The Story
Perfect for autumn storytimes and holiday book read-alouds, this tender picture book stars a young girl who watches over her pumpkin patch and celebrates her well-earned harvest.
When Lilly spots something leafy and green growing from their compost bin she learns--Surprise!--they're pumpkins growing from the mushy jack-o'-lanterns her family tossed in last fall. She takes good care of the little pumpkins all summer, protecting them from creatures who might like a nibble and checking in on their growth. And when, finally, the pumpkins are bright orange and plump and the family has more of the gourds than they can enjoy, what's left to do but share?
Backmatter includes information on gardening and pumpkin recipes.
Author: Beth Charles
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Published: 06/15/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 11.26h x 9.23w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9781534113626
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 05/01/2026
School Library Journal 05/29/2026 pg. 1
About the Author
Charles, Beth: -
Beth Charles grew up in northern New Jersey and always thought she'd be a librarian like her mom or a teacher like her dad. Instead, she married a librarian and became a museum curator. Later, she and her husband moved to Vermont, and along with several family members, bought Mendon Mountain Orchards, a historic apple orchard. Now that one of her grown children owns the orchard, Beth has more time to knit, write books for kids, and spend time with her grandchildren.
Aronson, Anna: -
Anna Aronson is an illustrator who loves finding beauty in everyday life. She lives with her family on a small Wisconsin farm, where she's inspired by history, nature, and the stories people carry with them. When she's not drawing, she enjoys reading, walking outdoors, sipping a hot beverage, and spending time with her family.
Description
Perfect for autumn storytimes and holiday book read-alouds, this tender picture book stars a young girl who watches over her pumpkin patch and celebrates her well-earned harvest.
When Lilly spots something leafy and green growing from their compost bin she learns--Surprise!--they're pumpkins growing from the mushy jack-o'-lanterns her family tossed in last fall. She takes good care of the little pumpkins all summer, protecting them from creatures who might like a nibble and checking in on their growth. And when, finally, the pumpkins are bright orange and plump and the family has more of the gourds than they can enjoy, what's left to do but share?
Backmatter includes information on gardening and pumpkin recipes.
Author: Beth Charles
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Published: 06/15/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 11.26h x 9.23w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9781534113626
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 05/01/2026
School Library Journal 05/29/2026 pg. 1
About the Author
Charles, Beth: -
Beth Charles grew up in northern New Jersey and always thought she'd be a librarian like her mom or a teacher like her dad. Instead, she married a librarian and became a museum curator. Later, she and her husband moved to Vermont, and along with several family members, bought Mendon Mountain Orchards, a historic apple orchard. Now that one of her grown children owns the orchard, Beth has more time to knit, write books for kids, and spend time with her grandchildren.
Aronson, Anna: -
Anna Aronson is an illustrator who loves finding beauty in everyday life. She lives with her family on a small Wisconsin farm, where she's inspired by history, nature, and the stories people carry with them. When she's not drawing, she enjoys reading, walking outdoors, sipping a hot beverage, and spending time with her family.
