Walter The Pumpkin
What’s inside...
Walter is a fun loving and friendly pumpkin who grows from a happy seed and is the only pumpkin vine in the garden. Upon sprouting, he is greeted by a bird named Robin and spends his days dancing and singing with various vegetable and animal friends. Eventually, he encounters a storm, but just when hope seems lost, he is rescued and soon learns the special role of a pumpkin. Walter is celebrated by children and honored with the Jack-O-Lantern crown of Halloween. The story of 'Walter The Pumpkin' is both written and illustrated by artist Taama M. Forasiepi.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-12
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Walter the Pumpkin feel special?
How do you think Walter helped the other characters in the story?
What would you do if you were in Walter's place during the big storm?
How did Walter’s actions make a difference in the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Walter by discussing times they have felt similar emotions.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at pivotal moments to enhance their anticipation and engagement.
After reading, discuss the importance of helping others and how small actions can have big impacts, drawing parallels to Walter’s efforts in the story.
Praise your child's responses and insights to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: Walter the Pumpkin helps other fruits and vegetables in the garden without expecting anything in return, showcasing the virtue of selflessness and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping their peers in school or sharing their toys during playtime, fostering a welcoming and friendly environment.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing challenges, Walter the Pumpkin remains determined to grow big and strong, illustrating the power of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life through persisting with difficult tasks at school or in learning new skills, teaching them the importance of not giving up.
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: Walter is not like the other pumpkins; he is unique in his own way. This highlights the importance of celebrating individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their own unique qualities and accept differences in others, promoting diversity and inclusion in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Walter collaborates with other garden characters to solve problems, underscoring the significance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This principle can be incorporated by children when working on group projects or playing team sports, enhancing their cooperative skills and ability to work with others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Environmental Care
Explanation: The story emphasizes taking care of the garden and the surrounding environment, educating children on ecological responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can practice this lesson by engaging in recycling activities, cleaning up litter, and participating in community gardening.