Pick a Pumpkin

It is almost Halloween; time to create a pumpkin lantern. Choose a nice big one, hollow out its middle, carve out the eyes, nose and mouth – you can decide on the expression – then add the candle. Place your lantern outside the door, light the candle and watch its face come to life in the dark. Yes, it is time to Trick or Treat. It is Halloween.

This sumptuous picture book with its gentle rhyming text will be welcomed by librarians and parents looking for a Halloween themed read that does not dwell on the scary side of the season. Rather here we have a celebration around the creation of the Jack o’ Lantern which is presented very much as a family activity with an emphasis on fun. The setting is definitely American – though even in the States one suspects the pumpkin will arrive from the supermarket rather than the back garden or even a farm. Creating the atmosphere are the illustrations by Jarvis. From the lovely endpapers setting the scene, each double page spread bursts with smoky autumnal colours – a rich palette of blues, greens, oranges and red – a feast for the eyes to bring the words to life. There are no surprises here; just a picture book to be enjoyed.