From Seed to Pumpkin
By Wendy Pfeffer

      Do you ever wonder how pumpkins get to be pumpkins? This book tells young children how a seed turns into a pumpkin. The author describes step-by-step how to plant a seed and turn it into a pumpkin. All these steps are shown in both word and illustration.

      Beautifully illustrated by James Graham Hale, the pictures show how a seed is planted and how it sprouts. The text describes the method by which a plant germinates, even to the point where it cracks the shell of the seed and begins to grow. Even the difference between seed leaves and plant leaves it is discussed. From this book a child should be able to follow the steps as a seed germinates, sprouts from the ground, blooms, and forms the fruit that will later become a pumpkin.

     There is also a discussion of what to do with a pumpkin once it is grown. The fruit is used for many things, but the best-known use is for our favorite dessert: pumpkin pie. There is also a recipe in the back for making roasted pumpkin seeds. These are highly nutritious, and quite tasty.

      There is also an experiment your child can do that will show them how nutrients and water from the ground come up from the roots and feed and water the rest of the plant. They will find it quite fascinating to watch how water goes up the tubes inside a plant to carry water and nourishment to the leaves and the growing fruits.

      From Seed to Pumpkin is one of a series of books published by Harper Trophy for children. It is in the Stage 1 series Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science. There is also a Stage 2 for older children. These books make science simple and fun. Pick up From Seed to Pumpkin, then try the other books in the series. I think you'll find your children getting more interested in science.