Big Pumpkin
Maxwell Macmillan International 1992
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- perseverance
- problem-solving
- community
- Halloween
- sharing
- humor
About this book
On Halloween, a witch grows a pumpkin so big she can’t pull it off the vine. One by one, a ghost, a vampire, a mummy, and a tiny bat stop by to help. With rhythmic, repeatable text and playful suspense, the story shows how working together can solve a big problem. Perfect for young readers who enjoy not-too-spooky fun and a satisfying, festive ending.
Setting: a witch’s pumpkin patch on Halloween night
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Pumpkin right for my child?
Yes — Big Pumpkin is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include teamwork, perseverance, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read Big Pumpkin?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Big Pumpkin takes around 5m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Big Pumpkin have an AR quiz?
Yes — Big Pumpkin has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Big Pumpkin?
Big Pumpkin has an AR reading level of 2.8, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.