THE PUMPKIN MYSTERY
by Carol Wallace & illustrated by Steve Bjorkman
Scruffy the cat and Mocha the dog are interested and sometimes involved onlookers as Aden, Leah and their parents prepare and then tend their pumpkin patch with an eye toward Halloween festivities. They “help” dig, and then they work to keep the rabbits from eating the plants. But all is not well: There are far too few pumpkins. What’s happened? Surprisingly, it’s Louie the rabbit who clues in the family pets and helps them save Halloween—after making a deal, of course. This early reader does a lot: Readers will encounter cleverly planted homophones and a fair amount of gardening know-how in addition to the engaging characters and a genuinely perplexing mystery. Björkman’s line-and-watercolor cartoons ably assist in the character development and contribute to the book’s lighthearted feel. Here’s hoping for more of Scruffy and Mocha. (Early reader. 6-9)