One of my favorite children’s books is “Stumpkin” by Lucy Ruth Cummins. It’s the story of a pumpkin without a stem trying to be sold in a store in the city that feels left out. “Stumpkin” has a stump, not a stem. So, no one seems to want to buy a stemless jack-o-lantern for their window.
This has been the perfect book for a slightly shy boy I babysit who told me he was waiting for other students to play with him at school and felt left out during playtime.
I love the simple illustrations and story. It’s such a fun take on a Halloween tale. After reading this book, I was inspired to make this simple jack-o-lanterns sun catcher project, (with no stumps).
You Will Need:
“Stumpkin” by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Google Free Jack-O-Lantern Templates
Printer
Card Stock Paper or Construction Paper Tissue Paper Squares
Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets
Scissors
Clear Tape
What to Do:
1. Read “Stumpkin” by Lucy Ruth Cummins to the kids.
2. Print out a templates of jack-o-lanterns. You will need to cut the shapes for young children, while older children can cut out the shapes themselves. Cut off the stem.
3. Carefully cut out the inside of the pumpkin leaving a border.
4. Cut out the jack-o-lantern face out of black paper.
5. Peel off backing of self-adhesive laminating paper and place on a table.
6. Place the Jack-o-lantern shapes on self-adhesive laminating sheet.
7. Have the child place tissue paper squares onto the sticky paper inside the shapes. They can overlap the tissue squares.
8. Place another piece of self-adhesive laminating sheet on top of the shapes to seal them.
9. Trim the shapes leaving a bit of laminating sheets around the edges of the shapes.
10. Have the child hang the sun catchers in a window with some clear tape.
You can purchase the supplies needed for this project by tapping the links above or by visiting my storefront by clicking here.
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References:
“Stumpkin” by Lucy Ruth Cummins Idea and Photo by Stephanie Felzenberg
Amazon Prime is a great way to buy children’s books and baby products because you get unlimited free two-day shipping, can borrow Kindle books, and instantly watch thousands of movies and TV episodes.
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