PreS-Gr 1—Halloween looms, and several pumpkins scheme to scare the children who will soon be trick-or-treating. Jackpot, head of the Union of Pumpkinheads, proposes a contest for the scariest carved jack o'lantern. Whoever spooks the children the most will be crowned head of the holiday. Each one thinks of a costume to complement its appearance: a white pumpkin zombie mime, dinosaurs from colossal pumpkins, a swarm of killer bees and eyeballs from the minis. Contemptuous pumpkins deny other vegetables the opportunity to participate, but the joke is on them. It turns out that small children are far more scared of leeks, turnips, and parsnips than of carved pumpkins. The illustrations combine photographs with pencil drawings. Black backgrounds provide drama and allow the glowing contestants to shine. Details in pencil fill out the spreads, adding fences, vines, and partial views of the costumed children the pumpkins hope to scare. The story line is thin and choppy; the book is more of a vehicle to showcase McMahon's carving skills. For some readers, the plot deficiencies will not matter much, as the artwork is astoundingly detailed and creative. An illustrated two-page guide gives a basic overview on how to carve a scaredy-cat pumpkin. Libraries with substantial holiday collections may wish to supplement with this title.—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR
Growing "plump and restless" in their patch, bored pumpkins transform into scary characters. Elaborate dinosaurs, mummies, killer bees, and even Frankenstein's monster come alive as crisp photographs of skillfully carved creations (digitally assembled) appear within the patch. The text is forced, but it provides a serviceable prop for McMahon's impressive pumpkin carvings. Step-by-step "Carve Your Own Scaredy-Cat Pumpkin" directions are included.
Be the first reader to comment.
Comment Policy:
Comment should not be empty !!!