We Planted a Pumpkin by Rob Ramsden

We Planted a Pumpkin by Rob Ramsden. Scallywag Press, 2023. 9781912650385






Rating:  1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4



Format : Hardcover picture book



What did you like about the book? Two kids, one Black and one white, proudly lead the reader through the seasons of growing a pumpkin. They plant the seed in the spring and watch as a flower turns into “a small green bump.” They see pollinators all around the plant, and urge the bump to grow bigger and fatter. Finally the pumpkin is big and fat and orange and ripe and the kids “Pull, pull, PULL…” it out of the ground, carve it and and it’s ready for Halloween.



The easy to read text would work as a read aloud or for newly independent readers. Although the kids are impatient for their pumpkin to grow, there’s lots of joy and excitement in watching it progress from leaves to flower to small bump to big fruit. Each page spread shows the same set, with sun and weather and plants and the kids’ clothes changing throughout. The brightly colored illustrations are really warm and inviting.



Anything you didn’t like about it? No



To whom would you recommend this book?  Perfect for fall preschool units on pumpkins, and as a non-scary book for Halloween.



Who should buy this book?  Daycare centers and public libraries



Where would you shelve it? Picture books



Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No



Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA



Date of review:  August 31, 2023