Old Oak and Little Pumpkin
Little Pumpkin Series
What’s inside...
Captivate toddlers and early readers with this picture book set in nature, following a butterfly hunt through the cycle of seasons with vibrant illustrations and lyrical language. Old Oak tree watches over the changes in the nearby field from spring to autumn, when a little pumpkin named Little Pumpkin feels sad and alone as Halloween approaches. As winter nears, Little Pumpkin worries about the future, but Old Oak reassures and calms its fears. This timeless tale of trust, courage, and reassurance aims to comfort anxious or scared children, reminding them that they are never alone and that their 'Old Oaks'—be it family or Christian figures—are always there to provide love and care. Accompanied by a song written by the author, this book is perfect for children ages 3-8, offering a soothing bedtime story and a message of enduring support.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-11
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Little Pumpkin felt when Old Oak helped him?
What do you think would have happened if Old Oak hadn’t been there?
Why do you think it’s important to have friends or someone who cares?
How can we be like Old Oak and help others around us?
What did you learn from the story about being kind?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic language to discuss Little Pumpkin’s feelings and experiences, asking your child how they might feel in a similar situation.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the story and discuss the possible outcomes to deepen their understanding of cause and effect.
Discuss the value of kindness and the impact of supportive friendships, drawing parallels to your child’s own life and relationships.
Prompt your child to come up with ways they can help or be kind to someone, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Old Oak and Little Pumpkin', the friendship between the wise Old Oak and the young Little Pumpkin teaches children about mutual respect and support.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to value and nurture their friendships, offering help and kindness just like the characters in the book.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: The story highlights how different characters complement each other, with Old Oak's wisdom and Little Pumpkin's youthful energy.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding in real life.
Example Lesson: Growth and learning
Explanation: Little Pumpkin learns from Old Oak's experiences, showing that learning is a continuous process.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be curious and open to learning from others around them, whether from elders, peers, or their environment.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Old Oak teaches Little Pumpkin the value of patience through the changing seasons they witness together.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of waiting and the benefits that patience can bring in various aspects of their lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite the challenges posed by seasonal changes, Old Oak remains strong and steadfast, providing shelter and wisdom.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt and remain resilient in the face of challenges, knowing that endurance and strength are valuable traits to develop.