Essentially this is all light-hearted fun and will not put children in harm’s way; no ouija boards or anything dark, so parents have no cause for alarm. It is merely a highly original game that uses the Ghost-o-Matic app to scan certain images and set given tasks. In this way it aims to inspire and challenge the young reader to develop linguistically while, at the same time, extending their research skills through the duality of book and app.

The journal is similar in design to an Edwardian scrapbook, containing notes, pictures, letters and case files. Pages are fringed with vignettes of mechanical steam punk style features. It claims to be the journal’s centenary edition – nice touch – thus reinforcing the reason for its period styling.

The Ghostkeeper’s Journal & Field Guide is the invention of English film and television producer Japhet Asher, whose was, most recently, executive producer for interactive CBBC, the BBC’s programming strand for children.
All things considered it is an innovative and well-conceived book. I am sure it will have an impact and lasting appeal to young readers, particularly as it focuses on the ever-popular genre of the supernatural.