Just in time for Halloween comes this pourquoi tale of a pumpkin left to its own devices on a hill, until it multiplies over time to the point of producing a golden avalanche. So many pumpkins pour into the valley town, there are more than enough for pies and jack-o’-lanterns for everyone. The result is a ban on the scattering of pumpkin seeds and adoption of the custom of roasting and eating them instead. Sadly, this clever idea is presented in language that limps, impossible to read aloud smoothly. The cartoon-style illustrations, filled with orange and green, feature anthropomorphized animals and insects as well as a stereotypical farmer and his wife along with diverse townspeople. It all ends with instructions for growing a single giant pumpkin and roasting pumpkin seeds (with adult help). Only for libraries in need of more holiday titles. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2006
ISBN: 0-8234-1869-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2006
Another winner from Daywalt and Jeffers.
After celebrating Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, and other holidays, the Crayons come together to salute their dads.
Does your pop resemble Brown Crayon’s? He lovingly helps her learn new skills, and when he doesn’t know something, he’s game to “figure it out together.” Neon Red’s dad “always knows where he’s going” (though the accompanying image depicts him holding an upside-down map of Mt. Rushmore). Blue-Green has two dads (Blue and Green, naturally). Beige celebrates his tool-wielding, pot-stirring mom—his only parent. Pale Yellow’s dad is a literal calculator, so when she says she loves him “to the moon and back,” he generates, and appreciates, the exact figure. Orange and Yellow honor their grandpa, who uses a wheelchair, while Navy Blue loves his stepdad, who happens to be a remote control. Mauve’s dad knows that the right answer to every question is, “Better ask your mom.” Green is grateful for his whole blended family, three different but related verdant shades. Notably, this tale acknowledges that families all look different; no Crayon is left out, and everyone has the opportunity to show their caregivers “how much they’re loved on Father’s Day.” Jeffers’ clever, childlike art gives every character personality and verve.
Another winner from Daywalt and Jeffers. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2025
ISBN: 9780593624616
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
The tips garnered here could be used to scare just about anyone, and for those scared of ghosts, at least your carpets will...
Reagan and Wildish continue their How to… series with this Halloween-themed title.
If you’ve ever had a hankering to scare a ghost, this handbook is what you need. In it, a pair of siblings shows readers “how to attract a ghost” (they like creepily carved pumpkins and glitter), identify a ghost (real ghosts “never, ever open doors”), and scare a ghost (making faces, telling scary stories). Also included is a warning not to go too far—a vacuum is over-the-top on the scary chart for ghosts. Once you’ve calmed your ghost again, it’s time to play (just not hide-and-seek or on a trampoline) and then decide on costumes for trick-or-treating. Your ghost will also need to learn Halloween etiquette (knocking instead of floating through doors). The title seems a little misleading considering only two spreads are dedicated to trying to scare a ghost, but the package as a whole is entertaining. Wildish’s digital cartoon illustrations are as bright as ever, and the brother and sister duo have especially expressive faces. Both are white-presenting, as are all the other characters except for some kids in the very last spread.
The tips garnered here could be used to scare just about anyone, and for those scared of ghosts, at least your carpets will be clean from all the vacuuming. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Aug. 21, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-5247-0190-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: July 15, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
