Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch (Sandpiper) [Paperback]

Jana Dillon (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Sandpiper

Jeb Scarecrow comes up with an ingenious, surefire plan to keep the pesky crows from throwing their October harvest celebration in his pumpkin patch.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This otherwise promising tale of a dedicated young scarecrow and his beloved pumpkin patch lacks only polish. As the harvest approaches, Jeb Scarecrow's pumpkins are flourishing. Much to his dismay, however, "those pesky, seed-guzzling, fruit-pecking crows" aim to throw themselves a wing-ding the week before Halloween, with his glorious crop as the main course. "Dawgone it, what am I going to do?" asks Jeb, then enlists Mommo and Daddo's help in an anti-crow surprise in the spooky spirit of the season. First-time author Dillon makes painterly use of tertiary color schemes: intense hues like yellow-green and red-orange glow against night colors of deep blue. She displays insight into scarecrow fashion, too. Jeb's mother looks like a fortune teller in dangly earrings and flapping scarves, while Jeb's father is the country-gentleman type with a tie and a beige summer hat. Unfortunately, it's difficult to empathize with the ghostly scarecrow family, who have disturbingly odd, moonlike faces, and the birds here are poorly drawn. Flaws notwithstanding, Dillon's illustrations are singular and noteworthy. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-- A clever alternative to ghoulish Halloween tales. Jeb Scarecrow struggles to protect his pumpkin patch, which the crows have chosen for their annual harvest party. His parents fear there is nothing to be done, but Jeb has a plan. He covers some of his prized crop with clothes and carves away until the night of the party when the revelers are frightened away by his jack-o'-lanterns. The vibrant illustrations of an amiable scarecrow family tormented by colorfully individualistic crows should appeal to young audiences. Although not a ripsnorting tale, the narrative has sufficent folksy phrasing to be a pleasing read-aloud or a satisfying read-alone for young readers ready for a challenge. --Jody McCoy, Casady School, Oklahoma City
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (September 25, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395745144
• ISBN-13: 978-0395745144
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,212,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jana Dillon grew up in Norwood, Massachusetts, where she and her three sisters wrote stories, drew pictures with their father, artist Frank Gerulskis, and acted them out in the backyard. Jana taught art before deciding to write and illustrate children's books. Now she's back in the schools as a visiting author, teaching children how to write their own books. She lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod in a house built in 1699. Read all about her books and school visits at www.janadillon.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story with beautiful illustrations., March 1, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Martha's Vineyard) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book for children and fun for grownups as well! It's the perfect story to read aloud. The story is exciting and the illustrations are beautiful with dramatic lighting . Kids will love identifying with the brave little scarecrow. We all love it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars JEB'S JUST A GOOD OLE COUNTRY BOY!, September 24, 2002

By 

Soaring Heart - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch (Sandpiper) (Paperback)

"It's mighty hard work scaring crows all day..." the story begins. By the time it ends you feel like you know good ole, determined Jeb the scarecrow; his heartfelt love of his pumpkins, Mommo and Daddo and even those pesky crows. The story is extremely entertaining with an interesting surprise ending that even I didn't see coming! This is classic storytelling.

JEB SCARECROW'S PUMPKIN PATCH immediately seizes your attention. The illustrations are very colorful and at the same time, highly unique with fantastic highlights and shading. Some pictures are soft and others very bold which adds to the intensity of the story.

I feel that if there were 20+ reviews on this book every single one of them would be 5 stars. There is just nothing you can improve on in this story! Thank you, Jana. You've got a winner here. A wonderful story for the Fall/Halloween season! Highly recommended. 10/10.