I was looking at my online reader copy lists and found Little Orange Pumpkin by Erin Guendelsberger and illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin. It came out in August 2024, making it ripe for a Halloween story. Which it is, as Little Orange Pumpkin is all excited about going out and trick or treating. Of course, she thinks she is ready to go out on her own, but her parents have other plans. In the end, we have a magical journey when Little Orange Pumpkin is sent to her thinking spot. However, because of the lessons she learns, it is also about listening to our parents, being thoughtful (she realizes in her magical world the lessons her parents taught her are important) and taking time to stop, think, and calm your anger.
Alice in Wonderland meets Halloween in this slightly older picture book. It works for most ages, but probably is best for that age that thinks they are a really big pumpkin who can do things by themselves, but still need to stay close to mom and dad. It is not a new idea, but it is presented in a way that makes the story not one you have really read before.
The familiar and new come together with fun images that are colorful and very autumn and Halloween centered. Little Orange Pumpkin lives in a human world, so perhaps that might be a little awkward for some to suspend the reality aspect, but at the same time you are swept away with the journey and lessons learned.