The Ugly Pumpkin - by Dave Horowitz

About the Book

Putting a wacky twist on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling," Horowitz tells a story of an ugly pumpkin that doesn't fit in. He leaves the pumpkin patch, and by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, he discovers the truth about who he is. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Perfect for the changing seasons, this wacky twist on The Ugly Duckling is a great read for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

The Ugly Pumpkin has waited all through October for someone to take him home, but no one wants him. He doesn't look like other pumpkins. So the lonely Ugly Pumpkin leaves the patch in search of a place where he'll fit in. By the time Thanksgiving arrives, he discovers the truth about who he is--but it's not what he expected!

Review Quotes

"Inventive, amusing, and surprising. . . . Riotously colorful illustrations. . . . The bright colors, bouncy rhymes, and engaging pumpkin combine to make this a charming book . . . with a happy and surprising ending."--School Library Journal

"Pumpkin pickers pooh-pooh the orange, barbell-shaped 'ugly pumpkin' in October. Fortunately, November brings the lonesome veggie some new friends and an epiphany. . . . Expressive hand-lettered pages convey strong emotions."--Publishers Weekly

"Plenty of visual flash."--Kirkus Reviews

"Simple rhyming text. . . . Children familiar with the story of the Ugly Duckling will recognize the parody here. Horowitz creates the mood with a wide range of expressions."--Children's Literature

About the Author

Dave Horowitz (www.horowitzdave.com) has written and illustrated numerous picture books, including Twenty-six Pirates, Twenty-six Princesses, and Five Little Gefiltes. He lives in New York's Hudson Valley.