Trip to the Pumpkin Farm: A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #11)
#11 of 21 in Owl Diaries Series
on Goodreads (916)
What’s inside...
The Owl Diaries series features Eva Wingdale and her owl pals on their everyday adventures, overcoming obstacles and learning important life lessons. In this 11th book, Eva and her friends are going on a field trip to the pumpkin farm. Eva discovers a giant pumpkin and wants to make pumpkin pie. But first, they have to get it to the car! Eva's class cannot wait for their field trip to the pumpkin farm! On the farm, they pick apples, milk cows, and even make new friends. But then an award-winning pumpkin goes missing! Eva and her friends will have to solve the mystery. Will they find the pumpkin in time for the holiday party... and also help a friend in need? In this sweet fall story, Eva discovers that everyone has something to be thankful for! The series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
Character compass
Eva Wingdale
Lucy Beakman
Miss Featherbottom
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the visit to the pumpkin farm and why?
How did Eva and her friends work together at the pumpkin farm?
What did Eva learn during her trip and how do you think it changed her?
If you could grow any type of pumpkin, what would it look like and why?
How do you think the trip to the pumpkin farm helped Eva and her friends become better friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Ask them to imagine themselves in the story and what role they would play. Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork as depicted in the book. Relate the story to personal experiences, such as a time your child worked on a project with friends. Highlight the joy of discovering new things and learning together, much like Eva and her friends on their adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, the characters are tasked with choosing the right pumpkin and taking care of it. This teaches children about being responsible for their choices and actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking responsibility for tasks at home, such as caring for a pet or keeping their room tidy.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to choose the best pumpkin, demonstrating the value of cooperation and collective effort.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be transferred to group activities in school or play where collaboration is key to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: During the trip, characters observe different shapes, sizes, and types of pumpkins. This detail in observation helps foster attention to detail.
Real-World Application: Children learn to pay closer attention to details in their environment, which can enhance their academic skills and general awareness.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book highlights the process of growing pumpkins and the care farmers must put into their crops, teaching kids respect for agriculture and nature.
Real-World Application: This respect can be cultivated in activities such as gardening, or through participation in environmental conservation projects at school or in the community.
Example Lesson: Joy of Discovery
Explanation: Exploring the pumpkin farm opens up a new world for the characters, showing children the joy of discovering new places and experiences.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore new interests or places, whether that’s a new hobby, visiting a museum, or learning about a different culture.