Oh My, Pumpkin Pie!

by Charles Ghigna, Kenneth Spengler (illustrator)

A rhyming look at different kinds of pumpkins and what they might become.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Halloween, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

About the author

Charles Ghigna - Father Goose® lives in a treehouse in the middle of Alabama. He is the author of more than 100 books from Random House, Disney, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Time Inc. and other publishers. He has written more than 5,000 poems for children and adults that have appeared in anthologies, newspapers and magazines ranging from The New Yorker and Harper’s to Highlights and Cricket magazines. He served as poet-in-residence and chair of creative writing at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, instructor of creative writing at Samford University, poetry editor of English Journal for the National Council of Teachers of English, and as a nationally syndicated poetry feature writer for Tribune Media Services. He speaks at schools, conferences, libraries, and literary events throughout the U.S. and overseas, and has read his poems at The Library of Congress, The John F. Kennedy Center, American Library in Paris, American School in Paris, and the International Schools of South America. For more information, visit his website at FatherGoose.com

Reviews

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A survey of the different shapes, sizes, and colors pumpkins can come in. And then a look at the different things pumpkins can be used for, from foods to decorations.

I thought this would be a Thanksgiving read, but it is more a general fall read. It would be a great read before going to a pumpkin patch as it shows that not all pumpkins are the coloring or shape we typically think of. It also mentions pumpkin butter and pumpkin seeds in addition to pie as ways to eat it. Jack-o-lanterns make an appearance at the very end as one of the uses of pumpkins so it could be an October read too. Cute, easy read in rhyme that wasn't what I expected from the title.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This easy reader book is brought to you by the Letter P. P for PUMPKIN.

If you're like me, Goodreaders, you'll find plenty to learn.

As for the rhymes, of course rhyming is a feature of many books for young readers, since it sharpens our ears. Like how a pencil sharpener puts good points on pencils, only not literally, haha.

Often the rhymes in kids' books sound labored, but here they're triumphs of rhyminess. Well done, author Charles Ghigna. And thanks to you too, Kenneth Spengler.

The two of you, plus all that pumpkin lore, make this a FIVE STAR read to this Goodreads Reviewer.

[Alecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet October read with my 7 year old. I loved the rhyme and rhythm along with the illustrations. More about pumpkins and less about pumpkin pie specifically, but I imagine the title was created to rhyme as the rest of the book did. Super cute book.

[Luke Fia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction. Simple theme but repetitive use of basic words necessary for developing language.

[Sheli · Rating 5 out of 5]

showing diversity through fun pumpkins and rhyme!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always a delight to read a poem by Charles Ghigna, no matter what the context. But a poem in Easy Reader form, about pumpkins, and read in mid-October? That is enchanting.

This poem is about pumpkins, so, as expected, Hallowe'en makes an appearance, but this is not a poem about Hallowe'en. It is perfect for reading now, almost three weeks before Hallowe'en, and it will be perfect for reading well into November. Unlike most Easy Reader books, Ghigna wrote a poem suited for young readers; he did not write an Easy Reader book in forced verse. There is a difference: one is poetry, the other is doggerel.

Kenneth Spengler's illustrations are perfectly suited for the text. They convey so much joy and delight that they make me want to make a pumpkin pie, or pumpkin bread, or pumpkin cookies.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good level 2 reader... for merging into level 2 or a medium level 2 readers. Pumpkin is on every page repeataly so for children that would be a great self esteem boost to be able to read it from page to page. The basic one or two lines per page are basic but not so that it doesn't tell a story (of sort). It also compares the shapes and colors of the pumpkins to various items (like a tabby cat, or a basketball, or a marshmallow) so great comparison for younger children. My 3 year old granddaughter and I enjoyed this book. After we read it and enjoyed it that way we went through and counted pumpkins, and other items on each page (great illustrations) and pointed out simple words for her. great book in many ways.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been searching for books with good content and enticing illustrations for my young granddaughters (four and six.) It's wonderful to find a rhyming picture book, easy reader all about pumpkins--a book about the wonder of autumn, too. It includes all kinds of pumpkins, shapes and colors, along with what to do with them in the eating and the carving. From the beginning harvest to the ending Halloween, this is delightful for a beginning reader.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn in the pumpkin patch, no two pumpkins ever match!
Some are big and win a prize, some wind up in pumpkin pies!
Read about all kinds of pumpkins in this simple rhyming Step 2, perfect for fall!

[jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful book to read in the fall about pumpkins. It shows all the shapes and sizes, and then ends with preparing the pumpkin seeds and jack'o'lantern.

[Brooke]

silly

[Ladonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book describes all sorts of pumpkins. It talks about shapes and sizes.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with Kindergarten. They thought it was short.