The popular 1972 illustrated children’s book The Pumpkin Smasher is back in print thanks to Internet demand.
Princeton author Anita Benarde, an octogenarian and mixed-media artist, self-published the re-release in August. Based on a real-life 1971 Mischief Night in Princeton (called Cranbury in the book), the work tells of a town that has all its pumpkins smashed three Halloweens in a row, then threatens to cancel the holiday.
Benarde is surprised by her book’s lasting popularity. “The hardcover is selling [online] for as high as $499 dollars,” she marvels. “Isn’t that wild?” Copies of the new edition are only available on Amazon, starting at a reasonable $7.52.