Once, after a bountiful pumpkin harvest, as four brothers dispose of unneeded seeds, the seeds suddenly go flying with the wind and cover the town below, but the brothers think nothing more about it. - (Baker & Taylor)

Horn Book Guide Reviews

After pumpkin farmer Jose and his brothers toss some leftover seeds into a field, the seeds blow into the town, where they take root--and pumpkins take over. This original, big-hearted tale about doing right by other people is morally instructive without being preachy. The innovative collage and found-objects art features a cast that resembles Muppet people sporting human-hair wigs. Copyright 2007 Horn Book Guide Reviews.

Kirkus Reviews

Some randomly tossed seeds spawn a village all covered in orange and green. Jose and his four brothers and his dad grow pumpkins for a living, of all sizes and shapes, from the wee Jack-Be-Littles that can be dropped in your pocket to the Big Moons, too big for even all five brothers to roll. At reaping time, they save the good seeds to plant again, and father tells them to sell the rest. Instead, the brothers take them to a field overlooking the town and toss them; a big wind does the rest. The following spring, the town is engulfed in curlicue vines and big orange fruit. It takes an all-night operation by all five brothers to get rid of the pumpkins. All celebrate with watermelons, and before you know it. . . . Bernasconi's bright illustrations, collaged original art with found objects, have a nice three-dimensional pop. A fun fable with Halloween overtones. (Picture book. 4-8). . .McPherson, James M.INTO THE WEST: From Reconstruction to the Final Days of the American FrontierAtheneum (96 pp.)$22.95Oct. 1, 2006ISBN: 0-689-86543-0Following his Fields of Fury: The American Civil War (2002), McPherson continues the story of what the Civil War meant for America's future and how the U.S. was to be reconstructed. It's a dramatic saga indeed, with sections on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the hanging of four conspirators, the first transcontinental railroad, the Ku Klux Klan, cowboys, Indian wars, Ghost Dances and the end of the frontier. Written by the premier historian of the American Civil War, this is another fine installment in a superb series on important periods of American history. Each brief essay on a key topic includes a sidebar of "Quick Facts" and a full-page photograph, painting or other illustration. Smaller illustrations are sprinkled throughout, and the writing is clear, lively and concise. Maps, a timeline, a glossary and websites all contribute to a thoroughly engaging format. The bibliography would be better if some of the fine works on the subject for younger readers were included, but overall, a superb volume that makes history come alive. (introduction, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 9-14) Copyright Kirkus 2006 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal Reviews

K-Gr 3 This tale cleverly illustrates the saying too much of a good thing. After five brothers accidentally scatter pumpkin seeds over a small town, they feel responsible when pumpkins and vines begin to overrun the houses the next year. The boys secretly try to make things right and are rewarded with delicious watermelons for their efforts. The story's open ending could initiate an amusing writing project. The collagelike, colorful computer-generated illustrations, featuring the siblings in denim overalls and patterned shirts, are clever and entertaining. A good fall read-aloud, especially for those wanting to avoid Halloween-themed books. Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS