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Georgie the Ghost #1
Georgie
In Georgie, readers are introduced to the gentle little ghost, who happily haunts Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker's house -- creaking the loose board on the stairs and giving the parlor door a little squeak every night -- until his world is turned topsy-turvy and he must find a new house to haunt.
44 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1944
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351 people want to read
About the author
Robert Bright
38 books27 followersRobert Bright was born on Cape Cod, Massachusetts in 1902 and passed away in San Francisco in 1988. He spent his childhood in Europe and completed his education at Phillips Academy, Andover, and Princeton University.
His vocations included those of newspaper reporter in Baltimore and Paris, art and music critic in Sante Fe, New Mexico, teacher in Boston, and novelist. Believing that "the imaginative child in the imaginative man is fortunately never far away," Mr. Bright has delighted in writing his numerous books for children. Many of these star Georgie, the friendly little ghost who first appeared in 1944 and has been charming young readers on both sides of the Atlantic ever since.
His vocations included those of newspaper reporter in Baltimore and Paris, art and music critic in Sante Fe, New Mexico, teacher in Boston, and novelist. Believing that "the imaginative child in the imaginative man is fortunately never far away," Mr. Bright has delighted in writing his numerous books for children. Many of these star Georgie, the friendly little ghost who first appeared in 1944 and has been charming young readers on both sides of the Atlantic ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 5, 2009
Full of old-fashioned, cozy, Halloween-y wonderfulness! The illustrations remind me so much of Shepherd's for "Whinnie the Pooh" (I think the kitty is a relative of Tigger!) This is a story of sweet ghosts who have a happy and gentle purpose in houses; and of one ghost in particular who is temporarily displaced. First published in 1944.
The "About Georgie and Robert Bright" bio on the back flap is great and I reprint it here in case others are not lucky enough to have the dust jacket on their copy (mine is from the library):
"Robert Bright's children, according to him, have always liked ghosts. His daughter Beatrice began when she was five to look under her bed iin hopes of finding one there. She had the idea that if she behaved herself very well a little ghost might visit her. And as soon as her younger brother Robin began to talk, says Mr. Bright, he made it clear that he felt the same way. So Mr. Bright has done GEORGIE for Beatrice and Robin--and for all children who, unlike grown-ups, are NOT frightened by imagination."
The "About Georgie and Robert Bright" bio on the back flap is great and I reprint it here in case others are not lucky enough to have the dust jacket on their copy (mine is from the library):
"Robert Bright's children, according to him, have always liked ghosts. His daughter Beatrice began when she was five to look under her bed iin hopes of finding one there. She had the idea that if she behaved herself very well a little ghost might visit her. And as soon as her younger brother Robin began to talk, says Mr. Bright, he made it clear that he felt the same way. So Mr. Bright has done GEORGIE for Beatrice and Robin--and for all children who, unlike grown-ups, are NOT frightened by imagination."
June 2, 2020
Three years ago, my Mom surprised me with remaining cartons of childhood books, to complete my collection. I recognized “Georgie & The Robbers” by American author Robert Bright. It is from 1963, a decade before my birth and I see that it is Robert’s fourth adventure. I recently bought the book entitled just plain “Georgie”. To my surprise, it launches the first story of this sweet paranormal series: all the way back to 1944, when my parents were coming into existence.
Because French is among our dual official languages in Canada, provisions are made to offer French material. Every school has a French instruction class, if it isn’t outright immersion; thus my version is a French tale. Simple words and sketched scenes are ideal for the rusty and external language pupils and I enjoyed reading Georgie’s début en Français. Traductrice Christiane Duchesne gives my multicultural copy a Canadian connection, by having been born in Montréal. She took industrial design, was a magazine editor in chief, researched educational material, and is an authoress of her own; including scripts for Radio Canada.
Creator of this beloved, caring, ghost personality (his story about relocating robins would do me in); Robert also drew his own sketches. They appear to be in ink, just in black & white. The strokes are bold, with the illusion of colour and of movement. Every aspect of every drawing is permeated with expressiveness, so that not only are the emotions of Georgie’s animal allies and trees on display but even buildings and furniture express their own character.
Indeed, this story is about how steps and a door creaking nightly, supersede clocks; by which house residents and animals pace their routines. Habits go askew after the steps and door are fixed. How nice, that even a house spirit is wanted.
Because French is among our dual official languages in Canada, provisions are made to offer French material. Every school has a French instruction class, if it isn’t outright immersion; thus my version is a French tale. Simple words and sketched scenes are ideal for the rusty and external language pupils and I enjoyed reading Georgie’s début en Français. Traductrice Christiane Duchesne gives my multicultural copy a Canadian connection, by having been born in Montréal. She took industrial design, was a magazine editor in chief, researched educational material, and is an authoress of her own; including scripts for Radio Canada.
Creator of this beloved, caring, ghost personality (his story about relocating robins would do me in); Robert also drew his own sketches. They appear to be in ink, just in black & white. The strokes are bold, with the illusion of colour and of movement. Every aspect of every drawing is permeated with expressiveness, so that not only are the emotions of Georgie’s animal allies and trees on display but even buildings and furniture express their own character.
Indeed, this story is about how steps and a door creaking nightly, supersede clocks; by which house residents and animals pace their routines. Habits go askew after the steps and door are fixed. How nice, that even a house spirit is wanted.
June 3, 2020
This is a very sweet and funny story. Georgie is a friendly and helpful ghost (he reminded me of Casper the Friendly Ghost) who lives in a house where the creaking stair board & door give him the chance to be helpful.
I loved that when Georgie has to (temporarily ) go out in the world, the only house in the area without a ghost was the very scary looking house. That was extremely amusing. Also cute was the welcome mat (with cat and with owl nearby) waiting for Georgie on his return.
I loved the detailed black & white illustrations. This book was originally published in 1944 and the illustrations are definitely of that era. I’m not sure how today’s kids will feel about this very sedate story and its old fashioned pictures, but I do think very young children will enjoy it, and will find it reassuring too.
This book most likely won’t scare even the most phobic child.
I wonder if I just don’t remember this book or if I’ve truly never read it before now.
I loved that when Georgie has to (temporarily ) go out in the world, the only house in the area without a ghost was the very scary looking house. That was extremely amusing. Also cute was the welcome mat (with cat and with owl nearby) waiting for Georgie on his return.
I loved the detailed black & white illustrations. This book was originally published in 1944 and the illustrations are definitely of that era. I’m not sure how today’s kids will feel about this very sedate story and its old fashioned pictures, but I do think very young children will enjoy it, and will find it reassuring too.
This book most likely won’t scare even the most phobic child.
I wonder if I just don’t remember this book or if I’ve truly never read it before now.
October 11, 2018
In a quiet New England village, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker, a friendly little ghost named Georgie knew exactly what to do and when to do it. Every night, at the exact same time, he creaked the loose step on the staircase, and squeaked the parlor door, alerting the Whittakers to the fact that it was time to go to bed, Herman the cat that it was time to start his evening prowl, and Miss Oliver the owl that it was time to wake up. But when Mr. Whittaker nails down the loose step, and oils the hinges on the parlor door, Georgie's nightly duties become impossible, and he soon finds himself seeking a new home. Will he ever be able to return...?
Originally published in 1944, this delightful little book is the first of thirteen titles featuring Georgie, the friendly little ghost, and would make a perfect selection for young children who like less frightening ghost-stories. The black and white illustrations have an old-fashioned charm that is difficult to resist, and the story itself has a satisfactorily happy ending. I did wonder, as I was reading this, whether Casper the Friendly Ghost - a cartoon character first created in the 1930s - were an influence, but there's room for more than one cozy spook in the world (says I)! I think I may revisit this character and his adventures this coming fall - after all, Georgie's Halloween is still to be read!
Originally published in 1944, this delightful little book is the first of thirteen titles featuring Georgie, the friendly little ghost, and would make a perfect selection for young children who like less frightening ghost-stories. The black and white illustrations have an old-fashioned charm that is difficult to resist, and the story itself has a satisfactorily happy ending. I did wonder, as I was reading this, whether Casper the Friendly Ghost - a cartoon character first created in the 1930s - were an influence, but there's room for more than one cozy spook in the world (says I)! I think I may revisit this character and his adventures this coming fall - after all, Georgie's Halloween is still to be read!
August 30, 2017
I remember ordering this from Scholastic when I was a kid. I loved the Georgie stories, and was always bouncing with anticipation for that month's book order to come in. Ah... the good old days. And quite possibly the beginning of my interest in the paranormal. Lovely.
August 20, 2014
Now, let me start by saying my goal is to dig up all the books I read as a child as well as new books this year. Georgie always held a special place in my heart so I decided to meet Georgie again. He is as sweet as ever and the stories are as wonderful as ever. I plan to buy them bit by bit. My mom loved reading these tales and I grew to love them even as an adult. You can't get much better than Georgie.
Should I be counting such a short book in my goal? Perhaps not but for one I have reached my goal, two, I read tons and tons of comics that would surely equal books that I never count in my reading so I will include the little childrens books and the shorter young adult novels that I read in my goal. I think that evens things out.
