THE PUMPKIN MAN FROM PINEY CREEK

Beard's first book is inspired by pumpkins. At the end of the 19th century, Hattie lives on a farm and loves the pumpkins her father grows. She wants to make a jack-o'-lantern but her father has promised the entire crop to the pumpkin man. The deal is done and Hattie abandons all hope, but the kindhearted peddler finds a way for her to keep one, after all. Beard is fond of old-fashioned, rustic idioms, and she uses them with care and taste. Kelly's watercolors of the farm in autumn depict sympathetic characters surrounded by dozens of appetizing pumpkins. This delicately evocative book should make even those who aren't crazy about the squash hanker for a piece of pie. A recipe's included, just in case. (Picture book. 5-8)