Author Laura Sassi has a new release from Paraclete Press entitled Pumpkin Day With Boo and Belle that is a delight. It is about a friendship mix-up.

Every year Belle and Boo celebrate Pumpkin Day together. Belle’s invitation gets blown away in the wind causing a communication issue. Boo is sad because he thinks that Belle didn’t invite him.Belle is upset because Boo doesn’t come to the tea party. Fortunately, they meet up on a bridge and talk things out. Later, they are surprised when Bitsy the bird arrives. The wind carried the invitation to her and the result is a three-creature party where new friendships are formed.

You will love this sweet story and the illustrations are magical. Laura Sassi is a master when it comes to word choice and rhyme, and each verse of this story pops with her wonderful way with poetry. My favorite page spread is the map of the community at the beginning of the book. So darling!

This book is also the perfect springboard into a conversation with your child about friendship and communication mix-ups.

Discuss:

1. What day were Boo and Belle wanting to celebrate? (Pumpkin Day)
2. What was the mix-up with the invitation? (It got blown away in the wind)
3. Why was Boo sad? (He thought that Belle didn’t invite him this year)
4. How did Belle feel? (She was upset because she though Boo ignored her invitation)
5. Who did receive the invitation, and what was the happy result of this? (Bitsy the bird)
6. Have you ever had a mix-up with a friend? How did you talk it out? (After giving your child a chance to share, offer an example from your own life that is appropriate for your child to understand)

Five Connection Activities:

After reading the book, extend your quality time with your children by doing one of these connection ideas.

1. Have a tea party! (Pumpkin-themed of course) Who is a friend you could invite?
2. Write a snail-mail letter to a friend or relative. Include a picture of a pumpkin.
3. Play the game of “telephone” to illustrate to your child how communication can get mixed up.
4. If you normally have playdates with a best friend, invite a new friend to join the two of you at your next get together.
5. Have a “tea” taste test. Which tea was your favorite?

Here are some more “pumpkin” and “fall” ideas on this curated Pinterest board.

Pumpkin Theme

Fall Crafts Theme

Order the book on this website

Find out more about author Laura Sassi on her website

Post submitted by Mindy Baker

About Mindy Baker

For more book recommendations and book extension activity ideas subscribe to Mindy’s mini magazine.

I (Mindy) am running an exclusive give-away opportunity for her subscribers this summer! Check it out by subscribing today!!

Places you can find Mindy Baker on the web. Click here

Be sure to sign up to receive updates of each new post on our Christian Children’s Authors blog. Follow us for new book news, free resources, parenting tips, and encouragement!

#laurasassi #pumpkinday #teaparty #picturebook #makethetime #family #connectionmatters #familytime #christianhomeschool #christianteachers #kidmin #friendship #teachaboutfriendship #communicationmixup