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    The Very Unusual Pumpkin

    Author Marilyn Singer
    Illustrated by Maya Shleifer
    Hardcover
    $18.99 US
    Astra Publishing House | Hippo Park
    9"W x 11"H | 20 oz | 12 per carton
    On sale Sep 15, 2026 | 48 Pages | 9781662641015
    Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    Lulu teaches Grandma how to be a better storyteller in this sly, tenderhearted picture book about learning from each other through humor, imagination, and conversation. Perfect for young readers ages 4-8.

    Everyone’s grandma is good at telling stories…except for Lulu’s, that is. So Lulu decides to step in and help! Lulu’s method is asking questions. So when Grandma tells what seems like a mundane story of an ugly pumpkin sitting in a field, Lulu asks: “Why was the pumpkin ugly?”  Grandma’s answer sparks Lulu’s imagination, and she tells Grandma: “That’s not ugly! It’s unusual!” And the two are off on a storytelling adventure! With a little creativity and improvisation, together Lulu and Grandma spin a full, refreshing narrative about a pumpkin and a fairy godmother–as well as the nature of storytelling itself. With its resonant theme that great stories are the result of genuine curiosity and dialogue, The Very Unusual Pumpkin is bound to become a bedtime staple.
    Marilyn Singer is the winner of the 2015 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry. Her many children's poetry and picture books include Mirror, Mirror, an ALA Notable Book that also appeared on four major lists of best books of the year; Follow, Follow and Echo, Echo, both NCTE Notable books; and Tallulah's Tutu and its sequels. She lives in Brooklyn, with her husband. Visit her at marilynsinger.net. View titles by Marilyn Singer
    Maya Shleifer View titles by Maya Shleifer

    About

    Lulu teaches Grandma how to be a better storyteller in this sly, tenderhearted picture book about learning from each other through humor, imagination, and conversation. Perfect for young readers ages 4-8.

    Everyone’s grandma is good at telling stories…except for Lulu’s, that is. So Lulu decides to step in and help! Lulu’s method is asking questions. So when Grandma tells what seems like a mundane story of an ugly pumpkin sitting in a field, Lulu asks: “Why was the pumpkin ugly?”  Grandma’s answer sparks Lulu’s imagination, and she tells Grandma: “That’s not ugly! It’s unusual!” And the two are off on a storytelling adventure! With a little creativity and improvisation, together Lulu and Grandma spin a full, refreshing narrative about a pumpkin and a fairy godmother–as well as the nature of storytelling itself. With its resonant theme that great stories are the result of genuine curiosity and dialogue, The Very Unusual Pumpkin is bound to become a bedtime staple.

    Author

    Marilyn Singer is the winner of the 2015 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry. Her many children's poetry and picture books include Mirror, Mirror, an ALA Notable Book that also appeared on four major lists of best books of the year; Follow, Follow and Echo, Echo, both NCTE Notable books; and Tallulah's Tutu and its sequels. She lives in Brooklyn, with her husband. Visit her at marilynsinger.net. View titles by Marilyn Singer
    Maya Shleifer View titles by Maya Shleifer

    Other Books by this Author

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