Title: The Tale of The Pumpkin Seed Squad
Author: Carolyn Mitchell
Illustrated by: Brenda Timms
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing LLC
ISBN: 978-164361062
Pages: 40
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Hollywood Book Review
The Tale of The Pumpkin Seed Squad is exactly what happens when talent, creativity and imagination synergistically combine efforts with love in one’s heart for children. Author and poet Carolyn Mitchell has put to prose an adorable story of a fanciful mouse named Riley Chester-field Mouse, in her latest episode in a series of adventures about him and his friends. Combined with wonderful illustrations by artist Brenda Timms, the story-board layout of a football game is brought to the clarity of credibility for youngsters of all single-digit years to enjoy; either being read this tale at bedtime or reading it for themselves, over and over again.
Riley is off from school and playing outdoors when he harks the voice of his friend Jesse calling him to hurry up so as not to be late for their game. Along with their friends Gus and Ralph, the group sets out to play a game of football, but there’s a problem – the football is way too big for them to use! Riley then pulls over a pumpkin, and inside he takes the seeds to be used as a ball; just the right scale for their mouse-hands to throw. A bit of a problem arises as the pumpkin seeds also taste good, and Ralph can’t seem to use them as a ball because he wants to eat them.
With a narration of the game, written in an iambic foot and beat, with a rhyme which flows effortlessly, readers can feel the inherent humor and kindness of the story. Along with the expressive illustrations showing emotion and movement, the story progresses like a MFL (Mouse Football League) game of the week, for the team called Cheese-Wiz. Yes, there is a surprise ending which will stir up giggles galore from the young readers.
The team “photo” at the end of the book ties together the apparent friendship all of these furry mammals, illustrating the love they have among themselves. The Tale of The Pumpkin Seed Squad makes for the perfect birthday present for a youngster or an ideal baby shower gift. The entire series of Carolyn Mitchell’s work will adorn the bookshelf of any family library. So move over Mickey; step aside Speedy Gonzales; Mighty Mouse has his competition – there’s a new mouse in town, and Riley Chester-field Mouse is his name.