The Pumpkin Princess and the forever night

While making her latest escape from the orphanage in which she's lived ever since her biological parents' deaths, a white-cued tween encounters the mythical Pumpkin King, "the monster under your bed, the trick in the darkness, and the treat of it all." When she shows no fear, the Pumpkin King--a terrifying figure with a jack-o'-lantern for a head--adopts her, names her Eve (for All Hallow's Eve), and takes her home to the hidden Hallowell Valley, a refuge for all manner of spirits and monsters, where she is to be crowned the Pumpkin Princess. As the only human in town, Eve is an oddity, and not everyone is happy to welcome her. But she soon befriends fellow kids, which is fortuitous, because when dark forces threaten her new home and family, Eve will need her friends' help to save the day. Banbury weaves a cozy tale in this thoroughly delightful debut reminiscent of The Graveyard Book and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The growing bond between Eve and the Pumpkin King is tender and inspiring as the grumpy gourd-headed guardian does his best to rear his unsure yet headstrong daughter. Ages 8--12. Agent: Lauren Galit, LKG Agency. (Sept.)

An orphan winds up in the strange, spooky land of the undead and discovers the home and family she's always craved. One Halloween, Eve attempts yet another escape from her awful orphanage and comes across someone completely unexpected in the forest--the Pumpkin King. He's imposing and has a jack-o'-lantern pumpkin as a head, but Eve, who's lanky and cued white, refuses to feel fear. Impressed by her verve, he offers to adopt her and make her the Pumpkin Princess of Hallowell Valley, a hidden land populated by all sorts of undead creatures, including vampires, werewolves, and witches. Eve has a lot to learn about her unusual new home, but for the first time ever, she has friends to help. But not everyone in Hallowell is happy about having a living being among them. There are secret, nefarious plans brewing, and in order for Eve to save her new home, she'll have to confront her fears. This spooky, autumnal take on the classic human-in-a-magical-world scenario is a delightful blend of eerie and heartwarming. The original world feels cozy with its lovable, oddball characters, while the untrustworthy baddies make the tale more exciting. The Pumpkin King is absolutely adorable as a father figure, and his relationship with Eve is precious. The mystery element has surprising twists, but it's Eve's finding a place to belong and be loved that will ensnare readers. Rockefeller's spooky spot art opens each chapter. A timeless tale of found family, full of Halloween charm.(Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.