Pumpkin Dad

PUMPKIN DAD is an overall cute picture book. Ellis wakes her dad up from a nap to remind him it is Halloween, waving around her magical wand. Her dad decides to play a prank on her, pretending she has changed him into a pumpkin. Ellis grabs the pumpkin to take it to the hospital, while her father chases her out of the house to tell her it was a joke. However, the pumpkin falls off her bike, and rolls into the pumpkin festival, where Ellis is concerned that people may be eating, drinking, or carving up her father. At the end, she casts another spell and finds him again.

What I loved: This is an overall simple story with short sentences and large, clear font that will work well for early independent readers to read on their own. Simple illustrations compliment the short story well, keeping a white background that will not distract young readers.

What left me wanting more: Some caution for sensitive readers - the idea of the things being done to the pumpkin being done to her father can be a bit intense. This prank ended up being a little bit mean, and that can be tough to explain to little kids. This may be better suited to older readers who will understand the intent and empathize with things going wrong.

Final verdict: Overall, PUMPKIN DAD is a unique Halloween picture book about a prank gone wrong and determination to setting things right. Recommend for older readers who can get the humor.