Remember Me, Daphne

Krampien (The Bellwoods Game) spins an eerie tale about a white-cued tween’s bid for friendship and the haunted house that threatens that bond. For years, 12-year-old Flora Abbott has watched families rotate in and out of Thirteen Bly, the old house across the street. Though none stays for long, Flora hopes that the newest family beats the odds—and that one of them could become her best friend. Bright and bubbly new neighbor Mac proves an ideal companion. But as Flora and Mac bond, Flora can’t help but feel like something is amiss. Mac’s parents are unnaturally overbearing, she’s reluctant to talk about her previous school, and when she mentions someone named Daphne, she quickly changes the subject. The unsettling events Flora encounters upon entering Thirteen Bly exacerbate her worries for Mac’s safety. Doors open and close unassisted, objects inexplicably vanish, and Mac’s withdrawn younger brother Danny seems increasingly determined to scare Flora away. Flora is certain that someone or something is haunting Mac’s house, and to save her, Flora must uncover the source. Krampien steadily ramps up the suspense, cultivating a palpable aura of dread as supernatural incidents—depicted in atmospheric, animated grayscale illustrations—escalate from inconvenient to downright dangerous. Threads of optimism, reinforced by Mac and Flora’s easy camaraderie, provide a resting spot throughout this tense adventure. Ages 8–12. Agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House. (July)