The Roll-Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders (Author), Daniela Volpari (Illustrator)

Back of the Book

When a large pumpkin gets away from its young owner, Marla, an amusing and lighthearted pursuit ensues. As it rolls down country roads, through a farm’s haystacks, past a milkman and his cart, over a stone bridge, through a city’s bistro, and past a butcher shop, readers will enjoy as each subsequent person joins in the young girl’s chase after the runaway, rollaway pumpkin, making for a silly procession that gets even sillier when the group encounters a marching parade. A pleasing ending has the ever-growing group enjoying a cauldron of pumpkin soup.

With stunning illustrations in beautiful muted earthy tones, many small details make each spread a delight in poring over—a dog with little sausages in its mouth, street signs that point “this way” and “that way”, a tiny windmill in the distance, leaves fluttering down on the country road, fresh baguettes stacked up in the baker’s wagon. A wonderfully lilting text is beautifully typeset in a fun and whimsical way, curving along the streets and alleys. A repeated refrain throughout the story adds a fun opportunity for young readers to chant along.

BOOK REVIEW

The Roll-Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders is an absolutely charming and delightful picture book that is sure to bring a smile to readers of all ages. The story follows the adventures of a runaway pumpkin and the young girl, Marla, who chases after it, gathering more and more people along the way.

The illustrations by Daniela Volpari are stunning and capture the beauty of the countryside, the excitement of the chase, and the joy of coming together over a shared meal. Each spread is full of little details that make the story feel like a true adventure, from the farm animals peeking out from behind haystacks to the bistro diners enjoying their lunch.

What really sets this book apart, however, is the writing. The text flows like poetry, with a whimsical and playful rhythm that perfectly matches the silly and fun storyline. The repeated refrain of “roll, roll, roll” is catchy and engaging, inviting young readers to join in the chase.

One of the things I love most about The Roll-Away Pumpkin is that it’s a book that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Kids will love the silly antics and cute illustrations, while adults will appreciate the subtle humor and clever writing.

Another great thing about this book is that it encourages a sense of community and togetherness. The pumpkin brings people together from all walks of life, and by the end of the story, everyone is happily sharing a pot of pumpkin soup. It’s a heartwarming message that’s especially important in today’s world.

Overall, I would highly recommend The Roll-Away Pumpkin to anyone looking for a cute, fun, and beautifully written and illustrated picture book. It’s perfect for fall, Halloween, or any time of year when you’re in need of a little bit of whimsy and joy. Five stars!

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