As it says in the title of the first book, Gus is a friendly ghost, a little bit like Caspar (an older character).  He lives a quiet life (or after life?) in the Scott family’s old summer home with a mouse friend.  When the Scott family sells the house, and it looks like it might be demolished because it’s so old and the land is going to be part of a park, he convinces someone to buy it to turn it into a museum in the park.

From then on, Gus continues living in the museum with his mouse friend, and also Mr. Frizzle, who manages the museum, and Cora the cat.

Although the author’s name is Jane Thayer, that is actually a pen name for Catherine Woolley, who also wrote the Ginnie and Geneva Series.

Books in the Series:

Gus Was a Friendly Ghost (1962)

Gus lives in the Scott family’s summer home, but he is lonely when they are away during the fall.  When he meets a cold, hungry mouse looking for a place to stay, he invites the mouse to spend the winter with him.

What’s a Ghost Going to Do? (1966)

When it looks like the house where Gus “lives” might be going to be demolished, he convinces someone to buy it to turn it into a museum.

Gus Was a Christmas Ghost (1969)

Mr. Frizzle, who manages the museum that is Gus’s home, doesn’t like Gus at first and tries to get rid of him, but the two become friends over Christmas.

Gus and the Baby Ghost (1972)

A baby ghost is left on the doorstep of the museum, and Gus has to take care of it.

Gus Was a Mexican Ghost (1974)

Gus travels to Mexico.

Gus Was a Gorgeous Ghost

Gus becomes interested in color and decides that ghosts can be more colors than just white.

Gus Was a Real Dumb Ghost (1982)

Gus tries to write his autobiography, but the publisher returns it, saying that there are too many errors in it.  Gus decides that he needs to learn to write better, and it’s time to go to school!

I don’t care for the little of this one. It sounds too mean. Why couldn’t it have just been “Gus Goes to School” or something?

Gus Loved His Happy Home (1989)

Mr. Frizzle goes on vacation, and Gus fails to keep up the chores he was supposed to do while Mr. Frizzle was gone.  If he doesn’t get his work done, he and his animal friends might lose their home!