Stumpkin is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
"Stumpkin" by Lucy Ruth Cummins is a charming children's book that tells the story of a unique pumpkin named Stumpkin. Stumpkin, who has a lopsided smile and no stem, eagerly awaits his chance to be chosen as a jack-o'-lantern for Halloween. However, as the days pass, all the other pumpkins are picked except for him. Stumpkin watches as families come and go, searching for the perfect pumpkin, but no one seems to notice him. Despite feeling left out, Stumpkin remains hopeful. Finally, on Halloween night, a little girl who sees beauty in imperfection chooses Stumpkin and gives him a place of honor. With its adorable illustrations and heartfelt message, the book celebrates the uniqueness of each individual and teaches readers the value of inclusivity and acceptance. "Stumpkin" is a heartwarming tale that reminds us that even those who may appear different can bring joy and light into the world.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Practice making inferences throughout the story and after reading.
- Read the book to students without showing the pictures. Encourage them to close their eyes and visualize the story. Discuss their visualization as a class.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Analyze the setting of this book. Discuss where and when it takes place.
- Discuss the books plot and examine the problem and solution.
- Explore prepositions and how they describe nouns or pronouns.
- Introduce and practice using shades of meaning.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- The Runaway Pumpkin by Kevin Lewis
- The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz
- Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
- Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper
- Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman
- Pumpkin Town by Katie Mcky
- Pumpkin Jack by Will HubbeIl
- Little Boo by Stephen Wunderli
- The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
