Published by Orchard Books

Summary:  “Five Little Pumpkins” gets a slightly scarier reworking, starting with ten spooky pumpkins, and moving on from nine black cats down to two skinny scarecrows.  They all get together for a big Halloween party until one full moon sends everyone off to bed.  A little girl in a clown costume witnesses the whole thing, finishing off her evening asleep, her trick-or-treat candy scattered around her bed.  Don’t miss the patchwork-inspired endpapers and the rhyme and illustration on the title page.  Includes an author’s note telling about his childhood inspirations for his artwork.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  This rhyme is perfect for preschoolers, and the macabre illustrations provide just the right amount of spookiness for Halloween.

Cons:  So many new Halloween picture books to read aloud this year, children are going to be begging me to stop.