Pumpkin Cat
What’s inside...
One stormy night just before Halloween, a ginger cat finds shelter and kind people at a library, but at night, all alone, she realizes that the library cannot be a real home because something is missing. On a stormy night in October, a ginger cat finds refuge in the 'Returned Books' bin of the local library. Rescued by two kind librarians, Pumpkin Cat makes a home for herself in the large children's room. But the wooden sheep and the sock monkey never talk, and once the librarians leave for the day, Pumpkin Cat is lonely. Searching for what is missing, she makes a new friend in a neighborhood girl and receives a Halloween gift that fills her heart. Ann Turner's tender story, paired with Amy June Bates's cozy illustrations, explores the idea that sometimes for a home to be found, a home must be given. Ann Turner is the author of several books for children, including Red Flower Goes West, illustrated by Dennis Nolan. She lives with her family in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Pumpkin Cat
Discussion points
What do you think the Pumpkin Cat would say if it could talk?
How do you think the Pumpkin Cat felt when it first met the mouse?
Why is it important to help others, just like the characters helped each other in the story?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend like the Pumpkin Cat did?
What would you grow in your garden, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
It's beneficial to encourage children to think about the characters’ emotions and actions. Ask them to imagine themselves in the story and consider how they would feel or react in similar situations. Facilitate empathy and understanding by relating the characters' experiences to the child's own life. Lastly, use expressive and animated reading styles to keep the narrative engaging and fun, making the thematic discussions that follow more natural and enjoyable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Pumpkin Cat', the cat and mouse work together to grow a pumpkin, demonstrating teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this in their everyday interactions by collaborating with siblings or classmates on shared tasks or projects.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The characters must wait for the pumpkin to grow, illustrating the importance of patience in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn that some tasks, like academic assignments or learning new skills, require time and persistence.
Example Lesson: Caring for Nature
Explanation: The story underscores the value of taking care of plants and the environment.
Real-World Application: Kids can be motivated to take part in gardening at home or participate in local community clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The curiosity of the cat about how pumpkins grow fuels the story's progression.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to ask questions and seek out information about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Seasonal Change
Explanation: The book introduces children to the concept of seasonal changes as they observe the growth cycle of the pumpkin.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the rhythm of nature and the passage of time through the different seasons.