Little ones just beginning to celebrate Halloween are sure to chime in on the repeated refrain, “you are my little pumpkin,”...
When a little pumpkin tells his mother about all the adventures he wants to have on Halloween, she makes loving preparations so that he will have the best time ever.
Lewis carefully crafts a tale of a watchful mother who wants to ensure a safe and positive experience for her little one. Riffing on The Runaway Bunny, the young gourd imagines riding a witch’s broom, visiting a haunted house, dancing the monster mash at a party, joining friends in a mummy-wrap activity, entering a pumpkin contest, trick-or-treating all through town, and going on a hayride. His mother responds to each announcement with what she thinks will help him: a parachute, his “blanky,” favorite monster shoes, rolls of tissue, a pirate costume, and baked treats to share. Zenz creates flat, uncluttered cartoon illustrations that have a nostalgic feel that pairs well with the comforting cadence of the text. While not artful, they are cheery and bright. “ ‘Hmm…’ the little pumpkin said….‘If you think exploring Halloween will be so great, then you may as well come with me.’ / ‘Then we will explore Halloween together,’ his mother replied. ‘After all, you are my little pumpkin.’ ” Readers will have fun spotting mother pumpkin on the pages showing all the fun her son wants to have.
Little ones just beginning to celebrate Halloween are sure to chime in on the repeated refrain, “you are my little pumpkin,” and be inspired to dream up all the exciting things they can take part in during Halloween night. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-63450-214-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2015
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.
Another creature is on the loose.
The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781728274300
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2024
A warm and welcome story for emerging readers and their families.
Pumpkins star in this family-centered early reader.
Sketched in rhyming, easy-to-read couplets, this familiar autumn setting is made even warmer by the sweet family that is making a trip to the pumpkin farm. “Sunny day. Pack a lunch. / In the treetops squirrels munch.” So begins the story of a black mother and father and their young son and daughter. They find their special pumpkins and return home for carving, just in time for trick-or-treating. Mother and father are shown walking hand in hand or gently guiding their youngsters, who are very excited to pick out the perfect gourd. Read aloud, the predictable rhyme scans well, making this a book for emerging readers to read over and over, gaining confidence each time. The full-color illustrations, full of oranges and yellows, match the words, providing important visual cues. Little ones will laugh when the younger brother initially finds a huge pumpkin and rolls it over the hill like a bowling ball. “Thump! Thump! Thump! Then… / Uh-oh!” Eventually, he finds one just the right size for carving. Children of color are remarkably absent in the easy-reader stacks, so it’s an especially welcome treat to see them in this rural setting. Preschool and kindergarten teachers will want to add this to their collections.
A warm and welcome story for emerging readers and their families. (Early reader. 3-6)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-553-51341-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2015
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