Patient for Pumpkins

In Patient for Pumpkins, T.J. is anxious to buy a pumpkin at the farmer’s market, but he’s disappointed when he and his dad arrive at the spring market and there are none. Dad urges him to “be patient” because each fruit or vegetable ripens in its own time. They continue visiting the market throughout the summer and enjoy the variety of tasty, locally grown produce. In October, T.J.’s patience is rewarded.

A sidebar describes the progress of the pumpkin through the growing season. Science and art lessons on seasons, nutrition and local agriculture can be connected to this richly illustrated story in many different ways.

Visit my store to order a copy, or ask for it at your local independent bookstore.

Author Visits

Please contact me if you'd like to schedule a school visit! This book great for K - 2 classes and can be tied in to many topics, including plant life cycle, seasons, autumn, food and nutrition, farming and family.

Lesson Ideas with Pumpkins and other Fruits and Vegetables

There are SO many great resources out there, the possibilities are endless. You'll notice that I'm partial to art projects! And I would love to come and lead an art project with your class. Here are a couple of my favorites:

• Growing pumpkin seedlings and keeping a picture journal

• Showing expression in jack-o-lantern faces

• Seed mosaic art - combine this with counting seeds, creating patterns

• Printing with fruits and vegetables - focus on shapes and patterns

• Painting a Still Life with pumpkins or other fruits and veggies - creating space, mixing colors