The Perfect Pumpkin
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Oh no! It's Halloween, and Willa the witch has a BARE pumpkin! What a fright! Follow along as she tries to think of the perfect design for her pumpkin before Halloween night, with a little help from a friend.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-10
Length
35 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the pumpkin in the story felt it was perfect?
How did the other characters react to the pumpkin’s uniqueness?
What would you have done if you found the perfect pumpkin?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from others? How did that make you feel?
What does this story teach us about accepting and celebrating differences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and express their thoughts.
Relate the story to personal experiences or familiar situations to make the themes more relatable.
Encourage your child to describe their feelings and thoughts about the pumpkin’s journey, drawing parallels to their own experiences with acceptance and difference.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how understanding different perspectives can lead to appreciation of uniqueness.
Praise your child for sharing their ideas and feelings, fostering a positive environment for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: In 'The Perfect Pumpkin,' the protagonist waits patiently for the perfect pumpkin to grow, learning that good things come to those who wait.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of waiting for the right moment, whether during activities, projects, or even relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, despite challenges, the main character continues striving for their goal, showcasing the importance of determination.
Real-World Application: This teaches children not to give up easily in their pursuits, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The book highlights the process of growth in nature through the life cycle of a pumpkin, encouraging a respect and appreciation for natural processes.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to explore gardening, participate in recycling, or engage in conservation activities.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: Once the perfect pumpkin is found, it is shared with friends and family, illustrating the joy of sharing and generosity.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to share their own belongings and time with others, fostering a sense of community.
Example Lesson: Joy of Achievements
Explanation: The completion of the quest for the perfect pumpkin brings immense joy and satisfaction to the characters, underscoring the emotional rewards of achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to set personal goals and feel pride in accomplishing them, whether big or small.