Happy Meow-loween Little Pumpkin

July 26, 2021
In this cheerfully rhythmic board book by Rossner, an unnamed narrator relays a series of Halloween puns. “Hey, little pumpkin—/ you sure are a treat!” The book begins in a rounded orange font (pun words are spotlighted in cream) as a smiling, spectacled jack-o’-lantern sits beneath, another with thin orange limbs on the next page waving a lollipop in the air. “Though this may sound corny,/ I think you’re really sweet,” the book continues, as sentient candy corn dance in a room. Rounded, animation-style art by Williams in a jewel-toned palette offers a series of close-ups on Halloween characters against a purple sky and green grass: cheerful spiders, bats, cats, ghosts, mummies, and vampires round out the cast. Eschewing a plot in favor of affirmative one-liners, this is a greeting card–esque readaloud for the youngest Halloween enthusiasts. Ages up to 3.

September 3, 2021

Toddler-PreS-With the opening line of "Hey, little pumpkin-you sure are a treat!" this board book highlights the sweet and cuddly side of Halloween. Featuring diminutive and squeezable ghosts, bats, vampires, and mummies, it is peppered with puns to keep parent and child alike engaged. When the narrator declares that "When you're wrapped in my arms, you make me feel complete," the following page shows a mummy parent and child hugging, all wrapped up in their bandages. And so it goes throughout. The text is mainly done in the classic Halloween orange, but certain words are displayed in a bold white, giving readers a clue as to what the next page will reveal. VERDICT Another adorable board book in the "Punderland" series, this will be a perfect for reading aloud to little ones. Recommended for purchase.-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph P.L., MI

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