Saturday, October 13, 2012

Pumpkin Book Suggestions

Headed to the pumpkin patch this year?  Why not fill your book baskets with some great pumpkin themed books this year!  There is just something about the cooler weather that makes me want to snuggle on the couch reading a great book to my children.  I hope that this short list of books helps inspire you to create some warm memories with literature.  
  
PUMPKIN THEMED BOOK BASKET--
The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs-  This is the story about how a farmer can turn a simple pumpkin into a glorious sight. In the same way, God's transforming love can fill each of our hearts with joy and light.
 After reading this book, head on over to one of my favorite blogs "My Montessori Journey" for a great go along project to do with your child.   The project is called, "Let Your Love Light Shine".  Just like a candle can light up a pumpkin, we can let our light shine from us.   Also check out "Totally Tots" crafts to go along with this book. 

Mousekin's Golden House by Edna Miller-  This book is out of print, but many libraries still have a copy.   In this book a mouse discovers a great new home when he finds an abandoned pumpkin in the forest.

Pumpkin Moonshine by Tasha Tudor - This book is by one of my favorite author/illustrators Tasha Tudor.  It is a very charming, old fashioned Halloween story that is sure to become a favorite.  The story is simple, yet delightful.  In the book, Sylvie Ann wants to carve a wonderful "pumpkin moonshine" (that is what they used to call jack o'lanterns way back when in New England)--but she has to get her pumpkin home first!  Gorgeous illustrations!

From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeffer- A great science book to tie in with a pumpkin book basket theme.

Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White- One lady ends up with WAY too many pumpkins.  Very cute story!

It's Pumpkin Time by Zoe Hall- This book features some lovely illustrations.  It is a favorite with very young children!


How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara-  This is a great "living math" book to read this time of year.  Children can explore concepts such as estimation, skip counting, and other strategies for determining how many seeds are in a pumpkin.  This would be a great book to read together before you actually carve a pumpkin so you can put some of these strategies into action.


Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell-  This is a very cute story which does a great job demonstrating the life cycle of a pumpkin.  In this story, a boy name Tim carves his first pumpkin and names him "Jack".  After Halloween, "Jack" is put in the garden where he slowly decays.  The story follows Jack until Spring time comes and we find "Jack" has sprouted a whole crop of pumpkins!    Children may want to do their own "Pumpkin Jack" science experiment after reading this book by placing their fall pumpkins in the garden instead of the trash.


The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll- Two mice fall in love with the SAME pumpkin...What will they do?  This is a very cute story which illustrates the joy of sharing and giving.   This is a slightly longer picture book which might appeal to children in grades kindergarten to grade 3.


Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington-  A great book for young children!  This book has gorgeous illustrations and describes the process of a seed growing into a pumpkin.


Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper -  "Deep in the woods in an old white cabin, three friends make their pumpkin soup the same way every day. The Cat slices up the pumpkin, the Squirrel stirs in the water, and the Duck tips in just enough salt."   This is a great story about friendship and working through squabbles.  The illustrations are warm and inviting...and there is even a recipe for pumpkin soup at the end.   I suggest reading this book and inviting the kids to help you in the kitchen afterwards! 


Pumpkin Cat by Anne Mortimer - A very cute story about gardening and working together.  This is a simple story, but a great story for teaching preschoolers and toddlers about where pumpkins come from. 

Thanks for reading!  

Cathy aka The Attached Mama

Links to Become Attached To:
-The Children's Book Shelf
-What my Child is Reading
-A Thanksgiving Book List (Thanksgiving will be here before you know it!)
-My October Pinterest Board (Some crafts to do along with these books.)
 

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