Jeff O'Lantern

You all know Jack O'Lantern, with his wild eyes and crooked teeth. He's the best on the block at keeping the trick-or-treaters on Irving Street from taking more than one piece of Halloween candy. But have you met his little brother, Jeff?

Jeff O'Lantern has kind eyes and a friendly smile, and he's a little shy. Unlike his big brother, he's not very good at scaring away overeager trick-or-treaters. Even his boo sounds sweet rather than spooky. But he's going to keep trying to live up to the O'Lantern name and make his brother proud. Join Jeff as he embarks on his pumpkin hero's journey to save the candy bowl, help out a new friend, and uncover his true talents along the way.

In this funny and charming Halloween tale, can Jeff O'Lantern finally get out of the shadow of his more confident sibling and find his own way to shine?

Charlie Greenwald has dreamed of writing a Halloween book since childhood—one that celebrates the fun and spooky spirit of the holiday without being too scary! A passionate animal rescue advocate, he has also coauthored a series of books with his father called The Rescues. Charlie lives in Stamford, CT. Visit his website.opens in new window

Jelke van Antwerpen's passion is bringing stories to life with illustrations inspired by magic, horror, and fairy tales. She lives in Mierlo, Netherlands.

Greenwald threads his cheery tale with a message of self-acceptance, supported by an extensive note that encourages parents to support their children’s individuality. Van Antwerpen’s well-composed pages pack in all the standard Halloween motifs; the cartoon style and use of neon orange, magenta, and green place the emphasis on fun, not scares. An affirming Halloween tale that provides a lesson in self-love.
—Kirkus Reviews

An insecure pumpkin achieves self-acceptance...while scariness comes naturally to Jack O’Lantern ("His eyes were wild, his teeth were crooked, and his smile was wicked"), little brother Jeff O’Lantern has a more amiable disposition ("His eyes were kind,/ his teeth were straight,/ and his smile was warm")... By night’s end, Jeff ’s candy-filled belly becomes evidence of how individuals’ gifts can differ... Emphasizing facial expressions, slick, mottle-shaded renderings use spotlights to draw attention to action....an innocently earnest quality sustains the telling.
—Publisher's Weekly

The two carved pumpkins carry tons of personality, and despite their obvious differences, get along quite well...it's easy to root for Jeff, enjoy the fun, and smile at the heart-warming message at the end...it's a read with food for thought and will work especially nicely come Halloween season.
—Bookworm for Kids

Jeff O’Lantern is the kind of story that sneaks up on you with charm, humor, and a surprising amount of heart. Jelke Van Antwerpen’s illustrations elevate the tale into something visually unforgettable. Every page feels like a glowing lantern—warm, textured, and alive. Jeff O’Lantern is more than a seasonal read—it’s a story about courage, kindness, and discovering your own inner light. It’s the type of book that becomes a childhood favorite.
—Momma Braga