Early Reader Review: Pumpking Apocalypse by M.D. Payne

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Pumpking Apocalypse by M.D. Payne

Publisher:  Penguin Workshop
Publication Date:  July 28, 2026 

 

Format: Paperback 

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Get pumped for Pumpkin Fest! It's Friday Night Fright Night, and Adam's worst fear is about to come to life…

Halloween is a big deal in Little Pine, but newcomer Adam Gibbons doesn't get the hype. In fact, he's actively anti-Halloween—and you would be, too, if you were deathly afraid of pumpkins! Yeah…don't ask.

When Adam is tasked to team up with pumpkin fanatic Molly to plan Friday Night Fright Night, the middle school shut-in event before Pumpkin Fest, he's forced to confront his greatest fear head…er…jack-o'-lantern-on.

But it soon becomes clear that there is something strange and supernatural brewing in Little Pine. Mind-controlling pumpkins are possessing people and taking over the town, and it's up to Adam and his small group of friends to smash the infestation and save the world!

Review: 

This was an enjoyable middle grade read. It was an interesting plot/premise and I think middle grade readers will really enjoy it this Halloween/ Fall season.

The story follows Adam, who has a really horrible fear of pumpkins, as he tries to survive life in a town that's completely obsessed with its annual pumpkin festival. Adam could be a bit whiny at times, but Molly was a fantastic counterpart. Her enthusiasm for the festival, humor, and determination to help Adam overcome his pumpkin fear made her a great partner in this book and added some comic relief and chaos into the mix.

The plot, which was a combo pumpkin takeover and zombies vibe, was creative and a lot of fun. I think middle grade readers, especially those looking for a spooky seasonal read, will have a great time with it. It strikes a nice balance between creepy and fun, making it a perfect pick for Halloween. For some, this might be a bit too scary though.

The pacing was solid overall, although I felt it took a while to understand why Adam has a fear of pumpkins. There were also quite a few characters introduced in a short amount of time. As an adult reader, I also found it a little hard to believe that Adam's parents didn't realize just how over-the-top the town was about its pumpkin festival (or maybe they knew and since it is told in Adam's POV, we just aren't in on that point). That said, Adam's anxiety felt authentic, and I appreciated the way it was handled throughout the story. I think that could be helpful for readers as they learn more about themselves.

Overall, this was a fun, spooky adventure with an imaginative plot. I think it's one that middle grade readers looking for Halloween thrills and laughs will really enjoy.

Recent Reads: An Ancient Witch's Guide to Modern Dating by Cecilia Edward

An Ancient Witch's Guide to Modern Dating by Cecilia Edward 
Publisher: S&S/Saga Press
Publication Date:  June 24, 2025

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited - Borrowed


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

An ancient witch explores the thrills—and perils—of online dating with hilarity and heart in a charming rom-com perfect for fans of cozy fantasy and witchy romance.

Meet Thorn Scarhart, a thirty-nine-year-old witch who’s having trouble finding love in the 17th century. Despite the local matchmaker’s efforts and Thorn’s arsenal of powerful love potions, she has yet to fall in love. After the disappearance of her sister and the loss of her mother, Thorn was too caught up in…well, life, to focus on dating. Now, she fears she may have missed her chance.

But, when one of her potion brews backfires spectacularly, Thorn is hurled 350 years into the future, landing in a bustling city where her once-isolated cottage is now a historical museum. While this unexpected leap through time may seem daunting, modern life does have its perks: indoor plumbing, electric kettles, and the world of online dating. At thirty-nine, the odds may not be perfect, but at least they’re not impossible.

With the help of the museum’s new curator—and her charming veterinarian brother—Thorn dives headfirst into the 21st-century dating scene. And as she searches for romance, she might also find herself along the way.

Review: 

This book was recommended to me by a friend and dubbed a 'cozy, cute, and funny little read'. She said it isn't too serious and it a funny one, so I immediately picked it up and actually read it right away.

This book was hilarious. Thorn is a witch in the 17th century and she is getting old and hasn't found a man. Despite her and a matchmakers attempts she is unable to secure a good one, so as a witch she turns to magic and potions to do the job for her. Then it all goes wrong and she time travels to modern times. Now in the 21st century, she has technology and online dating at her fingertips. 

