Book Review: 'Pumpkin Jack' by Will Hubbell

✰✰✰✰✰ When Tim's mom tells him his amazing jack-o'-lantern, Jack, is beginning to rot, Tim sets it out in the garden. It's a sad day, but the garden is better than the garbage. As fall changes into winter and then spring, Jack changes too. Soon all that's left are a few seeds, which Tim plants. As the days grow warmer, Tim uncovers a surprise in his garden. With careful nurturing, by fall Tim has a wonderful gift to share with his friends.

The Bottom Line: What a wonderful story! With it's emphasis on gardening, the life cycle of the pumpkin plant, and the changing seasons, this book is both entertaining and educational. Hubbell's illustrations in colored pencil with solvent wash effects demonstrate the amazing change of seasons. Heartily recommended for story time reading. This title is my new fall favorite!

Details: Pumpkin Jack written & illustrated by Will Hubbell. Picture book published by Albert Whitman & Company in 2000. 32 p. ISBN: 0-8075-6665-9