Review of three children’s Halloween picture books

1-5 years old 20 pages Publisher Tommy Nelson Pub Date Jun 10 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

This silly interactive story features a grumpy dog who is not thrilled about Halloween: costumes, surprises, and chocolate. Yuck! Follow the directions to help Cocoa find the perfect doggy treat and avoid tricks in this funny board book.

MY THOUGHTS

Everyone loves Halloween.
This adorable interactive board book for children is the perfect nighttime read along to keep them entertained before drifting off to sleep.
Everyone seems to love Halloween except for Cocoa the dog. He doesn’t want to wear a costume, the thought of dressing up makes him cranky.
Fun counting and finding book for children and wait til they see what makes Cocoa not grumpy anymore.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

4-8 years of age 32 pages PublisherMagination Press ― American Psychological Association Publication date August 4, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

You all know Jack O’Lantern, with his wild eyes and crooked teeth. He’s the best on the block at keeping the trick-or-treaters on Irving Street from taking more than one piece of Halloween candy. But have you met his little brother, Jeff?

Jeff O’Lantern has kind eyes and a friendly smile, and he’s a little shy. Unlike his big brother, he’s not very good at scaring away overeager trick-or-treaters. Even his boo sounds sweet rather than spooky. But he’s going to keep trying to live up to the O’Lantern name and make his brother proud.

Despite Jeff’s best efforts, the Halloween treats are going too quickly, and it doesn’t seem like there will be enough for everyone. Join Jeff as he embarks on his pumpkin hero’s journey to save the candy bowl, help out a new friend, and uncover his true talents along the way.

In this funny and charming Halloween tale, can Jeff O’Lantern finally get out of the shadow of his more confident sibling and find his own way to shine?

MY THOUGHTS

Two brother’s Jack O’Lantern and Jeff O’Lantern.
Jack has handed out Halloween candy before on Halloween night many times previously and always does a great job of scaring the children into taking only one piece.
This year it’s Jeff’s turn and he wants to be just like his big brother but he’s not scary, he’s gentle.
He has the time of his life going on a Halloween adventure with a little scarecrow girl trick or treating.
Unique is Jeff and this makes him a very special pumpkin. Brightly illustrated, perfect for young children with an important message about kindness. Recommended!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

3-6 years of age 35 pages Horseman Publishing Pub Date Sep 02 2025 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Inspired by a love for unique and special pumpkins, this multi-award-winning story proves that being different is exactly what makes you perfect.

In the pumpkin patch at Stephens Farm, one little pumpkin doesn’t look like all the others. While his smooth, perfectly orange friends feel confident about Halloween, Bumpy Pumpkin worries that his colorful bumps make him too different to ever be picked.

Day after day, families visit the patch. Day after day, they walk right past him. Bumpy Pumpkin begins to wonder if he’ll be left behind forever.

But when a special little girl named Olivia comes looking for the perfect pumpkin, she sees something wonderful that everyone else missed. Could Bumpy Pumpkin be exactly what she’s been searching for?

MY THOUGHTS

A young children’s picture book with a wonderful and important message for children.
Vividly and colorfully illustrated that will have children eagerly flipping pages in this holiday book.
Very cute story but also it demonstrates it’s okay to be different.
Being different is what makes us unique because who wants to be exactly like the rest?
The bumpy pumpkin is an underdog story, and he comes out the winner in the end, glowing with happiness.
Fully recommended!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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