The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin 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
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SUMMARY
"The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin" by Joe Troiano is a heartwarming children's book that tells the story of a unique pumpkin named Spookley. Unlike the other pumpkins in the pumpkin patch, Spookley is square-shaped, which makes him feel different and excluded. Throughout the book, Spookley faces various challenges and obstacles but remains resilient. With the help of his friends, including a spider named Edgar, Spookley learns that being different can have its advantages. When a storm hits the pumpkin patch, Spookley's square shape allows him to withstand the strong winds and protect his fellow pumpkins. The story promotes acceptance, kindness, and embracing one's individuality. With its vibrant illustrations and uplifting message, "The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin" teaches young readers the importance of diversity and self-acceptance in a fun and engaging way.
 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 predictions throughout the book. Encourage students to check and see if their predictions were correct.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Cause and effect can be a difficult skill for students. This book is a perfect mentor text for teaching this skill.
- Identifying the theme, message, or moral is an important skill that takes a lot of practice. Use this story as an opportunity to help your students with this reading strategy.
- Teach a lesson on multiple meaning words using examples from the story.
- Discuss the different adjectives used in the book.
- Lead a class discussion on the importance of individuality.
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
- 30Â 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 LewisÂ
- The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz
- Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
- Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper
- Big Pumpkin by Erica SilvermanÂ
- Pumpkin Town by Katie Mcky
- Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
- Little Boo by Stephen Wunderli
- Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins
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!
