We're Going on a Pumpkin Hunt

Originally published in the U.K., this sweet picture book riffs on the classic folk song widely known as "We're Going on a Bear Hunt." Three children--a light-skinned child with a black bowl cut in a skeleton costume; a curly-haired, brown-skinned kid dressed as a mummy; and a pale, freckled, orange-haired child in witchy black garb--set out from a house, seeking a sizable pumpkin. Hawk employs a holiday-appropriate refrain to trace their journey through bright green grassland and light blue skies: "We're going on a pumpkin hunt./ We're going to find a big one./ What a beautiful night!/ We're not scared." Obstacles including "watchful, green-eyed cats" "sticky spiders' cobwebs," and "flying, flapping bats"--with relevant onomatopoeia and repetition for each--are no deterrent for the young adventurers, despite appearing in humorously large numbers. Solid, bright colors and generally smiley characters by Rozelaar keep the mood light, even amid shadows and a supernatural surprise, in this seasonal update. Ages 4-8. (July)