Best Fall Picture Books: Pumpkins (Fiction)

I can’t imagine buying a pumpkin at a grocery store!  I have always used pumpkin picking as a memory making tradition.  Every year we go to a farm to pick ours.  At some of the farms, we actually pick them off the vines while at others we pick them from a field.  There are usually lots of other activities at the farms, such as corn mazes, tire swings, petting zoos, and so forth.  Not everyone is fortunate enough to live in the vicinity of farms for picking pumpkins.  I encourage you venture out to one at least once to a farm to pick a pumpkin while your children are young or with your class of students.  The book selections today all capture the joys and memories of pumpkin picking, and in some cases, even growing pumpkins. 

Pumpkin Day, Pumpkin Night (ages 3-7) by Anne Rockwell (realistic fiction)

In this fictional narrative, an eager, young boy observes the various changes in nature that indicate it is fall which signifies that soon it will be “pumpkin time.”  Along with his mother, they take their traditional trip to a farm to pick pumpkins for carving and for cooking.  Together, mother and son experience an uplifting memory carving the perfect jack-o-lantern and watching it glow in the night.  The bright backgrounds with appealing paper cut outs give the illustrations a 2-dimensional appearance to this story about fall, family, and tradition. 

The Very Best Pumpkin (ages 4-8) by Mark Kimball Moulton (realistic fiction)

Watercolor illustrations in warm hues offer a country setting for the story of Peter who lives with his grandparents on a farm.  One of their fall crops is pumpkins.  One day Peter discovers a pumpkin vine that has trailed off from the others and is growing alone.  Meanwhile, a new family with a girl his age moves in next door.   She shyly watches him from afar as he tends his special lone pumpkin.  After the community has all come to pick their pumpkins from the farm, the girl and her family arrive to chose theirs.  Peter gives her his special pumpkin.  He knew all along she had been watching him.  This first act of kindness begins a sweet friendship between them. 

Pumpkin Jack (ages 5-9) by Will Hubbell  (realistic fiction)

After Tim’s beloved and enchanting jack-o-lantern begins to expire, he discards it in the backyard garden.  Over time, he watches as the face wrinkles and the pumpkin shrinks into the ground.  In the spring, a tiny sprout peers up from the soil which multiples and grows as Tim cares for the new pumpkin plants.  When the pumpkins are ripe, he generously gives them away to other children.  He saves one though.  It becomes his new Pumpkin Jack.  Anyone who has reluctantly thrown away his jack-o-lantern after the holiday will appreciate this story. 

The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin (ages 4-8) by Joe Troiano (fantasy fiction)

Spookley is a square pumpkin in a patch of round pumpkins.  He is teased and ridiculed for his unique shape.  When there is a storm, several pumpkin break loose from the vine and roll out of the garden through a hole in the fence, resulting in their destruction.  Spookley moves to block the hole, which prevents any other pumpkins from being destroyed.  The farmer discovers what happened, so the following year he only plants Spookley's seeds.  As a result, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are produced, bringing joy to the boys and girls of the community as they all pick out a unique one just for them.  This book celebrates individual differences.  The poetic language is full of rhyme and alliteration.   The Legend of Spookley is sure to be a favorite holiday read! 

Honorable Mentions

Pumpkin Day (ages 4-8) by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace (realistic fiction)

This book is a sweet narrative of a family of bunnies visiting a pumpkin patch, making pumpkin pancakes, and carving jack-o-lanterns.  Riddles and fast facts on pumpkins are interspersed.  It includes the family’s recipes for toasted pumpkin seeds, perfect pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin pancakes. 

Pumpkin Moon (ages 6-10) by Tim Preston (fantasy fiction)

Following the a similar format as David Weisner’s Tuesday, this predominately wordless book tells the magical tale of what happens on October 31 after all the trick-or-treaters are in bed.  I have mixed feelings about this one.  It has some noteworthy illustrations, but there are real witches, skeletons, and other ghouls.  It is an interesting premise.  On the other hand, the “story” did not seem to have a real point.   Check it out to see for yourself.  Then, let me know what you think!

Extension Activities

• For Pumpkin Fun ideas, visit the Learning Ideas blog
• Visit a pumpkin patch or farm with pumpkins
• Allow students to tell about their experience at a pumpkin patch by drawing a picture or writing about it
• Carve pumpkins together
• Students can write their own fictional story about pumpkins (either realistic or fantasy)
• Read about the pumpkin life cycle
• Compare a fictional story of growing pumpkins to a non-fiction book on the topic
• Pumpkin crafts
• Pumpkin Lessons
• Sing pumpkin/fall songs
• File Folder Game
• Science Connections
• Recipes (Halloween, Pumpkin, and Apples)
• Color Pumpkin Pictures

Best Halloween Picture Books for Preschool to Primary Grades

These books can be enjoyed by all ages, but they were chosen as ones that would be especially pleasing to preschool aged children (ages 0-6).

Mouse’s First Halloween (ages 1-6) by Lauren Thompson (fiction)
I adore this book’s free verse poetic form and captivating illustrations!  On Halloween night, a little mouse hears an assortment of sounds outside around the farm where he lives.  On the next page, the source of the sound is revealed, which are things like a scarecrow, kittens, falling apples, a jack-o-lantern, and so forth.  This book is perfect for practicing predicting skills.  After each sound (onomatopoeia), children can guess, using the visual and auditory clues, what they think it is.  Of course, there is a great use of onomatopoeia (sound words), so identify them together and differentiate them from the other words.  Also, there are repetitive words and phrases at predictable places that children can recite along with or in place of the adult reader.  All the images are welcoming and amiable.  Children will want to read this one over and over.  This book is my number one pick! 

