If you’re looking for a fall read-aloud that kids will beg to hear again, The Pumpkin Thief belongs on your shelf. This funny Halloween-y companion picture book comes from Alice Hemming, the author of The Leaf Thief, a national bestseller book, and it brings back Squirrel and Bird in a brand-new story.
About the Book
Alice Hemming wrote the story, and Nicola Slater, a full-time illustrator, created the art. The vibrant art is a big part of the fun, with lots of orange and green on every page. You will love it, and your class will love it as well.
The Leaf Thief Book on Amazon
The Flower Thief Book on Amazon
The Sun Thief on Amazon
The Snow Thief on Amazon
The Pumpkin Thief on Amazon
The mystery starts in the vegetable patch and Squirrel as a big problem. Bird’s pumpkins keep disappearing, and Squirrel is determined to find out who’s behind it. There are clues to follow, like footprints, peck marks, and a feather. Readers tag along on Squirrel’s forest adventure and have a great time guessing what’s going on. Pumpkins even start appearing on a neighbor’s doorsteps, which keeps students wondering. Think fall, pumpkins, Halloween- all those seasonal elements teachers love to incorporate into their learning activities for young readers.
Kindergarteners love a mystery, and the idea of a pumpkin thief almost becomes a new character in your classroom. They’ll be making predictions and playing detective the whole time you read. The book also captures the magic of Halloween, and the bonus material at the back explains Halloween’s traditions. Many reviewers are calling it a new classic, and I can see why.
Why Companion Activities Work for The Pumpkin Thief Activities and Printables
Reading a story once is fun. Coming back to it through writing, retelling, vocabulary, and math helps it stick. Kindergarteners love familiar books, and activities tied to a story they already know make them more engaged and more confident. This pack works for:
- Whole-group read-aloud follow-ups
- Literacy centers
- Math centers
- Small groups
- Independent practice
- Sub plans (you’ll be glad to have something ready when you need it!)
What’s Inside My The Pumpkin Thief Book Companion
Literacy Activities
13 Writing Activities with Word Wall. Students respond to The Pumpkin Thief through writing, and the word wall gives them the support to write more independently. You will love these The Pumpkin Thief Activities and Printables.
Reading Comprehension Game. With 27 comprehension questions based on the book, this is a fun way to check understanding without it feeling like a quiz.
Sequence Cards and Sheet. Students retell the story in order using the cards. There’s an easier version and a more challenging version, so you can match the activity to where your students are.
Circle the Noun. A simple grammar activity that connects to the story and the fall theme.
Vocabulary Posters. These help you build and reinforce important words from the book. Hang them up and refer back to them all week.
Math Activities
We can use the The Pumpkin Thief Activities and Printables to integrate math activities as well. How about the following math ideas?!
Number Fill-In. Students practice identifying and filling in missing numbers.
Count and Write. Students count the objects and write the correct number.
Stack to Make the Number. A hands-on way to build numbers.
Count and Compare. Students count and compare quantities, building number sense along the way.
How I’d Use The Pumpkin Thief Activities and Printables
Here’s one way to fit it into a week:
- Day 1: Read The Pumpkin Thief aloud and introduce the vocabulary posters.
- Day 2: Reread and have students retell the story with the sequence cards.
- Day 3: Use the writing activities and word wall in your literacy block.
- Day 4: Play the comprehension game in small groups.
- Day 5: Rotate students through the math centers.
You can use all of it or just the pieces that fit your classroom.
Get Your Copy
My The Pumpkin Thief Book Companion is available in my shop for $3.75 (marked down from $4.00 right now). Please note that the book itself is sold separately.
👉 Grab The Pumpkin Thief Book Companion here
👉 And here on TpT
Looking for more fall ideas like The Pumpkin Thief Activities and Printables? Browse my Fall resources and Reading Expansion Packs.
