Books About Pumpkins for Kids
Whether you are doing a pumpkin unit study or are simply looking for some fun books about pumpkins, you’ve come to the right place. Today I’m sharing a huge list of our favorite books about pumpkins for kids.
From learning the pumpkin life cycle to carving a jack-o-lantern, these books about pumpkins will definitely get you in the autumn mood.
I’ve got a book basket in the living room where I like to keep seasonal books for the kids to pick up at any time. And usually sometime in September or October, I’ll fill that basket with books about pumpkins. The following list are ones we’ve enjoyed over the years.
NOTE: I’m going to give you the pumpkin book list with my reviews. Then, stick around to the end to get age-appropriate, recommendations for books about pumpkins for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners.
Without further ado, here is our books about pumpkins list:

Books About Pumpkins
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Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
When a pumpkin is dropped in the elderly Rebecca’s yard, she avoids it (because when she was young, they were poor and all they had were pumpkins). So it sat, until the following year when, much to her surprise, that lone pumpkin produced a huge patch of pumpkins. What she does with those pumpkins is what makes this story great! (This is a family favorite!)
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll
The two mice, Desmond and Clayton, are trying to win the biggest pumpkin contest. But what they don’t know is that they are working on the same pumpkin! I like how these two become friends and work together to make it the biggest and best pumpkin ever. (Another favorite)
The Pumpkin Fair by Eve Bunting
This is a fun little rhyming book about things that go on at the pumpkin fair. From pumpkin bowling to all kinds of pumpkin food, this simple pumpkin book was a quick enjoyable read.
Ready for Pumpkins by Kate Duke
Hercules, the class guinea pig, gets inspired to grow his own garden after seeing the kids grow plants from seeds. The text is a little lengthy, but don’t let that deter you. This is a delightful, humorous pumpkin book that is a must for your autumn book shelf.
County Fair by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Almonzo and his family get in their wagon and head to the county fair. Almonzo’s prize pumpkin went the day before because it was too big to fit in the buggy. Follow Almonzo as he enjoys his day at county fair, then see what the judges think of his big orange pumpkin. We really enjoyed the beautiful illustrations and the simple storyline of this book.
Pumpkin Town by Katie McKy
This is a fun book about pumpkins! At the end of the season, Jose’s family, who grow pumpkins, toss the extra seeds at the edge of a field. But this year, the wind blew hard, and the seeds were carried over to the next town which soon become over grown with pumpkins!
The Very Best Pumpkin by Mark Kimball Moulton
Peter finds a lonely pumpkin out in a field and decides to take care of it. He nurtures it until its is big and beautiful. But instead of keeping it for himself, he gives it to a little girl who is looking for the very best pumpkin. I like that this book highlights kindness, gentleness, and giving.
Pumpkin, Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington
With very simple text and sweet illustrations this book goes through the life cycle of a pumpkin. Jamie plants her pumpkin seed in the spring, then watches as it grow. I think this pumpkin book is great for young learners.
The Bumpy Little Pumpkin by Margery Cuyler
This is a cheery pumpkin book for preschool! Little Nell is the youngest in her family and is constantly reminded by her big sister. When they choose their pumpkins, Little Nell picks a bumpy one. Her sisters laugh, but Little Nell perseveres and finds a way to carve it into a fabulous jack-o-lantern.
It’s Pumpkin Time by Zoe Hall
Another simple pumpkin life cycle book for toddlers for preschoolers. A brother and sister want to grow their own pumpkin for Halloween this year. Follow along as they grow it into the perfect pumpkin to carve.
From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeffer
We loved the information this book offered, as well as, the colorful illustrations. The non-fiction content in this book was presented in an engaging way for kids.
Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin Pie by Jill Esbaum
We enjoyed the real photography in this book. I think the images alone are great for kids who never get an opportunity to grow a pumpkin at home.
