Lois Ehlert used some of her favorite fall objects, from locust pods and ornamental gourds to various squashes, nuts, and fruits, as the basis for the art she created to tell the story of a group of mice planning a harvest party—no cats allowed! It’s one meat-eating cat in particular that the mice have their eye on, and when it does indeed come creeping in to disrupt the nighttime festivities, the mice are ready with a very scary pumpkin—Boo to you! “Scat, scary cat. Have some broccoli!” Ehlert’s story is a visual feast sure to inspire young artists, who can also take some cues from her “Pumpkin Talk” note inviting children to create their own jack-o-lantern. (Ages 3–7)

The harvest garden is bursting with delicious vegetables, the pumpkins are decorated and lit, and the mice have their costumes ready. Everyone is looking forward to the annual Halloween-night feast. Scary Cat wasn’t invited to the party, but he seems to think he’s coming anyway. Time for a clever mouse-style surprise to outsmart that cat!