Pumpkin Trouble
This is a humorous tale where Duck gets stuck inside a carved pumpkin. While the characters think a monster is approaching, the reader knows the truth, allowing a three-year-old to feel clever for knowing the secret.
Pumpkin Trouble by Jan Thomas is estimated to take about 2.5 minutes to read aloud (103 words, about 1 sentence a page), and it lands best with children aged 2-5.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 2.5 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Word count
- 103Counted words
- Sentences per page
- 1Sentence per page
- Re-read tolerance
- 4/5repeat friendly
- Vocabulary level
- 1/5plain words
- Best for
- Ages 2-5Our editorial fit
Our review
The story focuses on a funny misunderstanding between characters. The humor comes from the gap between what the characters see and what the reader knows is actually happening.
It is a lighthearted choice for preschoolers. While the "scare" is brief because the truth is revealed quickly, the main appeal is the playful tension and the visual joke.
Before you buy it
The monster is revealed as Duck within two spreads. However, the characters shout "AAAAAH!" in large type, which might startle a child who dislikes loud noises.
Themes
- Halloween
- pumpkins
- monsters
- humour
- friendship
Books like Pumpkin Trouble
Matched by refrain, density, length, and listener—not just the subject.
Skeleton Hiccupsabout 3.5 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
Ten Orange Pumpkins: A Counting Bookabout 4 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
There Is a Bird on Your Head!about 3.5 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
It's Pumpkin Day, Mouse!about 2.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!about 3.5 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
Questions parents ask
How long does it take to read Pumpkin Trouble aloud?
About 2.5 minutes at an unhurried pace, including a standard allowance for page turns, pictures and participation, from a word count of 103. Stopping for a longer conversation on every page will add more time.
What age is Pumpkin Trouble actually for?
Ages 2-5 in our testing, which is narrower than the publisher's range. With 1 sentence a page and vocabulary at 1 out of 5, it asks for that much attention span and no more.
Does Pumpkin Trouble survive being read on repeat?
Yes. It survives a fortnight of nightly repeats, which is the real test.
Will my child memorise Pumpkin Trouble?
It can. It scores 4 out of 5 with us for holding up to repeat reading, and children tend to learn by heart the books they ask for most, even without a strong refrain.
Can a beginning reader read Pumpkin Trouble on their own?
It is closer than most picture books. With 1 sentence a page and plain vocabulary (1 out of 5), a confident early reader can attempt it, though it is written to be read aloud first.
What themes does Pumpkin Trouble cover?
We tag it with Halloween, pumpkins, monsters, humour and friendship. Those are the threads that actually run through the book, not just the ones on the cover, which is how it earns its place on our themed lists rather than a keyword match.
Lists Pumpkin Trouble is on
49 reviewed booksBooks for 2 Year OldsFind the best books for 2 year olds. Our list includes read-aloud times and word counts to help you pick the right book for any mood or moment.
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