A little boy joyfully anticipates the birth of a new baby brother in this picture-book import from Italy. The title comes from the fact that child narrator's pregnant mother has cravings for all things pumpkin, leading him to dream that the baby has "a pumpkin head--with nothing inside but seeds and pulp." This leads him on a mission to fill his as-yet-in-utero brother's head with stories, words, and sounds to make sure the baby will be born with a head full of knowledge. It ends up feeling a bit like something got lost in the translation of the story, but the cartoon images lend humor to the family's characterization, and it's refreshing to see a new-baby story that doesn't get bogged down with older-sibling angst and jealousy. On the other hand, the all-white cast of characters presents a homogenous depiction of the world in which this family lives. At the book's end, when the baby is born, the big brother and his mother and father joyfully welcome him, and the final page turn brings the story forward to a playful conclusion when the nickname "Pumpkin Head" reappears. Ultimately, however, there's little to distinguish this new-baby story from the others crowding the cabbage...err, pumpkin patch. (Picture book. 3-6) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
October 1, 2016
PreS-Gr 1-This Italian import about expecting a younger sibling is a great read for the observant child. The unnamed protagonist is told that a little brother is on the way, and he starts to notice his mom doing strange things like singing to her belly on the bus, craving foods made with pumpkin, and falling asleep even while reading bedtime stories. Nothing fails to go unnoticed, and the boy begins to have surreal dreams that his brother's round head will be filled with seeds and pulp. The young hero is determined to introduce his baby brother to the sounds and objects awaiting him in the world. The stylized cartoon illustrations perfectly capture this lighthearted story. VERDICT A great addition to collections where titles about new babies and younger siblings are in demand.-Shana Morales, Windsor Public Library, CT
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
August 1, 2016
A little boy joyfully anticipates the birth of a new baby brother in this picture-book import from Italy. The title comes from the fact that child narrators pregnant mother has cravings for all things pumpkin, leading him to dream that the baby has a pumpkin headwith nothing inside but seeds and pulp. This leads him on a mission to fill his as-yetin-utero brothers head with stories, words, and sounds to make sure the baby will be born with a head full of knowledge. It ends up feeling a bit like something got lost in the translation of the story, but the cartoon images lend humor to the familys characterization, and its refreshing to see a new-baby story that doesnt get bogged down with older-sibling angst and jealousy. On the other hand, the all-white cast of characters presents a homogenous depiction of the world in which this family lives. At the books end, when the baby is born, the big brother and his mother and father joyfully welcome him, and the final page turn brings the story forward to a playful conclusion when the nickname Pumpkin Head reappears. Ultimately, however, theres little to distinguish this new-baby story from the others crowding the cabbageerr, pumpkin patch. (Picture book. 3-6)
COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.