I think everyone, of every age should go ahead and read the books they loved as childrens and teens. It's fun to visit that side of yourself. I for one and feeling extremely happy right now after finishing this book and now I am off to read Georgie's Halloween. Who wants to join me? ;)
Should I be counting such a short book in my goal? Perhaps not but for one I have reached my goal, two, I read tons and tons of comics that would surely equal books that I never count in my reading so I will include the little childrens books and the shorter young adult novels that I read in my goal. I think that evens things out.
I think everyone, of every age should go ahead and read the books they loved as childrens and teens. It's fun to visit that side of yourself. I for one and feeling extremely happy right now after finishing this book and now I am off to read Georgie's Halloween. Who wants to join me? ;)
September 17, 2019
So cute!
October 6, 2015
I read this when I was in first grade. My mother read it in third grade. It became a tradition to borrow this book and its sequels from the library at my elementary school, and we'd read them as the leaves outside turned colors and dropped to the yard.
Georgie is sort of like Casper's predecessor, only more adorable, and without a group of abusive uncles-slash-older ghosts. The plot is simple because, uh, it's a children's book, guys. But it's utterly charming. Robert Bright wrote this in the 1940's and it captures the sparkle I associate with media of the time (the radio programs, the silver screen and its banter and atmosphere).
Georgie is sort of like Casper's predecessor, only more adorable, and without a group of abusive uncles-slash-older ghosts. The plot is simple because, uh, it's a children's book, guys. But it's utterly charming. Robert Bright wrote this in the 1940's and it captures the sparkle I associate with media of the time (the radio programs, the silver screen and its banter and atmosphere).
May 21, 2014
I've loved this book since I was a little girl, and we still read it with our kids at Halloween.
My sister was convinced that Georgie lived in our floor radiators, and used to talk to him through them! :-)
Charming illustrations and story!
My sister was convinced that Georgie lived in our floor radiators, and used to talk to him through them! :-)
Charming illustrations and story!
September 21, 2017
This book delighted me, then my kids, and now my grandkids. Good fun.
October 17, 2021
I cannot remember whether I read this when I was little or not. It seems vaguely familiar; I probably enjoyed one of the sequels. This, first in the series, is rather 'meh' to this adult, but if I get a chance I will read more.
January 25, 2016
I didn't grow up with this story, but since it's a friendly ghost, I might have liked it ... I'll read it to a child and watch his response.
May 15, 2018
One of my all time favorite stories from my childhood about a sweet little ghost who tries to find a new house to haunt when the people living in his fix the creaky steps and squeaky doors.
May 30, 2018
One of my most iconic childhood reads!
October 24, 2024
(a sweet classic)
May 12, 2023
I really appreciated the illustrations, all done in pen. And I wanted to enjoy the story because it was like a Casper the friendly ghost situation, but it just fell a little flat for me. No real drama, just monotone. My rating - 2/5
April 30, 2024
A sweet little book that I remember from my earliest years of reading on my own. I absolutely loved this book then and it's just as endearing now. I'm glad I found this and added it to my collection. I highly recommend this book for any little one you may have that's learning to read.
April 30, 2025
Georgie is a friendly ghost who haunts the home of the Whittaker’s, an old couple. His creak of the floor and squeak of the door let them know when to go to bed. Things go awry when Mr. Whitaker decides to fix these things. A cute ghost story.
August 13, 2017
I'm pretty sure I read this as a young person.
April 12, 2018
entertaining
November 27, 2018
I got the Spanish version and the illustrations were great. The bad thing is I had no idea what was happening in the book but oh well.
Read
November 14, 2019cute
June 16, 2020
Cute story about a ghost named Georgie who actually helps the people in his house.
September 24, 2021
Charming.
August 1, 2023
Children's Picture Books
Georgie the Ghost looks for a place to live and belong.
Georgie the Ghost looks for a place to live and belong.
April 3, 2024
Such a cozy, classic tale vibe with just a sprinkle of spookiness.
August 12, 2025
Soooo cute!
November 26, 2025
Charming!
August 13, 2018
Georgie is a friendly ghost that lives at a home. This is good story that is coming to eighty years old. The illustrations are interesting, and it delivers a sense that you feel how old this story is. This is a fun story to read and have in your library.
May 17, 2018
Georgie the Ghost is a delightful children's book that is unfortunately largely unknown and forgotten. I adored these books as a kid. They still hold a place of honor on my shelves. I recommend seeking these books out and reading them to your children. I'm sure they will love Georgie as much as I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews