Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bengali ghosts aren't too scary in eco-themed adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE GHOST FOREST: SECRETS OF THE SKY, BOOK 3, twins Kiya and Kinjal are called back to the Kingdom Beyond by Princess Pakkhiraj. The kingdom is swarming with ghosts (bhoot) and no one knows why. Before the twins even reach the Kingdom Beyond, they hear scary voices calling their names. It's the dreaded bhoot who follow them to Princess Pakkhiraj's palace. Kinjal tries to talk to the bhoot and find out why they left the coconut grove they've always haunted, but before they speak, the palace guards attack and scare them all away. Kinjal and Kiya try to follow them back to their coconut grove only to discover all the trees have been cut down. It's no wonder the ghosts are upset, but who did such a terrible thing and why?
Is It Any Good?
Even the Bengali ghosts are afraid of deforestation in this entertaining but slight eco-adventure series installment. Twins Kinjal and Kiya are back, on a quest to find out why the bhoot (ghosts) are invading all of the Kingdom Beyond. It's only when they see the ghosts' demolished coconut groves that they truly understand. And they're not the only ones who lose their homes to deforestation. Only the enigmatic Queen Pinki can help the twins figure out who's to blame, which means they have to travel to her kingdom where they are still wanted Dead or Alive -- now that's exciting. But here's where The Ghost Forest falters: when characters sit around talking about what's happening to the lost forests, come up with the right answer, and, lo and behold, there it is. Including just one curious twist, or an earlier entré by the true villain would have helped this story and its important eco-message stand out to readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about deforestation in The Ghost Forest and in the real world. How does it impact the ghosts? In the wider Kingdom Beyond? What good does it do just to tell them to "go back to where they came from?" Why does this phrase upset Kiya and Kinjal?
Why is Kinjal so upset when he's forced to break his promise to the ghosts? How does he try to show integrity when the Raja does not?
Do you think the ghosts are scary? Are they also a little bit silly? Does it make them less scary when they ask for Kinjal and Kiya's help?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Sandara Tang
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : April 2, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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