The pumpkin season is here! Care for a fun tale about pumpkins, scarecrows and Halloween? Check out Squashed, a middle grade graphic novel by author and artist Meaghan Tosi. Plus a chance to win an awesome prize pack from Dooney Press!
My Review:
Adapted from the Tosi family's short film shot back in the fall of 2003, Squashed recreates a sweetly spooktacular story that starts with a suspense and ends with a smile.
A little girl is being teased by her brother and a friend of his, who accidentally get her favorite Teddy Bear stuck in a tree after throwing it around for fun. As he searches for a stick to rescue the toy, the brother stumbles upon a strange pumpkin with something moving inside. More intrigued than scared, he takes the pumpkin home and tries what he can to keep it warm and cozy. At midnight on Halloween, an uninvited guest comes to retrieve the pumpkin. What makes it so special? Will the kids get in trouble?
What makes this book unique is that its storytelling is accomplished primarily through visual presentation. The drawings employ various shades of yellow, orange, pink, green and brown as powerful tools of expression. The brighter colors offer a sense of comfort and warmth whereas the darker ones cast a shadow of mystery and uncertainty. The characters' expressive faces and gestures facilitate a better understanding of their feelings and personality. The minimal use of words encourages young readers to explore details in the pictures, and to retell the story with the addition of their own imagination and interpretation.
With positive messages about family, kindness, and empathy, the book makes a fantastic fall and Halloween themed read for both beginner and independent readers. After reading the book, you may also want to follow the link in the back to watch the original film featuring the adorable child versions of the author and her brother.
About the Book:
Written and Illustrated by Meaghan Tosi
Based on a Story by Thomas Tosi
Ages 6-12 | 80 Pages
Publisher: Dooney Press | ISBN-13: 9781954782051
Aah! Dude! It moved!
Can the mysterious shuddering pumpkin the three kids found in the forest be alive? They’re going to find out when they lift it from its resting place and carry it home. But what happens if someone or something comes looking for it?
This evocative graphic novel is spooky yet ultimately gentle and charming. It presents a tale of unfounded fear of those who are different and the similarities we all share. Told in richly stylized full-color artwork from illustrator Meaghan Tosi whose previous work Kirkus Reviews praised as delightful.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
About the Author-Illustrator:
Meaghan Tosi, was born and raised in New Hampshire, earned a BFA from Laguna College of Art and Design, and illustrated this book and the middle-grade novel “Six Thousand Doughnuts” alongside author Thomas Tosi. She is also the author/illustrator of “Dweedy: The Imagined Adventures of My Deceased Cat.” She now lives with her partner Daniel and many plants in Portland, Oregon for the art scene, extraordinary hikes, and many neighborhood cats.
Website | Instagram | Publisher Website | Publisher Facebook
One lucky grand prize winner will receive a fun-filled Dooney Press gift pack!
It includes each of the following:
- hardcover copy of Squashed
- paperback copy of Six Thousand Doughnuts
- paperback copy of Dweedy: The Imagined Adventures of My Deceased Cat
- DVD of the original family-produced short film "Squashed."
Four additional winners will each receive a paperback copy of Squashed!
Giveaway ends 10/7. Open to US only. Please complete your entries below. Good luck!
Squashed Book GiveawayDisclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Dooney Press. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.
Posts
0 Treasure Hunters :
Post a Comment