HOW TO HELP A PUMPKIN GROW

An anthropomorphic dog and his animal friends tend pumpkins from seed to table.

It’s spring on the farm, and a border collie dons boots and gloves to dig the garden and sow pumpkin seeds. As the story progresses and the dog works the pumpkin patch, would-be plant and seed eaters, like a crow, rabbit, and goat, instead take part in garden care. While Halloween isn’t mentioned by name, the animal group (which also includes a mouse and goose) carves jack-o’-lanterns after baking and eating some pumpkin pies. Wolff’s illustrations include lovely, subtle details. The spring buds on a nearby tree blossom into a deeper pink with the turn of a page, contrasting poignantly with a surprise flurry. Empty seed packets are placed on stakes in the garden to denote the different cultivars, autumn arrives with a fall of berries from the once-blossoming tree, and the warm glow of sunset signals both a job well done and a book near its end. The mouse that graces the cover is cleverly hidden throughout the story, not always obvious but always present. These illustrative grace notes make for an enjoyable reread. The rhyming text follows a predictable pattern and cadence, which hits just right for little listeners and for an effective read-aloud. Readers will delight in the animals’ proud smiles as the book meets a satisfying end. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A rhythmic seasonal read-aloud with rich, detailed illustrations.