Pumpkin Fiesta [Hardcover]

Caryn Yacowitz (Author), Joe Cepeda (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 1998 | Age Level: 4 and up

Hoping to win a prize for the best pumpkin at the fiesta, Foolish Fernando tries to copy Old Juana's successful gardening techniques, but without really watching to see how much effort and love she puts into her work. Includes a recipe for pumpkin soup.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A South-of-the-border setting only mildly spices up Yacowitz's (The Jade Stone) familiar plot; it's Cepeda's (Gracias, the Thanksgiving Turkey) saucy oil paintings that have real bite. Old Juana always wins the crown for the best pumpkins at the annual fiesta, but her envious neighbor, Foolish Fernando, is determined to wrest it from her. He surreptitiously watches her and copies her every move with the pumpkin crop, even dressing himself to look like her when he goes into his own field. Predictably, he misses the obvious?Juana's constancy; equally predictably, he ends up stealing Juana's best pumpkins. Cepeda wisely tones down the text's caricature of Fernando, making him more credible, less doltish and a little sympathetic to boot. The artist's festive palette and his use of vignettes as well as full- and double-page spreads syncopate the story; his energetic, slightly skewed characters will move readers from page to page. For those with whetted appetites, a recipe for pumpkin soup is included. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-A story with a moral and lots of humor-just right for a Thanksgiving or fall storytime. Old Juana grows pumpkins that always win the prize at the annual pumpkin fiesta in her Mexican village. Foolish Fernando thinks he can grow bigger ones if he just spies on her and copies what she does. Unfortunately, he does not emulate Juana in the most important things: the hard work, time, and love she puts into her farming. After several humorous mishaps, Fernando learns his lesson and Juana makes a new friend. The story is perfectly illustrated with lively oil paintings in hot, bright colors that capture the flavor of the country and enhance the animated story. At the end, the two friends are shown enjoying a bowl of pumpkin soup, right next to the recipe. A very nice offering for the fall.
Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (August 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060276584
• ISBN-13: 978-0060276584
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #661,411 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book, July 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Pumpkin Fiesta (Hardcover)

As a children's librarian, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm sure children will be entralled by the story's humor and suspense and also by the illustrations vivid hues, which transport readers to a village in San Miguel. This book will be especially coveted in the fall when teachers and families enjoy pumpkin-themed books, but it is rollicking tale, worthy of reading all year long.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific story with a wonderful moral., November 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Pumpkin Fiesta (Hardcover)

Caryn Yacowitz has produced a winner. Pumpkin Fiesta is the charming tale of Old Juana, whose devotion to her pumpkin crop has gained her acclaim in her province. Young children learn from the funny exploits of Foolish Fernando, Old Juana's bumbling imitator, that empty gesture is not what has meaning and that true success is reached by acting with passion and energy. While paying appropriate homage to the original storyteller, Ms. Yacowitz gives the story her own terrific spin, elegantly juxtaposing English and Spanish. My three year-old was instantly enthralled by this book, and has learned, laughed and been enriched many times over.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An old tale made new, September 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Pumpkin Fiesta (Hardcover)

Caryn Yacowitz has written a charming version of an old tale from Spanish literature. She cleverly changed the main character to a woman and made the thief into a foolish fellow who learns a lesson. Joe Cepeda's artwork is fresh and lively, perfect for the folktale nature of this story. My only complaint is that the author or editor did not give due credit to the origin of this tale. It is based on a story from Spain from the mid-1800s by Pedro Antonio de Alarcon, "El libro talonario." This information would have been helpful as back matter to the story. Students familiar with the original tale could then appreciate the creative changes made in the new tale.