It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse! By Laura Numeroff
Here’s a sweet and simple board book about pumpkins by the same author of the ‘If You Give a Mouse a Cookie’ series. I would add this to your great pumpkin books for toddlers and preschool list.
The Pumpkin Patch by Elizabeth King
If your kids are interested in growing their own pumpkins this year, check out this simple book about pumpkins. With real-to-life pictures, learn how a pumpkin grows.
I Like Pumpkins by Jerry Smath
Learn pumpkin facts and pumpkin vocabulary with this fun pumpkin rhyming book. The illustrations are cheery and the rhymes are clever.
Sophia’s Squash by Pat Zeitlow Miller
Don’t stop with pumpkins, have a conversation about squash! This is such a fun kids book, and it fits perfectly with a pumpkin unit study. Sophie gets a squash from the farmers market but instead of cooking it up, she names it Bernice. All is well, until Bernice starts to rot…
How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow? by Wendell Minor
This is a fantastic book about pumpkins, as well as, geography! Giant pumpkins can be grown anywhere! With stunning illustrations, take a tour of the United States and learn all about pumpkins and the creative things people do with them.
Little Boo by Stephen Wunderli
Little Boo, a pumpkin seed, tries to be scary, but he is not. It’s not until he grows into a huge pumpkin that he gets his chance to be scary. Because he is not scary as a seed, a vine, or a flower, this book is a creative way of teaching the pumpkin life cycle.
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara
A delightful book about pumpkins and counting! Everyone in the class is counting pumpkin seeds. Charlie is the smallest kid and he got the smallest pumpkin. But much to everyones surprise, Charlie’s pumpkin had the most seeds.
Peter Rabbit and the Pumpkin Patch by Beatrix Potter
If you enjoy the Peter Rabbit stories, you will like this autumn-inspired one too! Peter rabbit once again raids Mr. McGregor’s garden but this time there are pumpkins and eerie noises too. Lengthy text, but very enjoyable for kids who have the attention to sit through it.
Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Alicia Capucilla
My kids all enjoyed the Biscuit book and this was no exception. This autumn-themed adventure gently takes little kids along on a fun outing to the pumpkin patch. (Ages 3-5)
Five Little Pumpkins by Tiger Tales
This is a wonderful little board book that teaches the traditional five little pumpkins rhyme. A great pumpkin book for toddlers.
Books About Pumpkins for Preschool
Need some picture books about pumpkins for preschoolers? Ones that are short but still do a good job of teaching? Here are some pumpkin books for kids (from the above list) that are geared toward preschool age.
Note: The titles in this list are linked to a couple of my favorite online discount book sites: thriftbooks.com and abeBooks.com.
Books About Pumpkins for Preschool
- The Bumpy Little Pumpkin by Margery Cuyler
- Little Boo by Stephen Wunderli
- The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll
- I Like Pumpkins by Jerry Smath
- It’s Pumpkin Time by Zoe Hall
- Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Alicia Capucilla

Books About Pumpkins for Kindergarten
Now for some recommendations for books about pumpkins for kindergarteners. These books about pumpkins are still short, but most of them have a little more depth to their storylines (than the preschool choises), and are engaging for this age.
Books About Pumpkins for Kindergarten:
- County Fair by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
- Ready for Pumpkins by Kate Duke
- Sophia’s Squash by Pat Zeitlow Miller
- How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara
- From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeffer
- Peter Rabbit and the Pumpkin Patch by Beatrix Potter
Books About Pumpkins for Toddlers
Do you have a little one? If so, here are a few books about pumpkins for toddlers. These pumpkin board books are toddler-friendly and great of eager hands.
Books About Pumpkins for Toddlers:
- Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Alicia Capucilla
- It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse! By Laura Numeroff
- Five Little Pumpkins by Tiger Tales
- I’m a Little Pumpkin by Hannah Eliot
- You are my Little Pumpkin Pie by Natalie Marshall

More Pumpkin Resources
- New! Pumpkin Unit Study
- Pumpkin Activities List
- Pumpkin Busy Book
- Counting Pumpkins Emergent Reader
- Pumpkin Poem
- Pumpkin Alphabet Clothespin Clipcards
- Positional Pumpkins Emergent Reader