Sweets and Treats (ages 0-5) by Tony Trent Parker (poetry)
Using a snappy, rhyming verse, the joy of dressing up on Halloween is depicted.  Full-color photographs of children ages 1-5 accompany each quatrain of poetry describing the costume or the holiday.  Children are dressed in many holiday favorites like a pirate, a princess, a firefighter, and a clown.  In addition, smaller pictures of other Halloween favorites, such as cookies, candy corn, and jack-o-lanterns are highlighted.  While reading, younger children can guess the costume while older children can identify rhyming words or talk about their favorite costumes.

Moonlight: The Halloween Cat (ages 1-7) by Cynthia Rylant (fiction)
The enchantment of Halloween night is captured though the eyes of a lovable Halloween cat.  As she wanders through the night, she sees animals (owls, rabbits, bats, and raccoons), children trick or treating, the wonders of nature (full moon and stars reflecting in the water), and jack-o-lanterns.  Relate the cat’s experience walking around at night to the audience’s (children’s) experience.  They can share which of those night wonders they have observed (and maybe some others that are not mentioned in the book) on Halloween or any other night they have been outside.  The luminous illustrations induce a soothing and friendly view of the night and the holiday.  Also, introduce or reinforce the concept of personification (the cat, the pumpkins that smile at her, and the straw laps that welcome her).  Finally, highlight that the point of view is of a cat.  Invite them to ponder why the author used a cat to tell the story. 

Halloween Night (ages 2-7) by Elizabeth Hatch (fiction)
This book is cumulative tale, following the same format as The House that Jack Built, which takes place on Halloween night. The collective chain of events begin with a friendly jack-o-lantern and mouse, but a bat, an owl, a cat, a child dressed as a ghost, and a dog all interact to bring the tale back to the mouse and jack-o-lantern enjoying a treat together. The whimsical and bright illustrations along with the rhyming and amusing text are sure to capture preschool readers’ attention.  This story can also be used to make predictions, especially in the downward action of the climax (when the child trips) and discuss the concept of cause & effect.  If you like this type of book, also check out This is the Pumpkin by Abby Levine. 

Pumpkin Eye (ages 4-8) by Denise Fleming
I have a little apprehension on this story, but it is because I am ultra sensitive to scary images.  I try to avoid them, especially at Halloween, because I do not want my children to associate the holiday with evil.  Overall, I really love the poetic, rhyming text with a fun repetition, “Trick or Treat—pounding feet.”  The pictures are bright, blurry images of Halloween night—jack-o-lanterns, children in costumes, black cats, and so forth.  Some of the costumes look a little to realistic, like the witch and the skeleton.  This book is worth reading, but I’d suggest you examine it in advance (especially for younger children) to make sure you feel comfortable with it. 

Best Halloween & Fall Picture Books: Pumpkins (Non-Fiction)

Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden (ages 4-10) by George Levenson  (non-fiction)

The intriguing story of a pumpkin’s life cycle from seed to pumpkin plant to seed again is recorded in a clear, concise manner.  The vibrant, full color photographs give the reader a close up view of the plants’ progression.  The text is written in a pleasing, bouncy free verse.  Further information is provided in the appendix on how to grow and harvest a pumpkin garden.  This book is my top pick for pictures and text! 

From Seed to Pumpkin (ages 5-8) by Wendy Pfeffer (non-fiction)

Written in a casual narrative style, the journey from seed to pumpkin is revealed.  The water-color and pencil pictures expand the text and engage the reader.  The information is similar to other books on the list, but it has a few additional features.  For instance, the illustrations show what is going on underground as the roots shoot out and plants’ spout.  In understandable terms, photosynthesis is discussed and illustrated.  In the appendix, a recipe for pumpkin seeds and an experiment on how plants drink water is provided.  This book is my top pick for informative text. 

From Seed to Pumpkin (ages 4-7) by Jan Kottke (non-fiction)

Ideal for the early reader or primary student, the progression from seed to pumpkin in illustrated.  Key terms (such as seed, soil, shoot, and stem) are bolded in text and defined in the glossary, similar to a text book.  The essential role of bees and pollination is explained. The glowing photographs are laid out perfectly to show the succession from flower to fruit.   The appendix includes additional books and web sites to compliment the book’s material.  

The Pumpkin Book (ages 4-8) by Gail Gibbons (non-fiction)

Using simple, cartoon pictures and prose, the planting, cultivating, and harvesting of pumpkins are illustrated.  In addition, the history of autumn’s most popular fruit is briefly reviewed along with connections to the Pilgrims, the first Thanksgiving feast, and Halloween. 

Pumpkins (ages 6-11) by Jacqueline Farmer (non-fiction)

In a fluid, conversational style, facts about pumpkins are laid out. While it includes a synopsis of how pumpkins grow, it branches off into many other areas.  For instance, several types of pumpkins are illustrated and identified, including their purposes (i.e. not all pumpkins are for carving jack-o-lanterns). Also, the role of pumpkins in various cultures is discussed.  Fast Facts, like the heaviest and largest pumpkin, are recorded.  The water color and sketch illustrations satisfactorily support the text.   Unlike the other selections on the list, this book will probably need to be read and discussed in more than one sitting, especially for younger children.