Little Boo by Stephen Wunderli

This book deserves top place in your collection of Halloween books. The story follows a small pumpkin seed that is desperate to fulfil its destiny of scaring everyone. It tries to scare everything from leaves to bees, but they aren't scared. It keeps trying and trying (great growth mindset link!). The wind is his adviser throughout the story and eventually Little Boo learns patience and gets what he wants. For every parent with a child who can't wait to grow up, this story will strike a chord. Slow down little people! You will get there eventually. The author also manages to sneak in the life cycle of a plant, so for any teachers or home schoolers out there, this book is a must have!

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​⚈​ 1 Play ideas    ⚈​ 2 Classroom Activities  
​Get your hands on this book here:
Sensory play - Age 1+
With pumpkins everywhere in October, nothing could be easier than letting a little one explore the aftermath of pumpkin carving. They love helping to scoop the insides out (if they don't mind the goo!) and then fill a bowl and let them explore. 

Tip - you'll probably want to do this outside (if possible)! 

Read about when we originally shared it on Instagram -  HERE
Paint a pumpkin - Age 1+
Carved pumpkins don't last very long, so creating a few more permanent pumpkins is a nice way to have decorations around before the week of Halloween (or just as an autumn decoration). Cardboard is a great 'free' craft material to use, so we decided to make a cardboard pumpkin. 

Start by drawing a large circle and cutting it out. Draw a small 'bottom' circle in the middle. This will help guide your 'side' cuts. Finally, cut triangular shapes out, leaving thin strips extending out from the middle circle. When you are done, fold them all up and secure them with a pipe cleaner or clip. 

Grab some paint and let little ones paint them however they choose!

​Read about when we originally shared it on Instagram - HERE 
Writing task - Age 5+
 In this story, the little seed can't wait to grow up and start scaring everyone.  Why not try this fun writing activity to go along with the story? Ask your child to write a list of things that they can't wait to do when they are older. It will make a fun keepsake to look back at in a number of years! You could even do it each year and keep a collection of their ideas to see how they change. 

Read about when we originally shared it on Instagram ​-HERE
  • Use the story along with a unit of plant growth. Focus on stages of growth for pumpkin seeds
  • Research pumpkin growth and try growing them at your school if possible
  • Link to a study of seasons and changes that happen
  • Write a story about growing up too fast or wanting to be older
Click below for other books and activities about Autumn (and Halloween):