Jeff O'Lantern

A funny, heartwarming Halloween picture book about a shy little pumpkin who discovers that being kind and being brave don't have to look the same

Everyone on Irving Street knows Jack O'Lantern. Wild eyes, crooked teeth, the best on the block at keeping greedy trick-or-treaters from grabbing too much candy. But have you met his little brother, Jeff? Jeff has kind eyes, a friendly smile, and a "boo" that sounds more sweet than spooky. No matter how hard he tries, he just can't seem to scare anyone. And living up to the O'Lantern name when your big brother is the toughest pumpkin on the block? That's a lot of pressure for a little pumpkin.

When the Halloween candy starts disappearing way too fast and it looks like there won't be enough for everyone, Jeff sets off on a mission to save the candy bowl, help a new friend, and prove that you don't have to be the scariest pumpkin on the porch to be a hero. Along the way, he discovers something even better: his own unique talents were his superpower all along. Funny, charming, and full of heart, Jeff O'Lantern is the perfect Halloween read-aloud for kids who have ever felt too quiet, too small, or too different to make a difference.

Key features:

• a Halloween story that's funny and meaningful: packed with humor, charm, and a lovable pumpkin hero kids will root for, while delivering a real message about self-discovery, confidence, and finding your own strengths
• celebrates quiet, kind kids: shows children that being shy or gentle is not a weakness and that kindness can be its own kind of bravery
• sibling dynamics kids relate to: captures the universal feeling of living in a bigger sibling's shadow and learning that you don't have to be like someone else to shine
• perfect Halloween read-aloud: a seasonal favorite for family storytime, classroom Halloween parties, library October displays, and cozy fall reading
• trusted publisher: from Magination Press, the children’s imprint of APA, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development

Charlie Greenwald has dreamed of writing a Halloween book since childhood—one that celebrates the fun and spooky spirit of the holiday without being too scary! A passionate animal rescue advocate, he has also coauthored a series of books with his father called The Rescues. Charlie lives in Stamford, CT. Visit his website.opens in new window

Jelke van Antwerpen's passion is bringing stories to life with illustrations inspired by magic, horror, and fairy tales. She lives in Mierlo, Netherlands.

Greenwald threads his cheery tale with a message of self-acceptance, supported by an extensive note that encourages parents to support their children’s individuality. Van Antwerpen’s well-composed pages pack in all the standard Halloween motifs; the cartoon style and use of neon orange, magenta, and green place the emphasis on fun, not scares. An affirming Halloween tale that provides a lesson in self-love.
—Kirkus Reviews

An insecure pumpkin achieves self-acceptance…while scariness comes naturally to Jack O’Lantern (“His eyes were wild, his teeth were crooked, and his smile was wicked”), little brother Jeff O’Lantern has a more amiable disposition (“His eyes were kind,/ his teeth were straight,/ and his smile was warm”)… By night’s end, Jeff ’s candy-filled belly becomes evidence of how individuals’ gifts can differ... Emphasizing facial expressions, slick, mottle-shaded renderings use spotlights to draw attention to action….an innocently earnest quality sustains the telling.
—Publisher's Weekly

The two carved pumpkins carry tons of personality, and despite their obvious differences, get along quite well...it's easy to root for Jeff, enjoy the fun, and smile at the heart-warming message at the end...it's a read with food for thought and will work especially nicely come Halloween season.
—Bookworm for Kids

Jeff O’Lantern is the kind of story that sneaks up on you with charm, humor, and a surprising amount of heart. Jelke Van Antwerpen’s illustrations elevate the tale into something visually unforgettable. Every page feels like a glowing lantern—warm, textured, and alive. Jeff O’Lantern is more than a seasonal read—it’s a story about courage, kindness, and discovering your own inner light. It’s the type of book that becomes a childhood favorite.
—Momma Braga