Is Sir Simon actually scary for a 4-year-old?

Not really. He looks more like a grumpy marshmallow than a phantom. The book focuses on his 'work' and his annoyance at being interrupted, which keeps the vibe firmly in the comedy camp.

Does this book mention death or 'the afterlife'?

No. It bypasses all the heavy existential stuff. Simon is just a 'professional ghost' who gets transferred to a new house like he's moving to a new office branch.

Is it a good book for a kid who is afraid of the dark?

It's actually one of the best. By showing that 'ghosts' are just busy people making noises, it helps kids reframe weird house sounds as something silly rather than something threatening.

What's the reading level like for a kid trying to read it solo?

The vocabulary is moderate, but there's a lot of text in the form of lists and side-notes. It's best as a read-aloud for ages 4-6, and a great solo read for 2nd graders.

Sir Simon: Super Scarer – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Sir Simon: Super Scarer

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2018Juvenile Fiction

93%

WISE Score

A professional ghost tries to outsource his haunting chores to a kid, only to realize that being a Super Scarer is mostly just a lot of tedious manual labor.

Sir Simon: Super Scarer

book

2018, Juvenile Fiction

93%

WISE Score

A professional ghost tries to outsource his haunting chores to a kid, only to realize that being a Super Scarer is mostly just a lot of tedious manual labor.

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Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

Sir Simon: Super Scarer is a modern picture book classic that manages to be spooky and cozy at the same time. It’s the perfect antidote for any kid who thinks there’s something sinister in the attic—mostly because it reveals that the 'something' is probably just a ghost who is behind on his paperwork.

The art is fantastic, the humor is dry enough for parents to enjoy, and the message about friendship and shared effort lands without being preachy. It's a must-buy for the Halloween season, but honestly, it’s good enough to stay in the rotation all year round.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 4-to-8 crowd. It hits that sweet spot for preschoolers who want to feel 'brave' by reading a ghost story that is actually just a comedy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The story centers on an unlikely friendship and the realization that neither ghosts nor humans are particularly good at each other's chores, leading to a sweet, cooperative bond.

Imaginative

The concept of 'ghost chores'—the idea that creaks, groans, and spiderwebs are manual labor performed by a professional—is a brilliant way to demystify scary house noises for kids.

Safe

While it features a ghost, the tone is purely comedic. There is no real peril, violence, or trauma. It's safer than a standard episode of Scooby-Doo.

Enriching

It builds empathy and perspective-taking. It also serves as a great 'gateway' book for kids who are nervous about spooky themes, giving them a sense of control through humor.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Hilariously demystifies the 'scary' parts of a house by showing that floorboard creaks and attic thumps are actually just Simon doing his job.
Subverts the monster-under-the-bed trope by making the ghost a relatable, slightly lazy professional who just wants to haunt a potato instead of a busy house.
Visually dense illustrations are packed with hidden jokes and checklists that reward kids who like to linger on the page.
Models a healthy, curious friendship between Chester (the kid) and Simon, moving from trickery to genuine mutual support.

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What to Watch For

The 'spooky' elements are very mild, but if your kid is in a peak 'fear of the dark' phase, they might need a minute to realize Simon is the one being bothered, not the other way around.

Conversation Starters

"If you had to do ghost chores, which one would be the most annoying? Creaking the stairs or thumping in the attic?"
"Why do you think Simon thought haunting an old lady would be easier than haunting a kid?"
"Simon tried to trick Chester into doing his work. Have you ever tried to get someone else to do your chores for you?"
"What do you think Simon's 'human chores' looked like?"

Deep Dive

The 'Behind the Scenes' of Haunting

Most ghost stories for kids fall into two camps: they’re either genuinely trying to be scary or they’re so toothless they’re boring. Sir Simon carves out a third path by treating haunting as a mundane 9-to-5 job. Simon isn't a soul in torment; he’s a guy with a clipboard and a quota of creaks to fill.

This 'occupational' approach to the supernatural is exactly what makes it work for kids. When Simon explains that he has to manually move the furniture to make those thumping sounds, it takes the power away from the unknown. It turns a potential nightmare into a slapstick comedy about a ghost who is just trying to get his chores done so he can get back to his 'ghostly' hobbies.

Why the Art Matters

Cale Atkinson’s illustration style is the secret sauce here. The pages are cluttered in the best way possible—filled with Simon's checklists, diagrams of the house, and visual gags that kids will spot on the third or fourth read. The contrast between Simon’s grumpy, professional demeanor and Chester’s wide-eyed, relentless questioning creates a classic 'odd couple' dynamic that keeps the pacing tight. If your kid is a fan of The Bad Guys or Narwhal and Jelly, this visual humor will feel right at home.

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