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Pick a Pumpkin
Last updated Monday, October 5, 2026
Author: Patricia Toht
Illustrator: Jarvis
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 1536207640
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2026
Synopsis:
This rhythmically rhyming holiday homage begins at the pumpkin patch with an unnamed family picking pumpkins, "tall and lean/or short and fat./Vivid orange,/ghostly white,/or speckled green/might be just right," then heading home. Before carving can begin, pumpkins must be cleaned, tools gathered, friends invited, and innards removed - "Lumpy chunks. Sticky strings./Clumpy seeds. Guts and things." Now the carving can begin with all its creative choices - "A kiss. A frown./A toothy grin./ A zigzag gap/cut long and thin./A smirk. A snarl./An eerie O./Or pointy fangs,/all in a row." Next comes decorations, then costumes and finally with a light inside, "LOOK! /It's not a pumpkin anymore - It's a…JACK-O'-LANTERN!"
This book captures the spirit of Halloween traditions in a family friendly way. Using pencil, chalk, paint and digital coloring, Jarvis' illustrations have the look and feel of collage.
| Note to readers: |
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When discussing pumpkin carving, be sure to emphasize adult supervision and safety precautions.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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(Show the cover illustration & title) What do you think will happen in this book?
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What traditions are used to celebrate the fall season or Halloween?
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Can you describe a few sounds and smells you may find at a pumpkin patch?
Vocabulary
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vivid - very strong or bright
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speckled - marked with bits of color
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snugly - secured tightly or fitted closely
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gleam - to shine as with a faint or brief light
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clumpy - clustered together in bunches
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smirk - a slight smile usually after playing a trick or holding in a secret
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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(Look at the first page) What color pumpkins do you see?
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How would you "find the perfect carving space"?
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What happens when you plant a pumpkin seed?
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Can you name some of the costumes seen in the book?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Check out the folder on Pinterest for the crafts and activities suggested below:
https://www.pinterest.com/tanyacarabio/rtk-october-2026-kindergarten-pick-a-pumpkin/
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Design a jack-o-lantern: choose a shape for the eyes, nose, & mouth (see Pinterest).
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Color in a simple pumpkin outline (see Pinterest).
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Draw a jack-o-lantern face onto an oval, fold accordion style (vertical) & affix to paper (see Pinterest).
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| Special activities: |
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Create a list of fall or pumpkin-related words.
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Draw & label parts of a pumpkin: stem, vine, rib, seed, pulp, fibrous strands (See Pinterest).
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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