But I’m a Pumpkin! A Summerween Story

PreS-Gr 2–For those who celebrate the spirit of Halloween year-round, there’s Summerween. Fans of Gravity Falls first embraced the quirky holiday over a decade ago, and it has slowly gained traction—perhaps because those fans are now parents. Summerween traditions include dressing up, telling spooky stories, and carving watermelon. In this playful picture book, however, no one tells a little girl or her carefully tended pumpkin seed that it is destined for summer festivities rather than fall. The girl lovingly nurtures her green pumpkin in a garden bed filled with golden, smooth, bumpy, and scarred companions—all dreaming of Halloween. It isn’t until Labor Day that she discovers her favorite pumpkin is a watermelon, inspiring a joyful celebration of Summerween with family and friends. This warm, gently humorous story will appeal to budding gardeners, Halloween enthusiasts, and children who hold fast to their dreams. Moreno’s bold, expressive illustrations capture the Halloween spirit in both the girl and her garden, while subtle details, such as the spoiled watermelon lingering on the porch beside carved jack-o’-lanterns, add depth and charm. A spirited addition for seasonal collections and a thoughtful reminder that sometimes celebrations arrive in unexpected forms.