It's Pumpkin Day, Mouse!
If You Give... Series
What’s inside...
Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie celebrates fall and Halloween by visiting the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin. Follow along as he decorates his house for Halloween, choosing just the right pumpkin, carving it, and all the fun that comes with it! Join Mouse as he decorates all the pumpkins in the patch in this sweet board book from Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond. Mouse is excited for fall because that means it is time to decorate pumpkins! But one is missing. Where could it have gone? This is the perfect Halloween book for the very youngest reader, and is just the right book to get kids and budding artists inspired to work on their own Halloween crafts.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-3
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mouse feels when he decorates each pumpkin?
What expressions do the pumpkins have and what do you think each one means?
Why is it important for Mouse to show all the different pumpkin faces?
How would you decorate your own pumpkin and what expression would you choose?
What do you think is the most fun part about Pumpkin Day?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading, point out the different expressions on the pumpkins and ask your child how each face makes them feel.
Encourage your child to describe each pumpkin’s face in their own words, expanding their vocabulary and emotional understanding.
Discuss the significance of emotions depicted in the book and relate them to everyday scenarios to enhance empathy skills.
After reading, consider carving or drawing faces on real or paper pumpkins, letting your child express creativity and reinforce the book’s themes.
Make connections between the different pumpkin faces and real-life emotions, asking your child when they have felt similar ways.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expression of Emotions
Explanation: The book showcases Mouse painting various pumpkin faces displaying different emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to identify and express their own emotions and understand others' feelings, improving their emotional intelligence and empathy.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Artistic Skills
Explanation: Mouse creatively decorates the pumpkins with unique designs.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in art and craft activities, fostering their creativity and fine motor skills.
Example Lesson: Counting and Numbers
Explanation: As Mouse decorates each pumpkin, children are introduced to basic counting.
Real-World Application: Helps children practice counting in their daily activities, enhancing their early math skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding Differences
Explanation: Each pumpkin has a different face, promoting the understanding and acceptance of varying emotions and expressions.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to recognize and respect individual differences among their peers and people around them.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Mouse faces the challenge of fixing a sad pumpkin, showing problem-solving in action.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach and solve problems they encounter, whether emotional or practical, with patience and creativity.