The pumpkin seed's secret A life cycle poem

A man and boy plant pumpkin seeds and tend to them as they sprout, vine, flower, and fruit. Eventually they become jack-o'-lanterns, food, houses for chipmunks and bugs, and, finally, a pile of mush and seeds that will sprout in the spring. Barnaby's lilting text devotes a spread and a verse to each stage of the cycle with the emphasis on sensory descriptions rather than scientific details: "Happy for rain / And sunshine again, / A pumpkin pops out as a sprout." Abt's digital artwork vividly captures the details of Barnaby's verses, with lush green stems, bright-yellow blossoms, and vibrant-orange pumpkins as the seasons progress. His style is softly realistic, with many blurred edges, solid colors, and few distinct details. Appended are a visual glossary of terms, more explicit life cycle information, decomposition particulars, fun facts, and a recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds. While the titular secret is never directly revealed, this will be welcomed in story hours and by larger collections where seasonal demand is great.