BotM and Craft: Stumpkin

Stumpkin By Lucy Ruth Cummins

Not every pumpkin is perfectly round — and that’s what makes them special!

Join Stumpkin, a stemless pumpkin who finds that being different can be a wonderful thing.

After reading, design your own unique pumpkin using puffy paint — no two creations will be the same!

Family Discussion Questions

1. How do you think Stumpkin felt when all the other pumpkins were chosen?

2. What makes you special or different in a good way?

3. If you could design your own magical pumpkin, what would it look like or do?

Shaving cream puffy paint!

This is a simple, no-cook recipe that creates soft, textured paint.

Ingredients

• Equal parts white school glue and foam shaving cream (not gel).

• Food coloring or liquid watercolors.

Instructions

1. Mix the base: Combine the glue and shaving cream in a large bowl. Stir gently, just enough to mix them. Over-mixing can cause the shaving cream to deflate.

2. Add color: Divide the base into separate smaller bowls or resealable plastic bags for each color you want to make. Add a few drops of food coloring and mix until the color is consistent.

3. Transfer to bags: Scoop each color into its own sealable plastic bag. Push the paint into one corner and snip a small hole in the corner for easy piping.

Paint and dry: Squeeze the paint onto heavy paper or cardboard. Allow it to dry completely for a few hours. The paint will dry to a puffy, pillowy finish.