Customer Reviews

The Pumpkin Goblin Makes Friends

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4 star:		(2)
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Aaron Taylor has done a fabulous job of addressing the problem of bullying and the ideas of redemption and forgiveness in a simple kid friendly way. In his cleverly rhythmic story, the Pumpkin Goblin starts as a real town terror, taunting and bullying every child he meets. But with the help and friendship of a young boy named Fred, the Pumpkin Goblin is able to begin mending the broken relationships between himself and the town's children. In turn, the town's children learn the virtue of forgiveness and the power of friendship.

My students loved the story and the fun illustrations. Great addition to any library!

This beautifully illustrated children's book tells the tale of a bog creature that terrorizes a town every Halloween, until something happens to change its outlook on life.

A seed and a log
In the slime of a bog
Become quite frightening
When hit by lightning

Almost like Dr. Seuss in places, it is a wonderful read-aloud book for children from about four, who shouldn't find it too scary. A good message, plus just the right amount of icky stuff to make them squirm cheerfully.

Halloween season
May give you a reason
To make some new friends
Just by making amends


Amanda Richards, August 2, 2010

THE PUMPKIN GOBLIN MAKES FRIENDS is a cute picture book with lots of appeal as an October read aloud for the kindergarten/primary set. The story is a simple one of a not too scary looking goblin (his body seems to be composed of pumpkin vines and his head is a jack o lantern) who starts out frightening people but finds out he is much happier when he decides to make friends with everyone. The story is cleverly told in rhyming couplets. There's a few creepy elements such as the goblin's fondness for "green muck worm stew" but it is all in good fun and ends happily. The colorful well drawn pictures have lots of kid appeal and really enhance the story and the whole picture book from end paper to author's note is very professionally rendered.

"The Pumpkin Goblin Makes Friends" is a heartwarming story of a town bully (the pumpkin goblin) who through the power of friendship is made to realize the error of his past ways, and goes about making up for all his past 'terrorizing' of the town's kids on Halloween. You see, the Pumpkin Goblin never knew any different - he thought it was his duty to scare the kids on Halloween, steal their treats and return to the depressing bog where the Pumpkin Goblin makes his lonely home, his only companion being an old swamp frog. Then one Halloween, things change. As the Pumpkin Goblin gets ready to unleash himself upon the children of the town, he sees a forlorn looking boy, Fred, in a quiet playground. The bond that the pair eventually form acts as the catalyst that makes the Pumpkin Goblin realize the error of his past ways. Is it too late to redeem himself, and will the townspeople forgive him?

I loved the simple story by author Aaron Taylor that conveys the theme of bullying. It effectively conveys the message that bullying is not to be tolerated, and at times, extending friendship may be the best gesture to soften a hardened heart. The illustrations by artist Gary Whitley are vibrant and colorful, conveying all the colors and fun-filled, spooky activities that one associates with Halloween. The book also provides a weblink where activities can be downloaded for children.This would be a great addition to school and home libraries. A must-read for Halloween and highly recommended for ages 4-8.

My students asked me to read this multiple times. It is one of their favorite books ever.