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Pumpkins are a Fruit
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin follows a young girl who visits a pumpkin patch and learns many wonderful things about pumpkins. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration was the season of Pumpkin picking for Thanksgiving treats, from a food I recently learned was considered more of a fruit and not a vegetable because pumpkins have seeds, which is considered more of the nature of a fruit.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Parents staying involved in their children’s educational development through meaningful field trips, children’s social skills and learning, and children exploring the creation of nature and learning the history and value of a beautiful pumpkin.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scenes I had the most fun writing was the scene of Jewel picking a pumpkin with her parents and sharing her prized pumpkin as pumpkin pie to her classroom.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
My next book is still in the formation stages, but it will continue to promote children’s self-esteem, creative learning, social skills and healthy development.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon | Book Review
Jewel And The Big Pumpkin
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis is a heartwarming children’s book about a little girl named Jewel and her adventure to find the perfect pumpkin. The story starts with Jewel’s excitement over her preschool teacher, Mr. Banks, discussing pumpkins and a planned trip to a pumpkin farm. Jewel becomes determined to pick the biggest pumpkin and win a prize—a turkey for Thanksgiving. The book follows her journey from school to the farm, and ultimately, she finds the biggest pumpkin, winning both the turkey and the pride of her parents.
One of the things I liked about this children’s book is how it presents simple lessons for young readers without feeling preachy. Jewel’s determination to find the biggest pumpkin showcases her ambition and eagerness. The writing effectively reflects the inner thoughts of a child, and it’s easy to imagine how young readers might connect with her sense of adventure and curiosity. The writing is simple yet effective, with just the right amount of descriptive language to draw children in without overwhelming them.
I appreciated how the book emphasizes the importance of family involvement. Jewel’s parents are supportive throughout, from listening to her talk about the pumpkin farm trip to helping her pick out the right pumpkin. This sense of closeness and parental encouragement is touching. There’s a charming moment where her dad asks, “Why the biggest pumpkin?” and Jewel replies, “Because Momma can make more pumpkin pies with it.” That line captures Jewel’s innocence and sense of purpose, which adds to the book’s appeal.
The illustrations complement the story beautifully, bringing the scenes at the pumpkin farm to life. The vibrant pictures of the pumpkins and Jewel’s excitement as she explores the farm help keep the story engaging for young readers. I could easily picture a classroom full of children being captivated by the colorful pages.
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin is a delightful picture book for young children, especially those in preschool or early elementary school. It’s perfect for fall reading, especially around Thanksgiving, and would resonate with children who love stories about farm adventures, family bonding, and achieving goals.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0DBZRRH2Q
LITERARY TITAN 