Pumpkin Jack

by Will Hubbell, Will Hubbell (Illustrator)

Overview

When his beloved jack-o'-lantern starts to decompose, Tim puts it outside and watches it transform from pumpkin—to seed—to pumpkin again.

The first pumpkin Tim ever carved was fierce and funny, and he named it Jack. When Halloween was over and the pumpkin was beginning to rot, Tim set it out in the garden and throughout the weeks he watched it change. By spring, a plant began to grow! Will Hubbell's gentle story and beautifully detailed illustrations give an intimate look at the cycle of life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807566664
Publisher:	Whitman, Albert & Company
Publication date:	01/01/2000
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.75(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.10(d)
Lexile:	AD580L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Will Hubbell is a writer and visual artist with diverse interests that have led him in a number of different directions.  He has written and illustrated books for children and young adults. He lives in New York.

Will Hubbell is a writer and visual artist with diverse interests that have led him in a number of different directions.  He has written and illustrated books for children and young adults. He lives in New York.

Editorial Reviews

"One of the best fictional picture books to follow the cycle of a plant, this would be a good choice for reading aloud."—Booklist

"A simple, appealing selection for storytimes…Readers can hear the crinkle of old leaves, smell the earthy odors of the garden, and breathe in the crisp air of the first frosty day of autumn. Any child who has had to throw away a beloved jack-o'-lantern will appreciate this fine offering."—School Library Journal

"Hubbell's wholesome story offers hope to kids who can't bear to throw away their jack-o'-lanterns. Autumn brings pumpkins for everyone…the gentle premise and earthy pictures could spark a gardening project."—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

When a boy's carved pumpkin starts to rot, he places it in the garden and tends to it so that the next autumn yields pumpkins for everyone; PW called this a "wholesome post-holiday story [that] offers hope to kids who can't bear to throw away their jack-o'-lanterns." Ages 5-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

PreS-Gr 3-A simple, appealing selection for storytimes. When Tim carves his first pumpkin, he names it Jack. When it finally begins to decay, he puts it in the garden rather than in the trash bin. As the months go by, Jack grows moldy, sinks into the leaves, hides in the snow, and finally sprouts a new plant. By the next fall, there are plenty of pumpkins for Tim to share at school. He keeps just one for himself and when he finishes carving it, he says "Welcome back, Jack!" The plant's cycle throughout the seasons is told in a satisfying, straightforward fashion. Hubbell uses colored pencils with solvent wash effects to create vibrant double-page spreads that bring the story to life. These pictures complement the text, which flows nicely with its own descriptive details. Readers can hear the crinkle of old leaves, smell the earthy odors of the garden, and breathe in the crisp air of the first frosty day of autumn. Any child who has had to throw away a beloved jack-o'-lantern will appreciate this fine offering.-Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library, CT Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

School Library Journal