Ten Orange Pumpkins: A Counting Book

PreS-Gr 2—Another rhyming book counting down pumpkins at Halloween? Yes, please! Bold colors contrast with seasonal shadows in the mixed-media (digital and traditional) illustrations, drawing readers in to a countdown that does not anthropomorphize the pumpkins. Rather, readers see one pumpkin at a time disappearing in benignly spooky fashion: a mummy chooses a pumpkin, lightning flashes one away, a witch uses one in her brew. The catchy rhyme scheme never feels forced and is predictable enough for listeners to enjoy guessing. With just one to three lines per page, the text is also well suited to beginning and newly independent readers. The clean illustrations and uncluttered pages will show well in a group setting. When the last pumpkin turns into a glowing jack-o'-lantern next to a black cat that has appeared throughout the story, readers are wished a happy Halloween, but this is a story that could be enjoyed year-round.—Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD