Customer Reviews

The Great Pumpkin Switch (Orchard Paperbacks)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a great tool to teach elements of writing. It includes great onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and fantastic descriptive language. It kept my 2nd grade students engaged and would be excellent for upper grades as well. It is also open-ended and has a great opportunity for a writing extension.

THIS IS SUCH A WARM, NOSTALGIC BOOK THAT TAKES YOU BACK TO YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S STORIES OF GROWING UP. THE PICTURES ARE DONE IN WARM COLORS - JUST PERFECT FOR A FROSTY DAY'S READING. IT SHOWS THE UNDERLYING LOVE OF A BROTHER AND SISTER THAT ONE ONLY REALIZES AS YOU GROW.

I am an elementary librarian and discovered this book probably 8 years ago. We had
had only 1 copy, so I am buying more here! We call it one of our "grandfather stories,"
because 2 grandchildren sit spellbound listening to their grandfather tell at tale of his childhood. My K-4th graders sit spellbound too, even though they of course know what is going to happen! When the pumpkin bounces down the 24 steps...everyone is ready with the SPLAT!! New listeners are thrilled, old listeners rate this as an October story we cannot listen without!....I want this one back in print for children of this new century!!

This little book is a pure joy to read. It brings us our great-grandfathers' time without any historically questionable situations for the young readers and without any sledgehammer morals. Every child will relate to the simple, yet intriguing story. The beautiful watercolor illustrations do not just compliment the tale, but add another layer of depth to the characters and the time depicted in the book. It is one of those rear ones you want to own and not only borrow from the library. Our family has been reading it again and again and it has always started new discussions and sprouted many exiting questions about the past without interfering with the storyline. Most remarkably this book inspires you and your children to tell or write stories from your own life, because it reminds you, that any time and any story can have relevance and be engaging if it has heart.