Today's read will probably seem a little out of place, at first glance. Maybe at the second, too. But I'm ready for carved pumpkin tales year around if they are good and cute and friendly...or even spooky works for me. My daughter asked me this morning why there aren't more holidays this time of year... fun ones with tons of decorations. Yes, July 4th is coming... (ahem...and I just found out we might be spending it in DC!!!!!!!), but it's still a way off and hangs out in the middle by itself a bit. A couple more holidays wouldn't hurt. So, I have a small desire to send my thoughts toward Halloween. Just like dipping the toes in ice water on a hot day for a quick second.
Ready to visit this holiday with me and see if it makes us smile and dream?
JEFF O'LANTERN
by Charlie Greenwald
Illustrated by Jelke van Antwerpen
Magination Press
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING AUGUST 4th!!!
You all know Jack O'Lantern, with his wild eyes and crooked teeth. He's the best on the block at keeping the trick-or-treaters on Irving Street from taking more than one piece of Halloween candy. But have you met his little brother, Jeff?
Jeff O'Lantern has kind eyes and a friendly smile, and he's a little shy. Unlike his big brother, he's not very good at scaring away overeager trick-or-treaters. Even his boo sounds sweet rather than spooky. But he's going to keep trying to live up to the O'Lantern name and make his brother proud.
Despite Jeff's best efforts, the Halloween treats are going too quickly, and it doesn't seem like there will be enough for everyone. Join Jeff as he embarks on his pumpkin hero's journey to save the candy bowl, help out a new friend, and uncover his true talents along the way.
In this funny and charming Halloween tale, can Jeff O'Lantern finally get out of the shadow of his more confident sibling and find his own way to shine?
Jeff O'Lantern has kind eyes and a friendly smile, and he's a little shy. Unlike his big brother, he's not very good at scaring away overeager trick-or-treaters. Even his boo sounds sweet rather than spooky. But he's going to keep trying to live up to the O'Lantern name and make his brother proud.
Despite Jeff's best efforts, the Halloween treats are going too quickly, and it doesn't seem like there will be enough for everyone. Join Jeff as he embarks on his pumpkin hero's journey to save the candy bowl, help out a new friend, and uncover his true talents along the way.
In this funny and charming Halloween tale, can Jeff O'Lantern finally get out of the shadow of his more confident sibling and find his own way to shine?
MY TIDBITS
One of the favorite activities surrounding Halloween gains a fun, unexpected twist in a tale with heart.
It's time to go trick-or-treating and while the human family is underway to visit the neighborhood, Jeff and Jack O'Lantern are tasked with handing out candy to the kids who stop by the house. Perched on the doorstep with a bowl of candy between them, the two carved pumpkins couldn't be more different from the other. Jack carries a scary grin and an attitude to match, reminding each kid that they can only take one treat. Jeff, on the other hand, is all smiles and can't wait for the costumed children to grab up their handfuls. Still, Jeff wants to make Jack happy and prove that he can also be strict and keep the kids from taking more than one piece. But this proves to be more difficult than he thought it'd be.
This is a read for Halloween, which lets the fun of Trick-or-Treating flow. The two carved pumpkins carry tons of personality, and despite their obvious differences, get along quite well. The care between them is obvious even when Jack asserts that Jeff change his behavior. This demand is also delivered carefully to leave readers/listeners wondering if Jack is right or not. After all, there are reasons to go either way. When a huge twist of events leads to an unexpected adventure, it's easy to root for Jeff, enjoy the fun, and smile at the heart-warming message at the end.
The illustrations display the scenes nicely to bring across the tale with personality. They also flow well enough for listeners, who can't read, to pick up on their own and flip through the tale. The text makes a nice read-aloud or works for those readers, who are sure of their words to hit on their own. There is an obvious message by the end, which can be used to open up to discussions. The author also includes two pages for the caretaker, which explains more on understanding different temperaments and valuing unique abilities of each personality.
It's a read with food for thought and will work especially nicely come Halloween season.
And here they are...
Charlie Greenwald is a passionate animal rescue
advocate, he has also coauthored a series of books with his father called The
Rescues. Charlie lives in Stamford, CT. Visit his website.
Jelke van Antwerpen's passion is bringing stories to life with illustrations inspired by magic, horror, and fairy tales. She lives in Mierlo, Netherlands.
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