Picture Book Pumpkin Creations

What You Need:

• Picture book
• Pumpkin(s)
• Decorating supplies (For example, paint, paintbrushes, hot glue, permanent markers, felt, pom poms, other props associated with the character, etc.)
• Pencil
• Paper

What You Do: 

1. Read several picture books with memorable characters and details with your child, and discuss which character or detail from the story would be ideal for this challenge.
2. Explain to your child that today they’ll be creating something from the book using a pumpkin and other supplies that will help the pumpkin resemble the story character or detail.
3. Take your child to a pumpkin patch or a store that sells pumpkins. Choose a pumpkin (or pumpkins) that fits the shape and size that you need for this project.
4. Guide your child to gather the necessary decorating supplies to create the pumpkin. 
5. Assist your child in any painting, cutting, or glueing that will take place to decorate or assemble the picture book pumpkin.
6. Engage your learner in a conversation to brainstorm ideas about what adventures this pumpkin could go on. Allow your child to share lots of different ideas, and settle on their favorite. Ask prompting questions like:
   • What kind of adventure would be the most fun to write about?
   • Who was with your pumpkin on this adventure?
   • What problem did your pumpkin have? How did they solve it?
   • Where did this adventure take place?
   • What words describe this adventure? Was it dangerous, hilarious, disgusting, slippery, spooky, beautiful, stormy, confusing?
7. Give your child a pencil and paper, and have them write a short story about the adventure of their choice. Challenge them to use adjectives that add details.
8. After the pumpkin decorating and short story writing are complete, gather friends and family so your child can share their creation.

Display your picture book pumpkin where people can see it! Invite others, like friends or neighbors, to participate in this challenge so you have a whole bunch of picture book pumpkins to check out!