The Dancing Pumpkin

by Howard Butcher

One magical night four children discover that their Halloween jack-a-lantern is alive and a brilliant tap dancer. They befriend the charismatic pumpkin and learn about the secret world of pumpkins, where it is the jack-a-lanterns' duty to protect children from Halloween monsters. With the Dancing Pumpkin leading the way, they all set off on a thrilling adventure that shows them the importance of courage, friendship, and virtue.

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2025

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Dancing Pumpkin, by Howard Butcher, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The family realizes they do not have a typical pumpkin at all, theirs comes to life. I really enjoyed the illustrations and story of this pumpkin and its family.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dancing Pumpkin completely surprised me in the best way. I expected a cute Halloween story, but it turned into this big magical adventure full of monsters, witches, secret pumpkin kingdoms, and one incredibly lovable tap-dancing pumpkin. The story has that classic autumn feeling that makes you want hot cider and crunchy leaves outside your window while you read. I especially loved the mix of humor and spooky fun — the oatmeal man scene had me laughing, while the scenes with the witches and ogre added just enough danger to keep things exciting. This feels like one of those books kids will want to revisit every October.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and imaginative Halloween adventure that mixes spooky creatures, humor, and friendship into a story kids will race through. The Dancing Pumpkin creates a wonderfully original world where pumpkins guard children from monsters and one extraordinary jack-o’-lantern leads four siblings on a dangerous quest. The magical elements feel inventive without becoming too dark for younger readers. The illustrations and playful tone add even more charm. This would be a great pick for middle grade readers who enjoy seasonal adventures, magical creatures, and stories with a classic family-friendly fantasy feel.

[Kayleighreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dancing Pumpkin is a really fun Halloween read,it’s a story that stays fun and magical from the very first page to end. It captures the mix of cozy autumn vibes and light spooky excitement, making it a perfect read for children who love Halloween. This is definitely going to be a book I will read to my children when they get a little bit bigger.