Dangerous Pumpkins

Invisible Inkling #2

by Emily Jenkins

Halloween brings out the worst in fourth-grader Henry Wolowitz and his invisible, squash-eating friend Inkling, as Henry tries to go trick-or-treating while keeping Inkling from eating all the jack-o-lanterns.

Genres: Halloween, Humor, Childrens, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fiction, Juvenile

154 pages, Hardcover

First published July 24, 2012

About the author

Emily Jenkins is the author of many books for children, including the recent picture books Tiger and Badger, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay, and Princessland, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka. Her chapter books include the Toys series, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky; she is co-author of the Upside-down Magic series. Emily Jenkins lives in New York City.

Reviews

[yvonnelesenundso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ein wunderschönes Kinderbuch zum Vorlesen an Halloween. Die Geschichte ist witzig aber zugleich auch herzerwärmend.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rather fun and cute Halloween story for kids. We follow Hank, a regular kid, and his invisible bandapat, a fantastical creature that loves to eat pumpkins, and with Halloween around the corner, the little invisible bandapat starts causing so many problems when he can’t resist eating everyone’s pumpkins. Good children’s book for light fun that also showcases siblings relationships.

[Chloe (Always Booked)]

We DNF'ed this at around 50%. This book is about a boy and his invisible bandapat named Inkling. Inkling loves pumpkins and doesn't care who he hurts in his quest to eat all the pumpkins. Hank continually lies and treats people poorly. This is the first time ever my girls have said "Can we just stop reading this?" because they disliked Hank and Inkling so much.

[Abigael · Rating 2 out of 5]

The written story itself is good. On its own, it would be worth about 3.5🌟. However, there is a very difficult illustration on page 149. It depicts a Hallowe'en scene with a bunch of people in costumes. The illustration style (black/grey/white with most people's facial features not emphasised) makes it difficult to discern the ethnicity of the unnamed character on the left bottom corner of the illustration, but it is EXTREMELY clear that this person is dressed in Indigenous stereotypes. Given the history (especially in the U.S., where the story takes place, because Disney's Pocahontas) of non-Indigenous people appropriating Indigenous culture, this seems OVERWHELMINGLY racist. I'm appalled the illustrator (Harry Bliss) and publisher (Balzer+Bray, imprint of Harper Collins) got away with this in 2012.

Note: This review was written by me, a white Canadian. As a result, other problematic issues with this book may have been unintentionally overlooked. I apologise if this is the case. Please contact me through Goodreads private message if you have any social justice-related questions or concerns related to this review.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Halloween approaches forth grader Hank Wolowitz isn't looking forward to it. He hates it, and now he is trying to keep his invisible bandapat, who loves the holiday from eating all the pumpkins left of doorsteps and stoops in the neighborhood. It's never a dull moment in Hank's life as long as his Invisible Inking is around.

[Crystal ✬ Lost in Storyland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun Halloween read. Hank has an invisible, very real, friend (Invisible Inkling) who is alway sgetting him into troubles because of his deep love for pumpkins. Because no one else can see Inkling, Hank often gets into easily misunderstood situations as he cleans up after Inkling's messes. Readers will laugh at Hank's predicaments even as they are able to relate to him with regards to how he's treated by others, his relationship issues with family and friends, and dealing with it all.

Hank's family is a stereotypical one. The older sister (Nadia) is talented and overshadows the little brother (Hank). She's a troubled artist and looks the part, and she loves tormenting her little brother; in fact, one of her pranks on him led to his hatred/fear of Halloween. Hank is the typical dweeb of a little brother, who doesn't really fit into a crowd at school and is always misunderstood. Their parents don't have much personality; they're pretty happy-go-lucky, but they wake up often enough to scold Hank for things he didn't do. Inkling could fit into the family as the baby of the family who's always getting into trouble, causing problems for Hank, and letting Hank take the blame for him. Of course, they all make up somewhere towards the end--for the meantime.

