Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell


Will Hubbell’s Pumpkin Jack is a fall favorite that blends holiday fun with scientific discovery. The story follows Tim, who carves his first jack-o’-lantern and names it Jack. Instead of throwing Jack away when the pumpkin begins to rot, Tim places it in the garden and observes what happens. Over time, Jack decomposes, and new pumpkin plants grow, showing children the fascinating life cycle of a plant from seed to sprout to harvest.

This picture book is a wonderful way to connect seasonal celebrations like Halloween with science and botany concepts, making it a perfect cross-curricular resource for October.

Curriculum Connections

Science / Botany

  • Plant Life Cycle: Explore the stages of decomposition, germination, growth, flowering, and fruiting.

  • Ecosystems & Decomposition: Discuss how organic matter breaks down and enriches the soil.

  • Observation Skills: Encourage students to conduct their own pumpkin decomposition experiment, recording changes over time.

Social Studies   

  • Traditions & Holidays: Study how pumpkins are used in different fall celebrations, including Halloween and harvest festivals.

  • Cultural Connections: Compare Halloween pumpkin traditions in the U.S. with harvest-related traditions in other cultures.

English Language Arts (ELA)

  • Sequencing Events: Retell the story in the order of the pumpkin’s life cycle.

  • Descriptive Writing: Use vivid language to describe the sights, smells, and textures of a pumpkin as it changes.

  • Cause and Effect: Identify how one stage of the pumpkin’s life leads to the next.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

  • Patience and Observation: Tim learns to wait and watch nature’s process unfold.

  • Caring for the Environment: The story models stewardship by showing how nature recycles itself.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why did Tim decide to put Pumpkin Jack in the garden instead of throwing him away?

  2. What happened to Pumpkin Jack over time, and why?

  3. How does decomposition help plants and the environment?

  4. Can you think of other examples where something old or broken helps new things grow?

  5. Why do you think pumpkins are such an important symbol for fall and Halloween?

  6. What science experiment could we try to learn more about pumpkins or plants?

Pumpkin Jack is both a seasonal story and a science lesson wrapped in one. By following the journey of a single pumpkin, students gain a deeper understanding of plant life cycles, decomposition, and the magic of renewal in nature. Pairing this book with hands-on science activities like planting pumpkin seeds or observing a rotting pumpkin brings the story to life and helps students connect literature to the world around them.

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