Raina Telgemeier tells a different type of ghost story in new graphic novel

In Raina Telgemeier's new graphic novel, Ghosts, apparitions aren't something to be scared of — they actually help us appreciate life. 

The New York Times best-selling author explores illness, fear and the paranormal in her latest work and wraps it all up in a sense of magical realism. The story follows a girl named Catrina as her family moves to a town in California for the health of her sister who is suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Telgemeier isn't Mexican but Ghosts features a Mexican family and highlights the Day of the Dead celebrations. Having to process several losses over the past decade, Telgemeier was drawn to the festive holiday because it deals with death in a "really positive way." 

In researching for this book, Telgemeier also spoke with lots of different people, adding, "I like having dinner with people because you learn a lot about them through food."

Ghosts, like Telgemeier's other works, has attracted a young readership but the author states that age isn't at the forefront of her mind but there is one child she has in mind at all times. 

"I'm just writing for the kid that I was when I was 10 years old," she reveals. "I'm just going to try and approach it like I'm having a conversation with my younger self." 

Raina Telgemeier will be signing books at the Chapters in Mississauga (3050 Vega Boulevard) on Wednesday, Oct. 12. For more information, go to Telgemeier's website.