The Runaway Pumpkin

July 27, 2015
It’s hard not to see Lewis’s (Fly Blanky Fly) story as a Halloween-themed answer to The Runaway Bunny, as a cherubic pumpkin tells his mother about everything he hopes to do on Halloween night. Unlike the rabbit parent in Brown’s classic, this mother isn’t a total helicopter pumpkin: she ensures her child has whatever he needs, be it a pirate costume for trick-or-treating or a blanket for visiting his ghost friends at a haunted house, but promises to send him on his way; eventually the younger pumpkin realizes that Halloween might be even better when spent with Mom. Wordless scenes of the small pumpkin’s imagined adventures alternate with the unfolding parent-child conversation. Built around the refrain “for you are my little pumpkin,” Lewis’s dialogue can be stilted, but Zenz’s (Orangutangled) cute-as-a-button pumpkins, ghosts, and mummies hit just the right note of sweetness. Ages 3–6.

August 1, 2015
When a little pumpkin tells his mother about all the adventures he wants to have on Halloween, she makes loving preparations so that he will have the best time ever. Lewis carefully crafts a tale of a watchful mother who wants to ensure a safe and positive experience for her little one. Riffing on The Runaway Bunny, the young gourd imagines riding a witch's broom, visiting a haunted house, dancing the monster mash at a party, joining friends in a mummy-wrap activity, entering a pumpkin contest, trick-or-treating all through town, and going on a hayride. His mother responds to each announcement with what she thinks will help him: a parachute, his "blanky," favorite monster shoes, rolls of tissue, a pirate costume, and baked treats to share. Zenz creates flat, uncluttered cartoon illustrations that have a nostalgic feel that pairs well with the comforting cadence of the text. While not artful, they are cheery and bright. " 'Hmm...' the little pumpkin said....'If you think exploring Halloween will be so great, then you may as well come with me.' / 'Then we will explore Halloween together, ' his mother replied. 'After all, you are my little pumpkin.' " Readers will have fun spotting mother pumpkin on the pages showing all the fun her son wants to have. Little ones just beginning to celebrate Halloween are sure to chime in on the repeated refrain, "you are my little pumpkin," and be inspired to dream up all the exciting things they can take part in during Halloween night. (Picture book. 3-6)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.