Classroom Read-Aloud of the Month: A Bold Pumpkin Plan
Hedgehog is timid, but learns how helpful friends can be when he sets in motion a plan to make a pumpkin his new house. A Bold Pumpkin Plan by Katy Hudson is a cozy fall read that combines repetition and surprises that will touch young hearts and highlight the value of friendship and ingenuity. Use these discussion questions during fall school outreach events, classroom parties, elementary book clubs, or book parties for even more fun. For preschool through grade 3.
Introducing A Bold Pumpkin Plan
Here’s a sample introduction to reel students in:
“Today I’ve brought you a book about a Hedgehog determined to make a house out of a pumpkin. Do you think a pumpkin would make a good house? Well, before Hedgehog can begin renovating his pumpkin, he needs to transport it from the pumpkin patch, through the corn maze and forest, up a big hill, and across an old bridge. Let’s find out if Hedgehog can accomplish all that on his own…”
Discussion Questions for A Bold Pumpkin Plan
Here are some follow-up questions for further engagement:
- What did you think? Thumbs up or thumbs down for A Bold Pumpkin Plan? Why?
- Did Hedgehog have a good plan for transporting his pumpkin? Why or why not?
- What happened that Hedgehog didn’t expect?
- Which of Hedgehog’s new friends did you like the best?
- Have you ever created a plan, then realized you’d need help to accomplish it?
Watch Animals Enjoying Pumpkins
Show students REAL animals enjoying pumpkins at the Oregon Zoo with this video featuring tortoises, beavers, bears, and lemurs.
Take-Home Activity for A Bold Pumpkin Plan
No need to reinvent the wheel. Use this adorable Design Your Perfect Pumpkin House worksheet from Capstone! On the back of the sheet, include a note for parents and caregivers with your library’s contact information, read-alikes for the story you read, and a list of upcoming library events tailored to their age group. Providing an extension activity for students to enjoy after you leave will cement your visit in their minds and increase the likelihood that caregivers become aware of the library.
More Resources
A Bold Pumpkin Plan Activities from Capstone
Adorable worksheets including a maze, design a pumpkin activity, coloring page, and qualities of a friend worksheet.
Read-Alikes for A Bold Pumpkin Plan
If your readers loved A Bold Pumpkin Plan, they will also enjoy:
Visit The Youth Desk’s Outreach page for more great classroom read-alouds and tips.
