No More Pumpkins

September 1, 2007
Gr 1-3-Emily is tired of studying about pumpkins. Her class has weighed and measured them, and counted seeds. Now, the children have to decorate them to look like self-portraits. The second grader is excited about her birthday party on Saturday, however, so when her friend Vinni doesn't show up, she's upset. Then in school Vinni behaves oddly, arguing, sulking, and damaging Emily's pumpkin. The last chapter deals with her apology (it turns out she wanted to go to the party and felt left out when she couldn't) and Emily's acceptance of it. The black-and-white illustrations are well done and expressive. Fans of Barbara Park's "Junie B. Jones" series and Patricia Reilly Giff's "Polk Street School" books (both Random) will enjoy this beginning chapter book."Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2007
After their class weighs pumpkins, counts seeds, eats pumpkin bread, writes pumpkin poems, and visits a pumpkin farm, Emily and Vinni are sick of pumpkins. A pumpkin-decorating assignment brings out hurt feelings over a missed birthday party and provokes a reaction that only a best friend could forgive. From the 2nd-Grade Friends series, this beginning chapter book features a well-realized school setting, expressive illustrations, and a wide range of true-to-life emotions. Readers who enjoyed The Secret Lunch Special (2006) will want a second helping.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)