How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?

Posted on November 9, 2016July 5, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? (2007)
written by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Charlie’s teacher has an assignment one fall day—to guess and count how many seeds are in three different-sized pumpkins. The class separates the seeds and comes up with methods for counting them. All are surprised by the results, and Charlie also learns to feel better about being the smallest one in the class.

While not a life-changing book, this is still a great fall or Halloween choice. The story is simple, and my daughter loved that it took place at a school. It introduces “skip counting” by 2s, 5s, and 10s and can lend itself to so many activities and lessons. I learned a couple new things from the book too, which is always good.

We set out to count our own pumpkin seeds. Well, at this stage, mostly Mama did the sorting and counting. We ended up with a whopping 460 in a small-sized pumpkin, thus proving one of the book’s points.

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? (2007)

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Our Seasons

Posted on November 6, 2016July 5, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Our Seasons (2007)
by Grace Lin and Ranida T. McKneally

In my quest to get everything Grace Lin, I came across this book. It introduces the seasons by focusing on four children experiencing them. Each page contains a delightful illustration by Ms. Lin, a haiku for younger readers, and then a longer scientific explanation of some natural occurrence of the season. Examples are: “Why do my cheeks turn red in the cold?” “Why do I tan?” “Why do the leaves change color?” What a clever book! I love that it not only holds the interest of our 3-year old, but also offers me new information. It’s a book that will grow with your child and can give you plenty of jumping off points for more learning and exploring. Brilliant!

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Mrs. McMurphy’s Pumpkin

Posted on October 31, 2016September 13, 2019 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Mrs. McMurphy’s Pumpkin (2004)
words by Rick Walton, illustrated by Delana Bettoli

As Halloween approaches, Mrs. McMurphy gets daily visits from a mysterious and spooky pumpkin showing up in her house. As the facial features of the pumpkin gradually appear, it promises to eat her once its teeth arrive. Mrs. McMurphy responds to each encounter gently, but firmly by putting the pumpkin in its place, so to speak.

I wasn’t sure how our 3-year old would react to this story, as it has the potential to be a bit scary. But I think that Mrs. McMurphy’s strong character and care-free reactions to the pumpkin keep this story approachable for little ones. I love that it IS a slightly spooky, “campfire” tale that (kid-depending) could be appropriate for a younger crowd.

Mrs. McMurphy’s Pumpkin (2004)

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The Little Yellow Leaf

Posted on July 11, 2016July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Little Yellow Leaf (2008)
by Carin Berger

This is one of my new favorite books! Unlike all the other fall leaves, this little yellow leaf just isn’t quite ready to let go. This is such a simple story, and yet has so much packed into it about doing things in our own time, finding courage, discovering friends, and, of course, letting go. The artwork is beautiful and unique, created with a “mixed media” look. But the story itself is what has me adding this book to our “must own” list. Fabulous.

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Fall (Autumn) books