The Pumpkin Thief by Alice Hemming

The Pumpkin Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater — the funny Halloween companion to the New York Times bestselling The Leaf Thief.

Squirrel and Bird are back, and this time there’s a mystery in the vegetable patch! Bird’s pumpkins keep disappearing one by one. There are footprints. Peck-marks. Even a feather. There is a PUMPKIN THIEF!

Squirrel is determined to catch the culprit before Bird returns. As he investigates, readers follow him on a lively forest adventure filled with vibrant illustrations and plenty of laughs. Is there really a thief on the loose — or is something else going on? And what do those jack-o’-lanterns appearing on neighboring doorsteps have to do with it?

With the same humor, charm and seasonal magic that made The Leaf Thief a favorite, The Pumpkin Thief captures the excitement of Halloween preparations while delivering a satisfying, smile-inducing twist. A bonus spread at the back explains Halloween traditions, making it both entertaining and educational.

Perfect for ages 4 and up, this is an ideal autumn read-aloud for classrooms, homeschool, and cozy Halloween story times. Poised to become a new seasonal classic.