This plot was so much fun, an old-world witch looking for love in a different time with lots of changes from her norms. I liked her in those awkward situations trying to figure things out for herself and sometimes failing. I thought that she was strong and determined and didn't know that things could go wrong. 

The romance was super cute, nothing spicy just lots of warm fuzzies. I liked all the characters and think that there could be more here with the sister - so maybe another book? I really needed Thorn right now - she as so much fun to read about and this book is a fun one for spooky season if you are looking for a romance on the gentler side. 

Recent Reads: The Not-So-Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens

Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Not-So-Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens 
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Publication Date:  August 6, 2024 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

On the sleepiest of nights, when the air is still and the moon is full, the conditions are just right… for WITCHES TO TAKE FLIGHT! And among all these terribly wicked, cackling witches, is one… who is actually, surprisingly quite nice! This little witch doesn’t enjoy being wicked like the others. Not one little bit. She doesn’t like creating mischief, she doesn’t like making a mess and she definitely doesn’t like any naughtiness! The other witches decide that the littlest witch needs rescuing from all this icky, gooey goodness! It’s time for some lessons in wickedness, and the best way to do that is by making a completely terrible and utterly awful potion…! Will our little witch leave her kind and gentle ways behind her and join in the wickedness? Or will she persuade her fellow witches that actually, being wicked isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? This playful take on spooky witches from the award-winning Bethan Stevens takes readers to a magical world of wickedness and kindness. This is the wonderfully funny follow-up to the prize-winning Grumpy Fairies and the fairytale twist A Damsel Not in Distress.

Review: 

This group of young witches is so wicked. They make trouble for all the kids and pets, steal cookies and socks and make messes... There is one little witch though, that isn't quite so mean, she is kind and smiles. The otehrs think that it is terrible and they try to help her become more witch-like and wicked. 

I liked the themes in this book: Kindness is better than wickedness and that there are other ways to get what you want.I think young readers and parents will really like it. 

There was a great diversity of race and also disability rep in the characters seen in the illustrations. The illustrations were also colorful and enegaging and fun. I loved the little animals depicted and thought that saying cats were also wicked was cute and funny. Some cats are. 

I think young readers will enjoy it. 

Recent Reads: Spookily Yours by Jennifer Chipman

Spookily Yours by Jennifer Chipman 

Series: Witches of Pleasant Grove #1
Publisher: Kindle
Publication Date:  October 13, 2023

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

My cat is a demon.

No, that's not a joke. An actual, real life demon. And he needs my help to break a curse.

But what happens when that turns into more?

It can never be forever, and yet... I'm falling in love with him anyway.

Spookily Yours is a spicy, open-door Halloween themed novel, featuring a witch and the demon who falls in love with her. This book is a complete standalone with a HEA guaranteed.

Review: 

Willow is a mid-twenties witch living  in a small town. Her parents died and she and her sister Luna have been together ever since - living together until very recently, and running a cafe/bakery in town. 

But Willow is lost, her sister keeps telling her to DO seomthing. So she gets a cat from teh shelter to replace her lost familiar. However the cat is actually a demon stuck in cat form. She agrees to help him break teh curse and then falls for him. 

The book is told in alternating POV - Willow and Damien (the cat) and overall the story was pretty short but sweet. The spice level was good and not too over teh top.  I felt like there were some loose ends though - like who cursed him and why? And how did Damien's brother know about Luna but he didn't know about Willow? I also didn't like that Luna could just disappear from town and no one notices? that seems suspect. I am excited for book 2 though, because I believe it is the Luna/ Zain story so that might tie some things up.

All that said, I liked this book a lot. Willow and Damien were great and since it is a novella length I knew there would be some plot holes so they didn't bother me horribly. I love a witchy vibe and anything fall/Halloween themed makes me happy. 

I also ADORE this cover art!

