PRINCESS TRULY PICKS A PUMPKIN

With the help of her magic, a young girl finds the perfect Halloween pumpkin.

In this latest in the series, Princess Truly, who has brown skin and Afro puffs and sports a purple tutu, heads to the pumpkin patch with her pup, Sir Noodles, looking for just the right pumpkin. After passing up several, the pair notice a purple vine with a sign saying “Please add water.” With a shake of her magic curls, Princess Truly conjures rain that gives way to an unusually colorful pumpkin, just what she wants for Halloween night. The text is made up of simple, short rhymes that read aloud smoothly though a shade awkwardly in places. Rauscher’s illustrations really bring the story to life as Sir Noodles looks on curiously, and a sweet little mouse can be found on each page. All of the usual fall colors are here, but a touch of watercolor rainbow effect when Princess Truly taps into her magic gives the illustrations a little extra flair. Though there isn’t a lot of substance to the story, its seasonally festive theme and adorable protagonist make it a charming read; those looking for depictions of young girls of color enjoying the season should seek this one out. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An endearing autumnal romp.