The Runaway Pumpkin

Yes I think this book fosters the development of processes by introducing the topic of pumpkins as a theme of Halloween in America, as well as in the development and life cycle of a pumpkin, specifically how it could get as big as the one in the book.

• Author: Kevin Lewis
• Illustrator: S.D. Schindler
• Year Published: 2003
• ISBN: 9780439474221

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This books is about a young Buck, Billy, and little sister Lil who spot a big pumpkin and can't resist to take it home and show everyone. The big pump rolls and smashes out of control all through the town.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: Medium
• Accuracy: Medium
• Liteary Artistry: Medium
• Appearance: Medium

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes I think this book fosters the development of processes by introducing the topic of pumpkins as a theme of Halloween in America, as well as in the development and life cycle of a pumpkin, specifically how it could get as big as the one in the book.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Yes I believe this book can provide opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions. For example, I think that student's could ask about why the children in the book want to show everyone the purpose and/or ask about the tradition, as well as how the growth and development of a pumpkin happen.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I do not necessarily think that this book encourages children to think for themselves, but I think a teacher could make it happen. For example, the students could take predictions on what they think will happen in the book from the beginning, in the middle, and maybe even take a prediction of how the pumpkin can be stopped.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes I think the science topic of the life cycle of pumpkin  is addressed. I would plan on using this book as a introduction to begin talking about pumpkins (during the holiday season), so I think this book is great for introducing the topic.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

Yes I think this book is based on sound scientific principles such as the growth of a pumpkin and the time of year for their growth. As for the actual size of the pumpkin in the book, I am not exactly sure that can be done in real life, but I think it is a great way to start talking about pumpkins in their varieties in color, shape, and size.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

I actually think this book can be both fact and fictional just because of the fact that pumpkin growth in a real life competition in our society, and the holiday being celebrated. As for the way they would fit the pumpkin into the house, I for sure know that part would be the fictional part.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes the illustrations are clear and accurate. In the book, the reader is able to see the pumpkin, the details of it smashing through things, and the detail in the panicked animals and peoples, and other things like that. I love the artwork.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes I think this book is perfect for the level of my students. I have used it in the passed with a kindergarten class and they loved it. I think for older grades though, the book may be too  much at a younger level for them but in general I think it is great.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

I do not see a multicultural component, but I do think that it is free from stereotyping which I think is always important for a teacher to be aware of when selecting a book. The book talks only about a small town and the issue at hand and that's it.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes I think this book is free from gender bias. It focuses on the pumpkin and the issue of it running away, so I believe that the book is gender bias free.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

No I do not particularly think that this book shows the close association between science and other disciplines because it specifically focuses on the pumpkin rolling away through the town. But I think it could be made to tie into make the social and culture aspects of pumpkin shows and Halloween activities.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

Yes I believe that this books preventives a positive attitude towards science because of the way that I would have used it to introduce the topic. I think the book presents a funny and light hearted way of thinking about pumpkins.