As both a mother of six-year-old twins and a Junior Infant teacher, I found “What’s That Spooky Sound?” by Gerry Daly to be a wonderful addition to our home and classroom reading. From the very first page, the story captured the children’s attention with its gentle sense of mystery and playful suspense. The repeated question—“What’s that spooky sound?”—had my twins eagerly turning the pages, predicting what might come next. In the classroom, it worked beautifully as a shared reading experience, encouraging participation, discussion, and plenty of excited guesses.
What stood out most to both my children and my pupils was the message at the heart of the story. They were especially drawn to the smallest animal, who ultimately proves to be the bravest. This was a powerful and relatable theme for young children, reinforcing the idea that courage doesn’t depend on size or strength. It sparked lovely conversations about bravery, fears, and how we all face things that make us nervous.
The illustrations complement the text perfectly, adding warmth and humour while softening the “spooky” elements so they never feel overwhelming. This makes it ideal for young readers who enjoy a hint of suspense without being frightened.
As an educator, I also appreciated how the book supports early literacy skills. The repetitive structure and engaging storyline make it accessible for emerging readers, while also building confidence in retelling and comprehension.
Overall, this is a charming, engaging, and meaningful story that resonates both at home and in the classroom. It’s a book I would happily recommend to parents and teachers alike—especially for children in the early primary years.
By Louise.
“What’s That Spooky Sound?” by Gerry Daly, published by O’ Brien Press, is now on sale for €10.99 (P/B).
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher, O’ Brien Press, free of charge to Seomra Ranga for the purposes of this review.
