"From Seed to Pumpkin", written by Wendy Pfeffer and illustrated by James Graham Hale, is a great informational text for young readers! The author incorporates literary tools, such as word choice and organization to make the central theme, learning about the life cycle of a pumpkin, interesting and fun! This picture book begins with a vivid illustration of spring with text telling readers what time of year a farmer plants seeds for growing pumpkins. The language used in this book allows young readers to follow along easily and grasp the information presented. On each page, an illustration with text is provided. The amount of text on each page is minimal, which gives readers an opportunity to pace their reading and really understand the life cycle of a pumpkin. Although life cycles of plants are usually described in complex scientific terms, the author manages to use kid appropriate language so the readers do not get confused. This strategy keeps the young readers engaged in the book and gives them confidence and motivation to learn. Another way the author conveyed the theme was through organization and plot. The book is organized in a sequential manner. It begins in spring, when the pumpkin seeds are planted and continues through to autumn, when a pumpkins life cycle is complete. In order to convey this message and keep the attention of young readers, the author presented the information in an easy to follow way, while the illustrator provided images in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Rather than presenting the reader with flat-out information about a pumpkins life cycle, the author turned the text into a story appropriate for children. In order to keep this information at the level of the readers, the book provided many examples and comparisons to help the reader understand more difficult aspects of the life cycle. For example, when explaining how a plant receives water, the author compared this process with the way juice goes up a straw. Also, to provide further explanation of how plants drink water, the author provides a detailed, step-by-step science experiment that can be done at home to model this process. This method used throughout the book allows the readers to relate the information to their life experiences and observations, which provides them with more opportunities to successfully comprehend the information given. I found this to be a great book overall that allows readers to learn the central theme of the life cycle of a pumpkin in an engaging and interesting way. The illustrator’s use of colorful, vivid pictures and young children characters grasps the reader’s attention and engages them in the informational story. The authors use of simplified language, scientific comparisons and explanations, organization, and amount of content included gives the reader optimal opportunities to successfully comprehend the author’s message of the life cycle of a pumpkin.

24. I liked the book “From Seed to Pumpkin” by Wendy Pfeffer for many reasons. For example, the book’s writing is written in third person and it is well organized as it describes the process of pumpkins growing on a pumpkin patch. The illustrations are appropriate to the context of the book because the colors used accurately depict the fall season and pumpkins in terms of stages of growth. The point of view is in third person, which adds to the story, as it’s main purpose is to be instructional. The language is also clear and uses simple sentences and vocabulary to assist young readers in learning about the development of pumpkins. I would choose to have this book in my classroom and to read it to my students during the fall season, as it would provide many opportunities for lessons and activities for my students. The main message of this story is to inform young readers of the steps in which a pumpkin develops.