The Ghost of Thomas Kempe facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Penelope Lively |
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| Illustrator | Anthony Maitland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's fantasy novel, supernatural fiction |
| Publisher | Heinemann (UK) E. P. Dutton (US) |
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Publication date
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26 March 1973 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) |
| Pages | 156 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | 0-434-94894-2 (US) |
| OCLC | 673929 |
| LC Class | PZ7.L7397 Gh |
The Ghost of Thomas Kempe is an exciting children's book written by Penelope Lively. It was first published in 1973. The story is about a boy named James and his family. They move into an old house in an English village.
Soon, strange things start happening in their new home. It seems like a poltergeist is causing trouble. A poltergeist is a ghost that makes noises and moves objects. James soon learns that the ghost is named Thomas Kempe. He was a sorcerer from the 17th century. Thomas Kempe has decided he wants to stay!
Penelope Lively won a special award for this book. It was the Carnegie Medal. This award is given to the best children's book by a British writer each year.
Contents
Meet the Characters
This story has many interesting characters. Here are the main ones you'll meet:
Main Characters
- James: He is the main character of the story.
- Mrs Harrison: James's mother.
- Mr Harrison: James's father.
- Helen: James's sister.
- Tim the dog: The family's dog.
- Thomas Kempe: The ghost who causes all the trouble for James.
Other Characters
- Simon: James's friend.
- Bert: A local handyman who tries to help with the ghost.
- Mrs Verity: An old lady who Thomas Kempe wrongly calls a witch.
- Arnold: A boy from the Victorian era who also met the ghost before James.
- Aunt Fanny: Arnold's aunt.
- Mr Hollings: James's teacher.
- The vicar: A religious leader in the village.
- Julia: Helen's friend.
Story Themes
Penelope Lively often writes about history. She also explores how time passes and how places change. You can see these ideas in many of her books.
In The Ghost of Thomas Kempe, the ghost himself is from the 17th century. The story also looks at the history of the cottage and the area around it. It shows how the past can still affect the present.
Book Adaptations
The Ghost of Thomas Kempe has been made into other forms of entertainment.
Film and Radio
- In 1978, a film based on the book was shown. It was part of the ABC Weekend Special, which showed different films for children. This film was shown many times and is even on YouTube today.
- The book was also read aloud on BBC's Jackanory. This was a popular TV show where stories were read.
- In 1977, a radio play of the book was broadcast in Australia.
- In 1978, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation also made a radio play version.
| Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Watership Down |
Carnegie Medal recipient 1973 |
Succeeded by The Stronghold |
