Mr. Pumpkin is having a tea party, and everyone is invited. As his spooky guests arrive, each brings a yummy treat with them. As more treats are added to the bountiful banquet at twilight, we’ll count up to 13. Fun will be had by all until the magic hour arrives, and Mr. Pumpkin must bid everyone farewell.

The Bottom Line: This sweet & spooky (but not scary) counting book is perfect for Halloween fun as children learn to count from 1 to 13. Illustrated with charming watercolors in autumnal and evening tones, this book will appeal to preschoolers.

This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )

Such a delightful counting book (that ends on a different than usual number I might add).....The illustrations are soft (thus not spooky for those kids afraid of Halloween). Because I am obsessed with tea and tea parties, I enjoyed talking with kids about scones and jam.

This is a favorite Halloween one of mine now. ( )

Mr. Pumpkin throws an evening tea party for all of his spooky friends in this delightful rhyming counting book, which moves from one to thirteen as goodies and guests arrive. From Sir Bones (the skeleton) with his two jugs of cider to Baron Laguna (the swamp monster) with his twelve balloons, this is a tea party to remember...

Although there really isn't much here in the way of story, I would imagine that young picture-book listeners will find Mr. Pumpkin's Tea Party entertaining all the same, particularly if they're in the mood for spooky-sweet autumn titles. Although Halloween isn't specifically mentioned, this would make an excellent reading selection for that holiday. The artwork, done by debut author/artist Erin Barker in watercolor, is charming, and captures the mood quite well. Recommended to younger picture-book audiences in the mood for sweeter Halloween fare, and to anyone looking for fun and slightly different new counting books. ( )