Pumpkin Heads
What’s inside...
Bright illustrations enhance this imaginative collection of pumpkin poses as Halloween pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and designs are presented. The perfect Halloween book for kids, this fall picture book celebrates picking pumpkins and carving them into pumpkin heads--jack-o'-lanterns of every shape and size!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each pumpkin head might be feeling based on their expressions?
Can you imagine a story about where each pumpkin character might live?
What other vegetables or fruits do you think could be turned into characters, and what would they look like?
How do you think the pumpkin heads were created? What tools do you think were used?
Why do you think the artist chose pumpkins to express these different emotions and scenes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, flip through the book and ask your child to describe what they see on each page, promoting anticipation and curiosity.
Encourage your child to identify the different emotions displayed by the pumpkin heads and relate them to personal experiences.
Use a playful tone to mimic the expressions or scenes depicted in the book, making the reading experience fun and interactive.
Post reading, involve your child in a creative activity like drawing their own pumpkin head with a unique expression or scene.
Discuss the artistic techniques used in the book, such as colors and shading, to deepen the child's appreciation and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: In 'Pumpkin Heads,' various types of pumpkins with different shapes and sizes are celebrated, showcasing the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect individual differences among their peers, fostering inclusivity and empathy in real-world interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Nature
Explanation: The book features pumpkins growing in their natural habitat, emphasizing the importance of agriculture and natural environments.
Real-World Application: It prompts children to explore and value the natural world around them, possibly encouraging outdoor activities and environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The story uses pumpkins not just as vegetables but as canvases for creativity, inspiring readers to see potential art in everyday objects.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage in creative projects and crafts, enhancing their imaginative skills and artistic expression.
Example Lesson: Seasonal Change
Explanation: By focusing on a crop that peaks in a specific season, 'Pumpkin Heads' introduces young readers to the concept of seasonal change and its impacts.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to observe and understand the cyclic patterns in nature and how they affect the environment and activities throughout the year.
Example Lesson: Cultivating Curiosity
Explanation: Exploring different types of pumpkins sparks curiosity about botany and agriculture.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can lead children to ask questions and seek knowledge about plant life, gardening, and the origins of their food, enhancing their scientific thinking.