Halloween Treats

Young viewers ages 4-8 are the target audience for this festive two-fer that includes iconographic-animated versions of the picture books The Runaway Pumpkin (2003) and Pumpkin Heads! (2000), both narrated by Dave Calabrese. Written by Kevin Lewis and illustrated by S.D. Schindler, The Runaway Pumpkin serves up a rhyme about the three Baxter siblings, who lose control of a gigantic pumpkin that rolls down a hill, thumping and bumping its way through the family farm. Fortunately, none of the barnyard animals are hurt, so the Baxter parents and grandfolks aren't too ruffled…and in fact have visions of gourd-friendly cuisine such as pumpkin pie, soup, and bread dancing through their heads. Author and illustrator Wendell Minor's Pumpkin Heads! celebrates Halloween and features lifelike depictions of many types of carved out jack-o-lanterns, including cowboys, snowmen, and scarecrows. Far from frightening, this fun and festive compilation is a real treat for younger viewers. Recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)