P IS FOR PUMPKIN

The traditional alphabet-book format combines with rhyming couplets that relate Christian concepts to aspects of the fall season. A simple sentence with the individual letter and related word appears in a large font across the bottom of each page, with the related rhyming text at the top, enabling the volume to be used with just the abecedarian text for toddlers or the complete text for older preschoolers or beginning readers. For example, on the “S is for scarecrow” page, the corresponding rhyme offers the concept that God watches over readers just as a scarecrow watches over the crops. Pang’s illustrations are done in an appealing primitive style in a warm palette of fall shades, with a thoughtful overall design that sets off the art in oval shapes against solid backgrounds of autumnal colors. The little girl shown on the jacket is sound asleep with her dog in a pumpkin patch, but the inside spreads are much more lively than the cover illustration indicates. (Picture book/religion. 2-6)