Tuesday's Tales - The Runaway Pumpkin

The Runaway Pumpkin was written by Kevin Lewis and Illustrated by S.D. Schindler.

The Publishers Weekly said this about the book:

"In Lewis's rhyming tale, it is Halloween day when an enormous pumpkin bounces downhill and through the Baxter family farm. At the sight of this "thumpety/ bumpety/ thumpin'/ bumpin'/ round and rolly/ runaway pumpkin!" the Baxters think not of personal safety but of Granny's pumpkin recipes. Schindler, in amusing but untidy compositions, gives each person an astonished expression and a thought-balloon flash of pumpkin bread, soup or pie. Crisis averted, the resourceful family carves a humongous jack-o'-lantern while Granny bakes. A solid choice for children who prefer a slapstick celebration to chills and thrills. Ages 4-7. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information."

1. Predicting:
For predicting skills in this book focus on the page where the children are walking up the hill to see the pumpkin. Imagine what would happen if the pumpkin rolled down the hill.

2. Reasoning:

• Talk about why the family thinks of food while the pumpkin is rolling. This is a great opportunity to think about the foods your family enjoys in the fall. What food do you think about when you hear the word Halloween? Fall?
• Talk about other ways we use pumpkins. (Porch decoration, carving etc.)
• Extend discussion to other foods such as apples (caramel apple, apple pie, applesauce), corn (popcorn, tortillas, chips).
• For older children: Talk about the ingredients you might need to make one of the foods in the story.

3. Auditory Memory:
The rhyme that is included on each page is a great one to have your child join in reciting. Also help your child try to remember the sequence of the action: Where did the pumpkin roll first, second, third.

4. Activity:
Cooking is such a great language activity. Bake something made with pumpkin and let your child follow the recipe. Talk about ingredients, amounts, utensils needed (teaspoon, cups, bowls, loaf pans, spatula, cookie sheet, oven, temperature, mix, pour, add, stir, cook, bake, boil, sift), and spices needed. Let them taste the spices. Take pictures of your child adding each ingredient and performing each step of the process. Print them out and you have your own sequencing cards to talk about the process later. Great for repetition and auditory memory!

Tuesday's Tales Readers..Support Childhood Cancer With One Comment!

I want to also share with you a story about Mitchell Whitaker. A 10 yr. old young man who lost his battle with cancer September 27, 2007. He has an amazing family. His mother Tracy ran in her first marathon this June in memory of her son. She is dedicated to raising money for Team in Training and here is how you can join in.


Tracy and 40 of her friends will run in the PF Chang Rock-n-Roll Marathon in January in honor of Tracy's 40th birthday. Her friends are wanting to raise $144,000. Their team website is Mitchell's Angels. Tracy also has an amazing blog where you can read about her story. Go Mitch Go! If you visit the site please tell her Avtcoach sent you!


Now your part is easy! Tracy's friend and my blog friend JenX67 will give $1 up to $250 for each unique comment made on this post!!! That is right, all you have to do is comment on this post and you will be contributing to a worthy cause! Also visit JenX67 and thank her for her contribution! The money goes to support one of Tracy's friends Stefunkc who is participating. The money goes to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Stop by Stef and Jen's sites and thank them for their efforts! Spread the blog love!


I have included Dr. Seuss's "The Foot Book" on my list for today because that was one of Mitchell's favorite books. When you read it to your child please say a prayer for Mitchell's family as they learn every day how to celebrate Mitchell's life and how to live with their loss.

As many of you know my husband has recently been diagnosed with Cancer. He has a great expectation for a cure. Children with cancer have very difficult journeys. Mitchell had a difficult battle for two years. Children with cancer and their families need our prayers and our support. Commenting on a blog is the least we can do to help with this effort!

Abundance is...our memories of a special child, a team dedicated to finding a cure, and a mother's love for her child.