born into a carnivorous race of BBQ lovers. He finally realizes that there is no hope for him in Ghoulville being bullied and ridiculed all the time. He takes a huge risk to fit into another dimension where he will, again, be challenged by the fears of those he wants to befriend. The overall message is don’t judge a book by its cover, drop preconceived notions and biases and persevere.
We love the mom in the story, who seems to take everything in stride – including a stinky ghoul in the bathtub. Is she based on someone you know?
KH: No, she is not based on anyone intentionally. However, if I had to compare her to anybody, it would be Harriet, a woman in my church family who passed a few years back. She would invite the homeless to her house for Christmas dinner with her family.
If you would like readers to change one aspect of their mindset after reading this story, what would it be?
KH: Be kind and accepting and give things a chance before making compulsive and stereotypical judgments.
Goodie’s appearance is crucial to the story. Can you tell us a little about the artwork and how you decided what the ghouls should look like?
KH: I did a bit of research into the mythology of ghouls, superficial at best, and then tailored to suit a child’s perspective. I wanted Goodie to have childlike characteristics and interests like hockey, baseball, etc.
Goodie wouldn’t succeed in joining the human world if he wasn’t willing to give shapeshifting a try. Tell us a bit about the metaphor of shapeshifting in the story.
KH: I know for myself. I have sometimes tried to change aspects of myself to fit in, from my personality to the way I dress, my mannerisms, expressions, etc. I think metaphorically speaking, Goodie is illustrating the superficiality of disguises and the importance of being true to yourself, even when the odds are against you. However, all of that said, I think if Goodie does well on the market and I decide there will be another, his shapeshifting is not yet over!!
What advice do you have for readers who feel like they don’t fit in anywhere?
KH: Everyone fits in somewhere. If you are here on earth, you belong here; if not, you wouldn’t exist. Sometimes, we don’t fit in for a good reason. Remember: If you are a piranha swimming with goldfish, you might find it a little difficult to fit in. So go find some piranha, LOL. We don’t have to fit in all the time; my advice is to understand that this is OK. My Dad used to tell me I was like a square peg trying to fit myself into a round hole because I was trying too hard to assimilate with everyone. If we allow ourselves to be ourselves, our friends will eventually find us, and us, them.
What other favorite “fitting in” stories would you recommend to readers who have enjoyed Goodie the Ghoul?
KH: We loved reading “A Bad Case of Stripes” by David Shannon and “Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend” by Melanie Watt!
Goodie is an endearing character. Will there be more stories about him in the future? What other lessons can we learn from ghouls?
KH: I would love to do more with Goodie!! My hope is that Goodie the Ghoul will be a “sequel-generating” investment. I have already pitched the second book idea to my children, and they love it. Stay tuned.
About the Book
Goodie the Ghoul
Written by Kenneth Hall
Illustrated by Patricia Grace Claro
Ages 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: FriesenPress | ISBN-13: 9781039153554
Publisher’s Book Summary: Goodie is not like other ghouls. He doesn’t want to eat humans; he wants to befriend them. But the other ghouls don’t understand. After all, Goodie is breaking one of the most important rules in the Rules for Ghouls Handbook: Don’t play with your food!
One day, while practicing his shape-shifting in a corn maze, Goodie runs into two children and ends up on a wild ride into the human world, complete with a mom and something Goodie has never heard of: a bath! Things get off to a rocky start, but eventually, Goodie finds something he never expected: a new home.
A silly yet tender story about friendship, belonging, and the power of being yourself, Goodie the Ghoul is sure to have the whole family in fits of ghoulish giggles.
Goodie the Ghoul is a funny, touching story about learning to find your place in the world.
Dr. Jen Harrison, The Children’s Book Review
Buy the Book
About the Author
Kenneth Hall was inspired by his children to write about Goodie. Ken and his children were driving past a cornfield when his children asked him to tell them a spooky story, and Goodie was born! A devoted parent and partner, he also enjoys home improvements, walking, meditation, being in nature, and having a good time with friends. Ken lives in Stittsville, (Greater Ottawa) Ontario, Canada, with his wife, Kathryn, and their three children, Sarah, Lily, and Liam. Goodie the Ghoul is his first book.
For more information, visit https://www.kenhallwrites.ca/.
About the Illustrator
Patricia Grace Claro is a Filipino Canadian Freelance Illustrator based in Ottawa. She is also an Art Educator with more than five years of experience teaching traditional and digital mediums. A graduate of Seneca College with an honors diploma in Independent Illustration, she has a background in Interior Design.
Patricia loves designing characters and building 3D architectural pieces. Her works are heavily influenced by people of color, culture, history, animals, and the environment. Her art style ranges from stylized conceptual art to vector illustrations.
Besides art, she has a knack for reading, online gaming, blogging, and going on food trips.
This interview—An Interview with Kenneth Hall, Creator of ‘Goodie the Ghoul’—was conducted between Kenneth Hall and Dr. Jen Harrison.
