Invisible Inkling: Dangerous Pumpkins

It’s Halloween in Emily Jenkins’s Dangerous Pumpkins, the second title in the chapter-book series about a Brooklyn fourth grader and his invisible furry pal.

Hank Wolowitz hates Halloween. Every year his older sister, Nadia, scares him half to death. But Hank’s invisible bandapat, Inkling, loves Halloween. Pumpkins are his favorite food. Hank has serious trouble stopping Inkling from devouring every jack-o’-lantern in their neighborhood, including the ones his sister carves. And that’s not his only problem: Will he ever figure out a cool costume? Will he finally get to pick the holiday flavor in his family’s ice-cream shop? Will Hank ever get revenge on Nadia?

Kids will love Hank and Inkling’s latest adventure, illustrated by acclaimed artist Harry Bliss.

It's Halloween. Fourth grader Hank Wolowitz hates Halloween. Every year his older sister, Nadia, scares him half to death.

This year might be different, though. After all, Hank's the only kid in Brooklyn—probably the only kid in North America—with an invisible bandapat living in his laundry basket. And Invisible Inkling loves Halloween. Pumpkins are his favorite food.

But Hank has serious trouble stopping Inkling from devouring every jack-o'-lantern in their neighborhood. And that's not his only problem: Will he figure out a cool costume? Will he survive the small army of ballerinas roaming the hallways of his building? Will Hank ever get revenge on Nadia?

Inkling has long since stopped listening to Hank's worries.

Inkling is taking action.

“Thoughtfully grounded, gently kooky chapter book. Jenkins colors her mostly realistic tale with enough bits of mystery and silliness to hold readers’ attention.” - Publishers Weekly

“Invisible Inkling is charming, fresh, and funny. Now I want an invisible friend of my own!” - Sara Pennypacker, author of the New York Times bestselling Clementine series

Praise for Invisible Inkling: “Gently humorous and nicely realistic (with the obvious exception of the invisible Peruvian bandapat). Anyone who who has ever had an imaginary friend will appreciate sassy Inkling (who’s invisible—not imaginary).” - Kirkus Reviews

“A perfect choice for an early school year read-aloud: straightforward, zippy plot, likable characters, and believable family. And its last line is exactly what second and third graders love to read: ‘Anything could happen next.’” - The Horn Book Magazine

“A mix of wild humor, fantasy, and sadness, this series starter offers a moving story about defeating bullies. The story will grab readers with its comedy and captivating sidekick.” - Booklist

“Gentle humor and a realistic urban setting add interest to this solid middle-grade read. Appealing any time of the year.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Jenkins’s chapter book fantasy, with its strong sense of place and realistic family dynamic, will have new readers wishing for an invisible pal of their own. Bliss’s droll illustrations allow readers to see Inkling in all his furry glory, even when the characters in the book do not.” - The Horn Book

“The Halloween details, from giant eyeballs to black spiderwebs, in Bliss’ wry, spot drawings add to the farce, and kids will appreciate both the conflicts and Hank’s warm bond with his bossy sidekick.” - Booklist