Squash & Pumpkin: #SquashGoals Perfect Picture Book Friday

"Gourd-eously" hilarious picture book celebrating fall, friendship, and the fulfillment that teamwork brings.

text copyright G.G. McQueen, 2025, illustrations copyright Michael Slack, 2025, Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Poor Squash! When autumn comes around, Pumpkin gets all the attention. All the love. All the spice. What is a humble squash to do? Join Squash and Pumpkin as they navigate the ups and downs of friendship--appreciating the differences, resisting the urge to compare, and finding the joy in individuality--and teamwork! 

With witty, humorous puns and vividly engaging illustrations, SQUASH & PUMPKIN: #SQUASHGOALS will delight readers of all ages. Learners, young and old, will laugh out loud with Squash, and perhaps even ponder deeper questions of what makes each person unique, and how can we appreciate the differences in others. With endearing characters, adorable illustrations, and comedic readability, this book is perfect for library, school, and at-home reading.

Title:  SQUASH & PUMPKIN:  #SQUASHGOALS

Author:  G.G. McQueen

Illustrator:  Michael Slack

Publisher:  Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Ages:  3-7

Themes:  Friendship, Autumn, Self-esteem, Problem solving, Relationship skills

Here's a few activities that align with the themes in this book:

• ​Visit a farm, a farm stand, or a grocery store that sells gourds. Observe the gourds and compare their characteristics. Are they large or small? Rough or smooth? Plain or multi-colored? 
• Make pie, bread, or even bisque using your favorite gourd. With the help of a caregiver, locate a recipe, shop for ingredients, and bake or cook safely. Then, enjoy the delicious food together!
• Plant a pumpkin or squash--or both! For detailed instructions on planting a pumpkin, check out this website. For detailed instructions on planting a squash, check out this website.
• Conversation starters: "Can you think of a time when you felt left out or overlooked? How did that make you feel? What did you do?" "Which do you prefer to eat, squash or pumpkin? Why?"

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!