But I’m a Pumpkin!: A Summerween Story

Kat Choppy ∙ Illustrated by Heidi Moreno

Hardcover

Published on May 12, 2026 | 40 Pages

Amazon Barnes & Noble Books A Million Bookshop.org Target Walmart

Ebook

Published on May 12, 2026 | 40 Pages

Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Books A Million Google Play Kobo

Grades Preschool – 2
Ages 3–7

A little seed dreams of becoming a jack-o-lantern, but nature has other ideas in this delightful read-aloud about the origin of a "summerween" tradition—perfect for fans of Stumpkin or The Bad Seed.

A young girl waits for Halloween, telling tales and singing songs of costumes, candy, and trick-or-treaters to the sprouts in the pumpkin patch. One seed in particular has big dreams: he wants to be the biggest, scariest jack-o-lantern of all! But as time passes and new vines unfurl, he remains greener than all the other pumpkins in the patch. Even his Halloweeniest thoughts have no effect!

Will this watermelon’s dreams of pumpkinhood ever come true? Will the girl be able to celebrate her favorite season with her star jack-o-lantern? And what happens when he’s picked on a hot summer’s day, months before Halloween?

"Delighting in Halloween symbols and autumnal energy, Choppy and Moreno’s lighthearted story visually highlights the holiday’s cutest aspects. Candy corn, goofy little ghosts, silly costumes, and snuggly moonlit nights glow invitingly in the bright, bouncy illustrations. A fun, friendly reminder to celebrate the things we love whenever we like." —Kirkus Reviews

"This warm, gently humorous story will appeal to budding gardeners, Halloween enthusiasts, and children who hold fast to their dreams." —School Library Journal

"It’s a tale poised to launch new holiday traditions." —Publishers Weekly

Download But I’m a Pumpkin!: A Summerween Story activity

ISBN 9798217122509 (Hardcover)
Published on May 12, 2026
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages 40
Dimensions 9-1/2 x 9-1/2
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: 540L | Fountas/Pinnell: L

ISBN 9798217122523 (Ebook)
Published on May 12, 2026
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages 40
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: 540L | Fountas/Pinnell: L

Kat Choppy

Kat Choppy was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, where she successfully grew at least one pumpkin during her years as a feral, outdoorsy child. She now works as a children’s book editor, and when her nose isn’t stuck in a book, she enjoys hiking, playing in a band, and chasing the elusive dream of carving a jack-o-lantern as good as her artistic older sister’s.

Heidi Moreno

Heidi Moreno is a Mexican American author, illustrator, and designer. Her debut illustrated book, Working from Home with a Cat, started out as a zine she printed at home. She is also the author and illustrator of the bilingual children’s book Luna Oscura. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their neighborhood’s community cats.