The Very Best Pumpkin written by Mark Kimball Moulton & illustrated by Karen Hillard Good is a sweet story about a little boy who tends to a little pumpkin growing all by itself on the edge of the pumpkin patch. This pumpkin grows to become the perfect pumpkin, perfect for giving to a new friend.
There are two things I love about this book...the story and the illustrations! The story unfolds nicely & it is very touching to watch Peter & Meg's friendship grow. I actually got a little teary-eyed the first couple of times we read the book when Peter gives the pumpkin to Meg. It was such a kind, selfless act. I don't think it was the intention of the author, but I also thought the story was rather....romantic. I know, I know, it's a children's book! But when Peter gave the pumpkin to Meg, it just struck me that these two just belong together.
And the illustrations....oh, the illustrations! They are quaint & whimsical, with a vintage feel to them. There are little curlicues everywhere - for flight paths of butterflies & bees and tendrils of plants & pumpkins. Mustard yellow, burnt orange & moss green permeates the palette. The ladybugs are perhaps the cutest I've ever seen illustrated. And the coolest part? The illustrator used watercolors along with instant coffee & bleach to create the pictures! Even if you don't actually read the story (which would be a pity) just looking at the pictures is a treat!
Like Peter's pumpkin, this book is just perfect. And also just like that special pumpkin, it's perfect for sharing! Enjoy!
Cheryl
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment