The Great Grumpkin

Celebrate the spooky season with the grumpiest pumpkin around in this hilarious and heartwarming story from Pete Oswald, the New York Times bestselling artist of The Good Egg.

Meet Jack. He usually loves Halloween. But not this year. This year, nothing is going his way. So when it’s time for pumpkin carving, he gives his pumpkin a grumpy face.

Meet Grumpkin. He has to spend Halloween sitting on the front stoop, feeling dark and hollow.  

Will this be a lousy Halloween? Or will one grumpy boy and one grumpy pumpkin find a way to shine?

Join beloved, bestselling creator Pete Oswald for an uproariously tricky treat that proves all it takes is one small spark to turn a dark mood around.

• Praise for Kindergarten Gets Ready:
  
  A Kids Indie Next List Pick
  An Amazon Best Book of June 2026
• * "A pitch-perfect antidote to first-day-of-school anxiety that celebrates thoughtful educators and organized spaces."
  Kirkus, starred review
• * “An exemplary back-to-school book with a clever focus...Naomi Danis’ text is simple and straightforward, letting Pete Oswald’s wonderful illustrations invite young readers into this process.... Even the most nervous young students will likely be intrigued."
  Bookpage, starred review
• * "A teacher prepares for the first day of school in this insightful behind-the-scenes look from Danis and Oswald...Thoughtful depictions of teacherly care result in an inviting model of a place to learn and play." 
  Publishers Weekly, starred review