Pumpkin Books and Literacy Activities

I had my first PSL (pumpkin spice latte) of the season so I’m ready to pull out the box of fall books for kids and start reading and exploring the new season.

Check out some of my favorite pumpkin books and then try a book related literacy activity to work on your little one’s reading skills.

Pumpkin Books and Activities

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Five Little Pumpkins

Five Little Pumpkins is full of rhythm and is so fun to retell with little ones.  After reading the book, try one of these extension activities.

Make a batch of orange play dough and retell the Five Little Pumpkins.

I Heart Crafty Things shares an orange and black sensory bin for lots of playful interaction with the story.

Make a Five Little Pumpkins counting book with this idea from Rainy Day Mum.

Mystery Vine

Mystery Vine by Cathryn Falwell is one of my favorite books on this list.  There is a mystery vine growing in the garden and the kids try to guess what the huge plant could be taking over the area.

I love this felt activity to use when reading the story from Sturdy for Common Things.

Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin

Duck &  Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills was a favorite when my boys were toddlers.  The two birds are trying to find a pumpkin and they are looking everywhere.  Then, it is suggested that they check the pumpkin patch!

Play a hide-and-seek with the little ones after reading.  Hide a small pumpkin somewhere in the room.  Then say, “Is the pumpkin under the pillow?”  Have your child lift the pillow and say yes or no to the question.  Restate the answer by saying, “No, the pumpkin isn’t under the pillow.”  Repeat with more questions eventually leading your child to the correct location.  This is a fun way to build language skills.

Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper isn’t just a story about pumpkins.  It’s a story about friendship.  When finished reading, make a pot of pumpkin soup with the kids.  A recipe is included at the back of the book.  Cooking builds literacy, science and math skills!

Big Pumpkin

Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman is the tale of a witch who wants to bake a pumpkin pie, but the pumpkin is too big to get the kitchen.  How will the problem be solved?

Try this sequencing activity from Fun-A-Day to compliment Big Pumpkin.

Too Many Pumpkins

Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White is the story of woman who at one time hated pumpkins.  But, after a pumpkin accident turns her yard into a pumpkin patch the following year, she soon grows to love those orange squash.

Play a pumpkin read and do gross motor literacy game from Pre K Pages after reading the book.

Pull out the pumpkin books and stir up a little literacy fun!

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