Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!
Are you in the mood for a super-cute semi-fall/October themed picture book?
Then you’ve come to the right place! 😊
Title: A Bold Pumpkin Plan
Written & Illustrated By: Katy Hudson
ISBN#: 978-1684469031
Publisher: Capstone Editions, August 1, 2024, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: shyness, friendship, problem solving, teamwork
text and illustration copyright Katy Hudson, 2024, Capstone Editions
Opening:
“Hedgehog was timid.
He was quiet. He spent
most of his time alone.
Every year, Hedgehog built the same house out of boring old sticks
and crunchy brown leaves. This year, Hedgehog wanted
something different. Something brighter. Something bolder.
This year, Hedgehog was making his new house from a pumpkin.”
text and illustration copyright Katy Hudson, 2024, Capstone Editions
Brief Synopsis: [from the publisher] “A plan to build a unique home takes a timid Hedgehog on an incredible journey of self-discovery. From meeting new friends to conquering countless obstacles, Hedgehog tackles his house plan with a newfound confidence.”
text and illustration copyright Katy Hudson, 2024, Capstone Editions
Links To Resources: Hedgehog decides to build a house out of a pumpkin. What kind of fruit or vegetable would YOU like to build a house out of? How would you design it? How would you decorate it? Where would you put it?; recipe for pumpkin muffins
text and illustration copyright Katy Hudson, 2024, Capstone Editions
text and illustration copyright Katy Hudson, 2024, Capstone Editions
Why I Like This Book: If you’ve ever been shy, you know it can be difficult to make friends. This is something poor Hedgehog struggles with. How do you even talk to someone you don’t know? But if there’s one thing Hedgehog does know, it’s that he has big plans to build a house out of a pumpkin. The thing is? It’s a BIG pumpkin. And Hedgehog, who is very small, has to get it through the corn maze, roll it through the forest, march it up and over the Big Hill, get it across the old rickety bridge, and make a final push through Owl Forest. NOT an easy feat. But as he struggles along, one little voice after another speaks up with advice and skills to share, and a willingness to help until at long last, Hedgehogs’ pumpkin is safely where he wants it, AND he has a lot of new friends. Such a sweet story about friendship, problem solving, and working together!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
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Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊
So cute! And perfect for this season.
I just love that shy little hedgehog trying to move that gigantic pumpkin all by himself, and how kind all the other little forest critters are 🙂
I love the premise and the clever storyline. And–the illustrations –delightful!
I know, Kathryn! Aren’t they wonderful? It was the illustrations that drew me in first, and then the story turned out to be so cute, too!
I think I’ve read this one before. I adore pumpkin books!
Me, too! 🙂
Hurray for Halloween and pumpkins. I still remember the pumpkin painting contests our local library held when my kids were growing up…they treasured the certificates they received for participating…and loved seeing their efforts on display.
Let me know if you need a prize for Valentiny, dear Susanna.
I know! I remember carving pumpkins as a child (different experience to when you do it as an adult with your own kids) and pulling out all the stringy, slimy pumpkin seedy stuff from the inside 🙂 And I will absolutely take you up on a prize for Valentiny ❤
This is a creative twist that could inspire many to step outside a comfort zone. Thanks for nudging us.
I hope you like the book if you get to read it!
What a cute – and fun!- book… I love the maze and the diagram detailing the route home. And Hedgehog’s Big Plans. But, how have I not read it yet??? Heading to the library today!
I know, Sue – aren’t those such fun details? I find the art in general so engaging! And the story is so cute.
What a fun idea – great for NOT spooky storytime!
Yes! So true! My kids didn’t like scary (neither do I!) so I always like the non-scary stories that are good for this time of year 🙂
A perfect, fun story for Fall. And who doesn’t love a sweet, shy hedgehog? I, for one, love that corn maze! I have always loved finding my way through mazes of all kinds. Kids are going to be rooting for hedgehog in this one!
I love that corn maze, too, Jilanne. And the little map that shows all the obstacles he’s going to have to conquer to get his pumpkin home!
YEAH!! A new book from Katy Hudson. I fell in love with this cast of characters in the first book TOO MANY CARROTS and have adored everyone she’s created since. I haven’t seen this one yet. But from your review, Susanna, I know I will laldore it too! Congrats, Katy!
I found this one kind of by accident, Maria. It’s not actually that new, I just hadn’t seen it before. I am such a fan, too, though. I love the story and the art!
This time of year “Pumpkin” stories are always a special treat! I haven’t read this one ..yet!
🎃
I think you will like it, Susan. It’s so cute! I love pumpkin stories! 🙂