I wouldn't have a problem with sharing this book with middle-grade readers. However, I would want to point out that while there are children treated with Hank, nobody has to put up with unfair treatment and that while isn't nice to pull pranks on people, just because someone does something to you doesn't mean you have to pay them back the same way. Also, that family should stick together. Nadia and Hank don't make up in the best way, but they still form a tentative peace. Hank is still learning how to stand up for him, and it's a work in progress. Hopefully, he finds more self-confidences as he grows older.


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For more of my reviews, visit my blog Imaginary Reads.
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[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank is just your normal 4th grader, but Hank hates Halloween. Every year, when his parents pick the Halloween ice cream flavor for their ice cream shop, they never listen to Hank's ideas, but they always listen to his 16 year-old sister Nadia's. And they always make him go trick-or-treating with Nadia. The last couple of years Nadia and her friends have scared Hank and then taken all of his candy. This is why Hank hates Halloween. He's hoping that this year will be different though, last year his dad promised that he and Hank would sis down and talk about Hank's ideas for the Halloween ice cream flavor. Hank also has a secret weapon this year: he has an invisible Bandapat. What is a Bandapat you ask, I'm not quite sure, I do know that it's invisible and it enjoys eating squash, most particularly pumpkins. This becomes a problem for Hank quite quickly, because it's Halloween and everyone has a pumpkin they've carved and set on their porch. Hank must come up with an idea, and quick, to keep Inkling his Bandapat from eating every pumpkin in sight.

This was a cute book. I read this one to our kids (6 and 12) before bedtimes this week. We were able to read it fairly quickly, even out loud. The kids enjoyed hearing about the Bandapat and kind of making up our own idea about just what it is. We cared about the characters in the book, our 12 year-old told me on the last day that we read that she didn't like Inkling because he was mean to Nadia. I thought it was funny, she's like me, she likes to know her characters and either likes them or doesn't like them! This was a cute read-aloud story to get ready for Halloween!

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a fun Halloween read following the misadventures of 4th grader of Henry Wolowitz, and his pumpkin eating invisible Inkling. Unfortunately for Henry, his invisible pet has discovered how delicious pumpkins are, and this not only spells trouble for Henry, it gets him into a situation or two that only his Inkling can get him out of. I think this a Halloween read readers in second grade and up will enjoy. They'll laugh along with the different situations Henry finds himself in, how he gets out of them, and how he's coping with having an invisible pet that constantly gets him in trouble. If only Henry would just speak up and tell the truth.....but who would believe a kid when he says his invisible inkling did it? Certainly not his own mother, his Sister or even some of his friends.

Emily's writing not only makes this book an easy one to read, but her writing is such that readers will be able to relate to Henry on a few different levels in regards to how he feels, how he's treated, what it's like having an older sister you don't always get a long with and dealing with people saying the not so nicest things about you all the time. Henry his a lovable character and I think he's one readers will enjoy reading about. The illustrations through out the book make it that much more enjoyable! This is a good read and would make a great addition to add to any classroom, personal library and school library with the fast approaching Halloween right around the corner.

[Mymcbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: Invisible Inkling Dangerous pumpkins is a story revolving around Hank and his invisible pet bandipat the Inkling who loves to eat pumpkins. Hank must try to prevent Inkling from eating the neighborhood’s Jack- O’-Lanterns.

Hank is also not a fan of Halloween because of his sister Nadia's yearly scare. To him Halloween brings out the evil in her. She and her friends like to scare him and he didn’t find it funny at all. Hank is planning his revenge on Nadia while Inkling is taking action.

If your child loves the Wimpy Kid series they would like Invisible Inkling. The illustrations by Harry Bliss are in black and white and helps brings Inkling to life.






Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins Publishers in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.

[Marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Halloween and Inkling (the invisible bandapat) is overwhelmed. Pumpkins, his favorite squash of all, are appearing everywhere- including some on the kitchen table. Unfortunately, these pumpkins belong to other people (including Hank's older sister Nadia) and as Hank learns, it's as difficult to keep Inkling from eating pumpkins as it is to get his dad to make one of his specialty icecream flavors. With no one to trick-or-treat with, no Loose Tooth icecream, and a crazed bandapat- not to mention Nadia's yearly scare- Hank is more worried about surviving Halloween than enjoying it. But where there's an invisible bandapat there's bound to be a surprise, and Hank's Halloween turns out much different than he expected.

Recommended for ages 7-10 or readers ready to move on from Flat Stanley or Junie B. Jones, or who like Sara Pennypacker's Clementine

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pretty excited to find out there were more Inkling books because I enjoyed the first one. And I was particularly excited about this one because it had to do with Halloween, my favorite time of the year! But, I think I liked the first one better.

Once again, I really enjoyed Hank as a character. Emily Jenkins has done a great job at creating a really strong voice for this character, and it's definitely my favorite part of the story! There were some good life lessons in this book, and I have really enjoyed using these books as a tool to make my students think about these lessons, but for some reason, I just wasn't digging this one as much as the first. I enjoyed it, and I'm definitely going to read the third one.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friends, I have Halloween fever. Seriously, every time I go to the store I want to buy all of the holiday things. I also want to read all of the Halloween books and review them. Lucky for me, some are super short, super fun and fit perfectly into my schedule. Invisible Inkling: Dangerous Pumpkins by Emily Jenkins (dear readers, you may know her better as E.Lockhart) was an adorable Halloween read, that while not exactly scary by any means, was totally heartwarming.
Read the rest of my review here link goes live 10/7/12

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent offering in the Invisible Inkling chapter book series about Hank Wolowitz and his invisible (not imaginary!) bandipat friend. Once again, Hank is a sympathetic character who is beset by woes, such as how to keep Inkling from devouring his favorite food (pumpkins!) during the Halloween season, how to keep his older sister from scaring him, and how to convince his father to feature one of Hank's special seasonal flavors at the family ice cream shop. As usual, Inkling has a plan and comes to the rescue of his friend, with the usual hilarious and satisfactory results.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great realistic fiction book. I think many readers will identify with Hank. The only problem is the invisible bandapat. It was really hard for me to get past it as a real thing, not an imaginary friend. But I think students will think it's funny and be more accepting of that part of the story.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

we are longtime Emily Jenkins fans but somehow missed this new series (and then we actually started with this one which is book 2, oops). HIGHLY recommeded - a very fun read for me and my 7yo with a lot of depth too. It inspired us to revive our 2-person book club after having been on hiatus a while. cant wait to surprise her with #1!

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Invisible Bandapat is a reasonable, addition to the usual 4th-5th grade lighthearted family issues story. Like many other tween/young teen books it starts out with a 9-12 year old with a humorous problem that he can't share with his family and friends, and hijinks ensue. Nothing much outside the formula, but not entirely predictable.

[Connor Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about a boy with an invisible bandapat as a friend named inkling. It was good because it funny and kind of weird. The best part of the book was the end, because it had a good ending. This the sequel to Invisible Inkling.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute follow up to Invisible Inkling, could be a stand alone as well. Great introduction into other Emily Jenkins books. Nice that it is from the boy's point of view.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it because it was funny when Inkling smashed the pumpkin. I like how Inkling and Hank are friends.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went on an Emily Jenkins binge

Library copy

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy laughed out loud while we read this.

[Hillvan]

520L

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very clever story about a boy, Hank, and his invisible bandapat, Inkling. It is almost Halloween and Hank does not like Halloween.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asher (8yo) read.

[Carterkempgmail.Com · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute chapter book for at level third graders, good fo rthose readers who enjoyed the first in the series.

[Liam Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thought that this book was pretty funny and interesting. I really liked the idea of putting an invisible bandapat in this book. That is because it really gives a lot of funny moments in this book.