Author: Phil Posson

The following review was contributed by:  Andrea Wren & CLICK TO VIEW Andrea Wren's Reviews

Sumptuously illustrated and of appeal to younger readers, The Pink Pumpkin is a story of difference and discovery. Simple to read, it tells the tale of Cheri, a little girl who lives in the town and very much enjoys visiting the farm where her grandparents stay.  

Cheri is very fond of her pony at the farm, Crafty, and loves helping her grandfather with the work. One October she stays with her grandparents and helps to pick pumpkins in the field which are to be sold at market. Cheri is amazed to find a pink pumpkin and agrees with her grandmother that they won’t sell it, but will keep it and save the seeds to grow more pumpkins, hopefully another pink one.

None of Cheri’s friends, of course, believe her when she tells them of her discovery. She assures them that all they need is patience, but cannot wait herself for the next spring when her pumpkin patch will grow. And lo and behold, when the time comes, amongst the many beautifully coloured vegetables that are grown from the seeds, a pink pumpkin is found.

Though the book has a somewhat abrupt and predictable ending, it is a pleasantly expressed story with a calm feel to it – a good bedtime read for little ones. The gentle watercolours of cute-looking animals (especially Crafty, the pony) are endearing, and very much reflect the tale that the book is attempting to convey.