15 Pumpkin Books for Kids To Use Throughout Your Curriculum
Pumpkins are not just for Halloween! They can also be a great educational tool for kids. Whether you’re a teacher looking to incorporate pumpkins into your curriculum or a parent wanting to supplement your child’s learning at home, these pumpkin-themed books are sure to be a hit. From counting and colors to science and history, there’s a pumpkin book for every subject. Here are 15 pumpkin books for kids to use throughout your curriculum.
1. “Pumpkin Soup” by Helen Cooper – This picture book tells the story of three friends, a cat, a squirrel, and a duck, who work together to make delicious pumpkin soup. Great for teaching cooperation and friendship.
2. “How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?” by Margaret McNamara – This math-focused book introduces the concept of counting and estimation as a class explores how many seeds are inside different-sized pumpkins.
3. “Pumpkin Moonshine” by Tasha Tudor – Follow a little girl as she tries to find the perfect pumpkin to make pumpkin moonshine, a special treat from her grandmother’s generation. A nostalgic tale with beautiful illustrations.
4. “Too Many Pumpkins” by Linda White – When a woman’s yard becomes overrun with pumpkins, she finds creative ways to use them all. A delightful story about resourcefulness and community.
5. “Apples and Pumpkins” by Anne Rockwell – Join a family as they visit an apple orchard and then choose a perfect pumpkin from a pumpkin patch. This book covers both fall fruits and is perfect for a seasonal unit.
6. “The Biggest Pumpkin Ever” by Steven Kroll – Two mice plant pumpkin seeds and compete to grow the biggest pumpkin. This book teaches teamwork and perseverance.
7. “Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden” by George Levenson – Learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin, from seed to harvest, through vibrant photographs and simple text. A great resource for science lessons.
8. “Pumpkin Town!” by Katie McKy – In a town where pumpkins grow everywhere, the mayor’s plan to make pumpkin pies for everyone goes awry. This book covers problem-solving and creative thinking.
9. “It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse!” by Laura Numeroff – Mouse decorates pumpkins for all of his friends in this interactive board book. Perfect for introducing colors and emotions.
10. “The Roll-Away Pumpkin” by Junia Wonders – When a little girl’s pumpkin keeps rolling away, she enlists the help of her friends to catch it. A fun book for active kids.
11. “Pumpkin Jack” by Will Hubbell – Follow the life cycle of a pumpkin after it is carved into a Jack-o’-lantern. This book explores decomposition and is ideal for a Halloween-themed lesson.
12. “The Pumpkin Book” by Gail Gibbons – This informative book provides facts about pumpkins, including their history, growth process, and different varieties. A great resource for research projects.
13. “Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie” by Jill Esbaum – Take a journey from seed to pie as this book explains the pumpkin life cycle and how pumpkins are used in different recipes. Perfect for a cooking or nutrition unit.
14. “Splat the Cat and the Pumpkin-Picking Plan” by Rob Scotton – Join Splat the Cat as he sets out on a mission to find the biggest pumpkin in the patch. This book combines Halloween fun with problem-solving skills.
15. “The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin” by Joe Troiano – Spookley, a square pumpkin, faces adversity but ultimately learns the importance of being different. This book promotes acceptance and self-confidence.
These 15 pumpkin books offer a range of educational opportunities for kids. Whether you’re focusing on math, science, language arts, or valuable life lessons, these books will engage young readers and enhance their learning experience. So, grab a pumpkin-themed book or two and dive into a world of fall fun and education!