JEFF O'LANTERN

How intimidating should a pumpkin be?

Before the family who lives at 62 Irving Street heads out to trick-or-treat, they task the O’Lantern brothers with handing out holiday candy. Jack’s wild eyes, crooked teeth, and wicked smile practically personify Halloween; little brother Jeff is all kind eyes, straight teeth, and warm smile. Is he up to the job? Jack immediately assumes command, yelling at costumed kids to take “JUST ONE!” The youngsters each cautiously select a piece and scram. But despite Jeff’s best efforts, he can’t pull scary faces, and his “boo” just makes the youngsters giggle. The tickled trick-or-treaters take advantage of his unthreatening demeanor to grab gobs of goodies. After Jeff trips and rolls off the porch into the street, he meets a crying girl whose bucket has broken, spilling all her candy. He offers to help her trick-or-treat, and after collecting more candy, the grateful girl shares the wealth, filling the empty O’Lantern bowl with treats. Jack assumes that Jeff must have terrified her into complying, but Jeff knows better: “I was myself.” Greenwald threads his cheery tale with a message of self-acceptance, supported by an extensive note that encourages parents to support their children’s individuality. Van Antwerpen’s well-composed pages pack in all the standard Halloween motifs; the cartoon style and use of neon orange, magenta, and green place the emphasis on fun, not scares.

An affirming Halloween tale that provides a lesson in self-love.