But Peter's dramatic character arc doesn't really occur until he's got his perfect pumpkin in hand (or paw, rather): "Why does Peter want a pumpkin? Want a showy, glowy pumpkin?" Could it be for pumpkin pickles or pumpkin pie? Pumpkin pudding or pumpkin fry? Nope. He's soon drawing in eyes, and a chin, and "a plumply, dumply grin." Then with a little help from his dad (also quite cute, note the family resemblance), Peter proves that "perfect pumpkins really do make perfect jack-o'-lanterns, too."
Plumply Dumply Pumpkin is a fun, short Halloween romp from the happy pen of Mary Serfozo (Who Said Red?, What's What? A Guessing Game), ably aided by illustrator italiana Valeria Petrone (Ducks in Muck), whose bright, giddy brushstrokes propel Peter on his airy way. (Ages 3 to 6) --Paul Hughes