The Ugly Pumpkin: A Thanksgiving Story »

Dave Horowitz has written and illustrated several picture books, including Humpty Dumpty Climbs Again, Twenty-six Princesses and Five Little Gefiltes. He lives in Rosendale, New York.

No one wants to take home the Ugly Pumpkin. Sure, he doesn't look like any of the other pumpkins, but why does everyone have to tease him so much? The poor, lonely pumpkin goes in search of a place where he'll fit in—and finally discovers the truth about who he is and where he belongs.

Publishers Weekly

Pumpkin pickers pooh-pooh the orange, barbell-shaped "ugly pumpkin" in October. Fortunately, November brings the lonesome veggie some new friends and an epiphany ("O my gosh/ I'm a squash"). Horowitz's (Soon, Baboon, Soon) mixed-media illustrations of the gawky hero-who stands on Mr. Peanut legs, in elfin booties-are a trifle awkward, but expressive hand-lettered pages convey strong emotions. This seasonal entry ends with an unexpected "Happy Thanksgiving!" Ages 4-up. (Aug.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.