Blog Archives
Playful and Imaginative
Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse follows a spirited young girl who, with the help of her community, turns a crumbling dream into a glowing masterpiece built from courage, creativity, and a whole lot of pumpkin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One cozy fall evening, when I was tucking my granddaughter into bed, she asked me to tell her a bedtime story. Since we both share a love of pumpkins, I decided to tell her a story about a little girl and a giant pumpkin. Seeing her eyes light up as she listened, I knew this story was meant for more than just one bedtime, so I decided to turn it into a book, hoping it would be shared with other children and passed down for generations to come. That moment planted the seed for what would eventually grow into this book.
How did you approach balancing whimsical storytelling with deeper emotional moments like Ivy Blue’s initial failure?
Balancing whimsy with deeper emotions was really important to me. I wanted the story to feel playful and imaginative but also grounded in feelings that children can relate to—like disappointment and frustration when things don’t go as planned. Ivy Blue’s initial setback with the pumpkin patch gave me an opportunity to explore those emotions, while keeping the tone hopeful and light. By weaving in moments of wonder, friendship, humor and small victories, I aimed to show that even when things go wrong, something beautiful can still grow from it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some of the key themes I wanted to explore in this book were resilience, environmental stewardship, and the power of kindness. I wanted young readers to understand that life doesn’t always go as planned, but it’s how we respond to those disappointments that truly shapes our journey. Holding onto your dreams, caring for the natural world, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard—can lead to unexpected joy and rewards. Sometimes, our dreams come true in ways we never imagined, especially when we’re guided by compassion and purpose.
In addition, I wanted the book to have an extra layer of fun and engagement, so there are 29 butterflies hidden throughout the book—one in each illustration. This interactive element invites children to slow down, observe closely, and enjoy little details, reinforcing the idea that beauty and wonder are often discovered when we take the time to really look.
What message do you hope readers take away from Ivy Blues’s journey?
I hope readers come away with a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the incredible journey something as small as a seed can take. There’s so much wonder in watching a pumpkin grow—from planting the seed, nurturing it with care, and finally seeing it flourish. I also hope the story inspires kids to dream big and stay hopeful, even when things don’t go as expected. With patience, care, and a little imagination, dreams can be realized in the most unexpected ways.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
As Halloween nears, Autumn grows too large to become a jack-o’-lantern, leaving Ivy Blue with a dilemma—what do you do with a giant pumpkin?
With beautifully crafted illustrations and an interactive element that engages readers to find a butterfly in each picture, this heartwarming tale of friendship, giving back to the environment, and realizing one’s dreams in unexpected ways will delight readers in every season.
Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse
Wendy Schicktanz crafts a whimsical and heartwarming tale in Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse, a delightful children’s book brimming with imagination, charm, and seasonal magic. At the center of the story is Ivy Blue, a spirited young girl with one grand ambition: to build the most enchanting pumpkin playhouse the town has ever seen. With the crisp air of autumn swirling and the local fair drawing near, Ivy Blue embarks on a creative adventure fueled by determination, friendship, and a boundless belief in the power of dreams.
The writing sparkles with warmth. Schicktanz’s style radiates encouragement, weaving a lyrical rhythm into the narrative that makes each page feel like a story told beside a crackling fire. Ivy Blue leaps off the page, bold, curious, endlessly hopeful. Her journey unfolds with a pace that’s both engaging and unhurried, allowing young readers to soak in each pumpkin-spiced moment while keeping the momentum lively and inviting.
Creativity and collaboration form the heart of Ivy Blue’s world. She doesn’t dream alone. Her vision comes to life with the help of her family, friends, and even a few skeptical neighbors. It’s a gentle reminder: shared dreams often bloom brighter. The pumpkin playhouse itself is a glowing, handmade marvel that serves as a vivid metaphor for what can be built when people come together with open hearts and big ideas.
Moments of emotional depth enrich the story’s playful surface. One particularly poignant scene sees Ivy Blue confronting failure when her first pumpkin creation crumbles. Her sorrow is palpable. But it’s in this quiet setback that the story finds one of its strongest notes, resilience. With encouragement from those around her, Ivy Blue rises again, stronger, wiser, and more inspired.
This is a book that invites both laughter and reflection. Ideal for cozy classroom corners, bedtime read-alouds, or autumn storytelling sessions, Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse is a celebration of dreaming big and building together. Ivy Blue’s journey will leave little readers enchanted and remind older ones of the magic that blooms when hope meets hard work.
Pages: 37 | ASIN: B0DK22F3W5
LITERARY TITAN 