Halloween is the season for tricks, treats and creepy characters. Today’s book has all of these, and inspires lots of pumpkin activities and learning fun!

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The Vanishing Pumpkin was written by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Tomie dePaola. It is an entertaining Halloween story about a pumpkin that disappears and the old couple who want to find it so they can make pumpkin pie. While searching for their missing pumpkin, they come across a variety of creatures who they accuse of stealing it. These creatures decide to tag along on their journey. Kids will enjoy all of the funny creatures they come across, and the repetitive text and colorful illustrations will keep them entertained.

Make Pumpkin Pie – Make a pumpkin pie together like the couple in the story. Kids can learn by measuring ingredients, following directions and practicing kitchen safety. Plus, they get pie at the end!

Story Sequencing – This story is great for reviewing story sequencing. Ask kids which creature showed up first in the story, and so on. You can also assign parts to kids or stuffed animals and then have them put the creatures into the order they appear in the book.

Can you find the vanishing pumpkin?

Hide the Pumpkin – This is a good game for kids trapped inside on a rainy or cold day. Hide a small gourd somewhere in the house and have kids find it. The one who finds it gets to hide it the next time.

Jack-o-Lanterns – Carve Jack-o-lanterns like the wizard in the book. Kids will enjoy planning what design they want on their pumpkin and seeing the finished product all lit up!

Pumpkin Faces – Draw or print a pumpkin shape on paper. Tape plastic wrap over the image or laminate it. Cover the picture with shaving cream and lets kids use their fingers to make different jack-o-lantern faces in it. Bonus: it cleans the table surface and makes it smell nice!

The Vanishing Pumpkin is a fun story to read every year around Halloween. The illustrations by Tomie dePaola (one of my favorites!) add to the story and will have kids laughing at the silly creatures. Have fun with the search for the vanishing pumpkin!

Did your kids enjoy searching for the pumpkin? Feel free to share photos of your Jack-o-lanterns of pumpkin faces in the comments!

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