Title: Chumpkin

Author: Lisa Funari Willever & Lorraine Funari

Illustrator: Emma Overman

Published: Franklin Mason Press (September 1, 2001)

Suitable For Ages:  4 and up 

Themes/Topics: Being different, Autumn, Pumpkin Harvesting, Humor, Rhyme

Opening:      

All around the pumpkin patch, they heard the farmer say:   “The kids are here ! The kids are here! It’s time for Pumpkin Day!” Excited little pumpkins were standing straight and tall…that is, except for Chumpkin, the roundest one of all.                     

 

.Brief Synopsis:  This is an adorable little story composed in rhyme about a pumpkin who happens to be different than all the other pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. He’s bigger and rounder  than all the rest and that makes this orange pumpkin feel blue. But after all the pumpkin picking is done, the farmer has a surprise for Chumpkin and his son.

Why I Like This Book:  This book is an oldie but goodie for sure. A fabulous little gem that I stumbled upon. I just love the rhythm and the whimsical illustrations, and who doesn’t enjoy a rhyming picture book? It is about Autumn, which happens to be my favorite season of the year. It also touches on an important topic: being different and that’s okay because there is a place for everyone – even Chumpkin.  In addition to the sweet story, Lisa Funari Willever, donates a portion of her book sales to charity, and she also includes an opportunity for young authors and illustrators to showcase their work. This book  was selected as a favorite by First Lady Laura Bush and displayed at the White House.

 Extensions for the book: 

• A GREAT set of activities from http://www.teachingheart.net/apumpkinunit.html
• The Pumpkin Project – Math, Science, fun! http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/classroom-solutions/2011/10/pumpkin-project-%E2%80%94-math-science-and-fun
• YouTube Videos on The Life Cycle of a Pumpkin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxzkjBKIsGs , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU-GwFHQZI8, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mowqo4dKuVY
• Middle school activities: http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson028.shtml
• STEM activities: http://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/10-must-try-fall-science-activities-and-stem-challenges-for-kids/
• Non Fiction (leveled articles) for paired readings
• http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/blending-fiction-nonfiction-improve-262.html
• http://tweentribune.com/
•  https://newsela.com/
• http://www.readworks.org/books/passages?keys=pumpkins&grade=All&lexile%5Bmin%5D=-1&lexile%5Bmax%5D=2201&domain=All&fiction_or_not=All&skill=All&=Apply

It Must Be Friday! ♥

 I am fortunate enough to be part of a fabulous group of bloggers who enjoy reviewing picture books.  Accompanying each review are extensions – resources and/or activities. Interested in seeing more: To view a complete list of the plethora of books that have already been reviewed, click here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s FABULOUS website!