Recent Reads: Halloween is Coming! by Cal Everett

Source: From Sourcebooks Early Reads program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Halloween is Coming! by Cal Everett, Illustrated by Lenny Wen  Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication Date:   August 1, 2021

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A fun, rhyming read-aloud Halloween picture book that starts a new holiday tradition. Perfect for kids 4-8 or any young child wanting to celebrate the spookiest season of the year!

Marching in the school parade

in frightening costumes that we've made;

Look around, the signs are clear,

Halloween is getting near!

Halloween is Coming is a lyrical celebration of the building excitement that children—and adults!—feel as the magical and mysterious night of Halloween approaches.

Review: 

Such a cute book about Halloween and autumn! Halloween is Coming is a rhyming picture book that talks about this time of year in activities and visuals that young readers will understand and enjoy. 

The illustrations are bright and on theme and the cast of children are not only diverse but they are also sometimes of the spooky variety - some in costumes but also just some that are mummies or franenstein's monster. These spooky characters are including along with all the other human children and it is a very cute way to showcase differences. 

If Halloween is a time of excitement in your household, I think that this would be a fun book to add to bedtime reading piles. Adults and kids alike will enjoy the whimical images, the diverse kids, and obviously talking all about the things that lead up to a great Halloween night.

Early Reader Review: The Happy Pumpkin by D.K. Publishing

Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Happy Pumpkin by D.K. Publishing 

Publisher: DK Publishing 
Publication Date:  August 24, 2021

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A delightful, heart-warming story about a perky pumpkin who just wants to fit in this Halloween.

Halloween is approaching and it's time for the kids to pick out their pumpkins. The pumpkins have been looking forward to this all year, and are excited to meet their new owners. But when everyone is being chosen, there is one pumpkin who feels left out. He is the smiliest and happiest pumpkin of them all, but of course nobody wants a happy pumpkin on the scariest, spookiest night of the year!

Will this little pumpkin find a home in time for Halloween? Adults and children will love to read aloud and follow the story of this perky pumpkin as he hopes to find the perfect family.

With adorable and colorful illustrations, The Happy Pumpkin will make a wonderful addition to any Halloween-lover's bookshelf while teaching little ones an important life lesson about not judging others based on what they look like. 

Review: 

This was such an adorable book about picking out your pumpkin. In this story, all of the pumpkins have faces and the happiest pumpkin just wants to fit in but he is told that he isn't scary enough for Halloween. As more and more pumpkins get chosen the Happy Pumpkin stays positive and it is a wonderful story. 

The illustrations are perfect for Autumn and Halloween, showcaing bright oranges and Fall colors. The pumpkins are all wonderful - their faces are creative and fun renditions of jack-o-lantern options. I think that if you enjoy Spooky Season, Halloween, or just fall this would be a fun and easy read for you and your little one(s).

 

Early Reader Review: Pumpkin Heads by Wendell Minor

Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Pumpkin Heads by Wendell Minor  Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publication Date:  August 10, 2021

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Halloween is time to pick pumpkins and carve them into pumpkin heads--jack-o'-lanterns of every shape and size!

Award-winning author and artist Wendell Minor uses simple language and striking autumn settings to celebrate jack-o'-lanterns in this reissue of a Halloween classic. The perfect holiday read aloud, Pumpkin Heads takes readers and trick-or-treaters from the pumpkin patch for picking, all the way home for carving, and gets everyone in the Halloween spirit.

Review: 

You know me... gearing up for spooky season as early as possible! Pumpkin Heads is all about picking the perfect pumpkin... because they often become heads. The book focuses on Halloween and the carving of the pumpkins into faces (and heads) and where you might find them peaking out. 

The illustrations are beautiful full pages and showcase all the different ways you could carve a pumpkin. There are cowboys and witches and even more creative things like a pumpkin snowman - which I was very interested in and would love to try out.

The text was on the short side and very easy to read, it does not rhyme which I think is a blessing and a curse - with these shorter books I always feel like their should be a rhyming scheme for some reason, but that is just my brain being weird. 

The illustrations really make this book. They are absolutely stunning and I would love to frame them all and display them. They are just enough realism and whimy brought together and I think lovers of Halloween and pumpkins will really enjoy this book.