by Sally Matheny
 |
| Pumpkin Patch Blessings |
Are you looking forward to autumn? I saw an eager,
yellow leaf parachuting from a tree yesterday. The apples are almost ripe for
picking, and soon the pumpkins will follow. In anticipation of the refreshingly
cool air, I’m reviewing a children’s book, Pumpkin
Patch Blessings, today. Also, someone will receive a blessing and win a
free copy of the book!
Pumpkin
Patch Blessings, written by Kim Washburn and illustrated
by Jacqueline East, is published by Zonderkidz.
Soft lines and colors fill this fourteen-page, board
book. Children will take delight scouring the pages for illustrations of God’s
creations—plants, animals, and people. On most pages, there is a dog and a
bunny. Children will enjoy searching for them throughout the book.
The story centers around two children visiting a
pumpkin farm. Through the story, readers” hear” the crunch of the leaves, “smell
and taste” roasted corn on the cob, and “feel” the multi-textures of pumpkins.
The rhyming verses recount many more sensory experiences before ending with pumpkin
pies at home.
Another feature of the book I liked was
the inclusion of more than one ethnic group in the book.
One additional note, two jack-o-lanterns are inserted on the last page. Nothing in the book mentions,
or alludes to, Halloween or jack-o-lanterns. In fact, the whole book focuses on
God’s creation. Nonetheless, two small jack-o-lanterns nestle in among the rest of the pumpkins on the last page. Some pumpkins are plain. Others have carved-out circles and shapes with light shining through.
Overall, children will enjoy this beautiful book. The
rich vocabulary makes it a wonderful book for ages 4-6. The durable design and colorful
illustrations provide an entertaining book for younger children as well.
Who would like to win this book?
*All you have to do is tell us what part of God’s creation do you
enjoy the most during the autumn season. We will announce the winner on Sept.
2!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book
free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com>
book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
