When Rex is invited to go along on the traditional pumpkin-picking trip with Pinky's grandparents, she doesn't feel that Pinky's cousin Abby really wants her to be part of the fun. Grade 1-3-In this addition to the series, Howe shows his keen understanding of the struggle children go through when learning to balance peer relationships with feelings of jealousy and anger. Rex, who has always felt like part of her best friend Pinky's family, is excited about going on their traditional pumpkin-picking weekend with Pinky's grandparents, his little sister, and his cousin Abby. However, Rex soon discovers that something is different this year. Abby refuses to talk to her, makes fun of her, and continually makes her feel left out. That night, someone smashes the jack-o'-lantern that Grandpa had carved. In the morning, the culprit is revealed, along with Rex's and Abby's feelings. Howe's realistic portrayal of Abby's exclusionary tactics and Rex's jealousy, coupled with Sweet's supportive watercolor paintings, make for a believable tale. The understanding grandparents set the stage for the children to resolve their conflicts and take another step toward maturity. This sensitive story is a must for early chapter-book collections and is perfect for all seasons. It will provide solace to readers as they struggle with the realities of growing up. Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. Gr. 2^-4. Pinky, his little sister, Amanda, and his cousin Abby are joined by Rex on their annual pumpkin-picking weekend at Pinky's grandparents' cabin. Rex remembers her parents' warning not to leave Amanda out of the fun this year, but soon Rex feels like an outsider, as Abby seems determined to make sure Rex doesn't see herself as one of the family. When the "perfect" pumpkin is smashed in the middle of the night, Abby and Rex accuse each other. Ultimately, Pinky's family apologizes for hurting Rex's feelings, and Rex apologizes for wrecking the pumpkin. Most of the story is told from Rex's point of view, so it's a little awkward that readers don't immediately know whether she smashed the pumpkin or not. On the other hand, the children's rift and reconciliation are handled with more realism and finesse than in most books for this age group. Even after Abby apologized, too, Rex "tried to smile, but there was still a lot of hurt inside her." Carolyn Phelan James Howe is the author of more than ninety books for young readers. Bunnicula , coauthored by his late wife Deborah and published in 1979, is considered a modern classic of children’s literature. The author has written six highly popular sequels, along with the spinoff series Tales from the House of Bunnicula and Bunnicula and Friends. Among his other books are picture books such as Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores and beginning reader series that include the Pinky and Rex and Houndsley and Catina books. He has also written for older readers. The Misfits , published in 2001, inspired the nationwide antibullying initiative No Name-Calling Week, as well as three sequels, Totally Joe , Addie on the Inside , and Also Known as Elvis. A common theme in James Howe’s books from preschool through teens is the acceptance of difference and being true to oneself. Visit him online at JamesHowe.com. Melissa Sweet has illustrated more than eighty children’s books, including the Caldecott Honor books The Right Word and A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams both written by Jen Bryant. She also wrote and illustrated Tupelo Rides the Rails ; Carmine: A Little More Red , which was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book; and Balloons Over Broadway , a picture book biography that was named a 2011 Publishers Weekly Best Nonfiction Picture Book. When she is not in her studio, Melissa can be found taking an art class, hiking with her dogs, or riding her bicycle. She lives with her family in Rockport, Maine.