The Ghost of Opalina

Reach for this book when your child is moving into a new home, struggling with the concept of change, or simply showing a deep interest in the 'hidden' history of their surroundings. This story serves as a gentle bridge between the past and the present, helping children understand that they are part of a long continuum of families and stories that have inhabited the same spaces before them. Through the eyes of Opalina, a spectral cat who has lived in the same house for two centuries, young readers explore how families and fashions change while the core emotions of childhood remain the same. The narrative is cozy and nostalgic, offering a safe space to explore the concept of ghosts without the usual tropes of horror. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who appreciate a slow-paced, episodic story focused on loyalty, memory, and the enduring nature of friendship.